In 2025, CSU STRATA recognized 11 awardees with $11,000 in cash awards.
Congratulations to the awarded students, faculty, and companies for their exceptional work.
2025 Poster Winners
CSU STRATA Innovative Excellence Award
Presented by CSU STRATA
$1,000
Kanita Hrustanovic
Doctoral Student, Biomedical Engineering, Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
Microgravity & Unloading: Epigenetic Impact on Tissue Mechanics
Elliot Ferrell-Carretey
Masters Student, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
Development of a Continuous In-situ Algal Biomass and Health Optical Sensor
Innovation in Biotechnology
Presented by Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti
$1,000
Innovation in Engineering & Computer Science
Presented by Leydig, Voit & Mayer
$1,000
Hassan Mahmoud
Masters Student, Biomedical Engineering, Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
Additional Presenters: Anton Pavlov, Ryan Dobbs
Evaluation of Composite Hydrogel Implant as a Temporomandibular Joint Disc Replacement
Innovation in Human & Animal Health
Presented by Patterson + Sheridan and NOD Law
$1,000
Megan Hager
Doctoral Student, Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Affordable Imaging, Powerful Insights: Advancing Collaboration & Cutting-Edge Research
Research Excellence
Presented by the Vice President for Research
$1,000
Breonna Snead
Masters Student, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agricultural Sciences
Novel 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application system for peaches under low pressure
Excellence in Social Innovation
Presented by CSU STRATA
$1,000
Tai Bloch
Doctoral Student, Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences
Increasing the Inclusive Climate Surrounding Martial Arts
Innovation in Agriculture & the Environment
Presented by CSU STRATA
$1,000
Venkatesh Padimi
Doctoral Student, Agricultural Biology, College of Agricultural Sciences
Additional Presenter: Adam Osterholzer
Spores of Hope: Fungal Guardians Against the Sawfly Siege
Innovation in Natural Science Presented by CSU STRATA
$1,000
Jaya Veera Surendra Gupta Kurivella
Masters Student, Computer Science, College of Natural Sciences
Additional Presenter: Rajeshwari Deoraj
AI Whispers: Guiding CS1 Problem Solving
Chico Ryder
Masters Student, Cannabis Biology & Chemistry, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at CSU Pueblo
CannaJuice – Freshly squeezed juice for health and wellbeing!
Innovation at CSU Pueblo
Presented by Haukaas Fortius
$1,000
Brandon Blanchard
Masters Student, Cannabis Biology and Chemistry, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at CSU Pueblo
Additional Presenter: Lisa Blanchard
Hemp Biomass Pellets – Fuel, Feed, and Flavor
Game Changer Award
Presented by the Institute for Entrepreneurship at the College of Business
$1,000
Eric Gutierrez-Camacho
Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Engineering, Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
Additional Presenters: Garrison Hayes, Lily Lindstrom, Thomas Leachman, Justin Rudrow
The Goldilocks Foot: An Accessible, 3D-Printed Prosthetic Foot for Optimized Comfort & Performance
People’s Choice Award
Presented by Meunier Carlin & Curfman
$1,000