2026 poster WINNERS
In 2026, CSU Strata awarded $12,000 to 12 recipients, each receiving $1,000.
Congratulations to the awardees for their exceptional work.
Innovation in Agriculture, presented by Michael Best
Title: Chemical Lures Offer Novel Protection Strategy Against Wheat Stem Sawfly
Presenter: MJ Riches
Additional Presenters: Punya Nachappa, Henrique Vieira
Innovation in Engineering, presented by Meunier, Carlin, & Curfman LLC
Title: Automated Bone Transport for Optimization of Bone Regeneration
Presenter: Chloe Brekhus
Innovation in Natural Sciences & the Environment, presented by KPPB, LLP
Title: Smart Water-Based Gels with Programmable Softness and Flow
Presenter: Alexander Claiborne
Innovation in Animal Health, presented by Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
Title: Rethinking Fat: Turning Cattle Nutrition into a Climate and Performance Tool
Presenter: Erin Burke
Innovation at CSU Pueblo, presented by Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP
Title: Muscle Strength Assessment in the Laboratory Mouse
Presenter: Sandra Bandimere
Additional Presenters: Dr. Annette M. Gabaldon
Innovation in Biotechnology, presented by Michael Best
Title: Taking Out the Trash: A Viral Approach to Treat Alzheimer's Disease
Presenter: David Crosby
Additional Presenters: Steven Payne, Ariana Dolce, Devin Wahl, Dakota Peart, Thomas LaRocca, Daniel Lark
Excellence in Social Innovation, presented by Davis Graham
Title: Creasti: A Behavioral Financial Wellness Platform
Presenter: Dieulin Napoleon
Excellence in Software and AI, presented by Maschoff Brennan
Title: Evolutionary Optimization Algorithm for Adaptive Livestock Grazing Management Using Virtual Fencing
Presenter: Spencer Burkhart
Game Changer, presented by CSU Institute for Entrepreneurship
Title: At-Home Detection of Pesticide Residues
Presenter: Claire Hefner
Research Excellence, presented by CSU Office of the Vice President for Research
Title: Filling the Gap: Biopolymer Foam for Targeted Local Antibiotic Delivery
Presenter: Olivia Pyke
Additional Presenters: Jacqueline Linn
People’s Choice, presented by Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP
Title: Microfluidic Electrochemical Cartridge for At-Home Early HIV Detection
Presenter: Thaisa Baldo
Additional Presenters: Nicole Villarini. Joowon Park
Innovative Excellence, presented by CSU Strata
Title: Advancing Early Esophageal Cancer Diagnostics: Detection of Salivary microRNAs
Presenter: Tessa Whitaker