Electrical Engineering

Scientists harness AI to reveal forces behind glacier surges

Charles Ferrer — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:27:27 +0000

Scientists harness AI to reveal forces behind glacier surges Charles Ferrer Thu, 03/05/2026 - 08:27

Glaciers are constantly changing and reshaping the Earth’s surface. �� Boulder researchers have developed a new machine learning tool to better understand how Arctic glaciers suddenly accelerate or “surge”.

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Researchers build ultra-efficient optical sensors shrinking light to a chip

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:36:56 +0000

Researchers build ultra-efficient optical sensors shrinking light to a chip Charles Ferrer Mon, 02/23/2026 - 08:36

�� Boulder researchers have built high performing optical microresonators opening the door for new sensor technologies. In the future, the microresonators could be used for compact microlasers, advanced chemical and biological sensors and even tools for quantum metrology and networking.

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3 with ties to �� Engineering elected to National Academy of Engineering

emad5542 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:19:25 +0000

3 with ties to �� Engineering elected to National Academy of Engineering emad5542 Thu, 02/12/2026 - 10:19

Dana Anderson, Iain Boyd and Bob Erickson are among the 130 scientists and engineers from around the country who will be inducted as members of the NAE at a meeting this fall.

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How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break

Charles Ferrer — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:53:18 +0000

How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break Charles Ferrer Thu, 02/05/2026 - 08:53

Aoife Henry (PhDElEngr‘24) is leading Zentus, a startup she founded that addresses a critical challenge in the energy sector: how to prevent costly equipment failures that can bring wind and solar farms offline without warning.

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Dennis J. Pretti (ElEngr'95)

miwi9607 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:00:32 +0000

Dennis J. Pretti (ElEngr'95) miwi9607 Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:00

Dennis J. Pretti, 2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award Recipient

Engineering Alumni Awards

2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award recipient

Pretti received a BS degree in electrical engineering from �� Boulder in 1995. He began his career at Micron Technology Inc. in Boise, Idaho, in 1995, working as a parametric test device engineer in Boise’s high-volume manufacturing facility until 2000. From 2000 to 2022, Pretti designed parametric test devices used for process development in technology development. In 2000, he developed and led a team of test device design engineers until 2013. From 2013 to 2019, his work focused on CMOS automation, test device and optical design quality. From 2019 to 2022, his efforts were centered on test device and optical design roadmap pathfinding initiatives. In 2022, he shifted his focus to STEM outreach (K-12), university technical engagement and the development of Micron team member technical engagement and career pipeline opportunities.

Pretti joined the Technical Leadership Program (TLP) community in 2015 as a senior member of technical staff, where he has held various roles of leadership, influence, mentoring, technical expertise and innovation. He became Micron’s technical ambassador for �� Boulder in 2018, holding this role today. Pretti actively contributes to �� Boulder, serving on the ECEE External Advisory Board since 2022 and joining the Engineering Advisory Council in 2024. He holds one U.S. patent and has five publications.

Dennis J. Pretti (ElEngr'95) spent over 25 years at Micron advancing parametric test design, automation, and optical roadmap work before shifting to STEM outreach and university partnerships. A senior member of Micron’s Technical Leadership Program and the company’s technical ambassador to �� Boulder, he serves on multiple advisory boards and has authored several publications and a U.S. patent.

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An earthquake on a chip: New tech generates tiny waves, could make smartphones smaller, faster

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:37:17 +0000

An earthquake on a chip: New tech generates tiny waves, could make smartphones smaller, faster Charles Ferrer Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:37

A team of engineers has developed a new device that works like a laser but, instead of light, generates incredibly small vibrations called surface acoustic waves.

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Inside the Internship: Kylie Auerbach, Texas Instruments

Michelle Wiese — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:04:29 +0000

Inside the Internship: Kylie Auerbach, Texas Instruments Michelle Wiese Wed, 01/14/2026 - 10:04

Kylie Auerbach
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Texas Instruments Systems Marketing Engineer Intern

Taking Initiative at Texas Instruments

In summer 2025, Kylie Auerbach (ElEngr'26) interned at Texas Instruments as a systems marketing engineer, where she was pushed technically, given a huge amount of autonomy, and understood what it felt like to work on the next generation of semiconductor technology.

“Getting to turn my technical work into tangible assets for the customers was amazing. It was fast-paced, collaborative, and exactly the kind of engineering environment that makes me excited to build a career in this field.” – Auerbach

Whether she was debugging the motor control boards or preparing for a customer webinar, Auerbach saw how valuable she could be to the project by coming in with potential solutions, organized data and next steps ready to go. She liked to stay one step ahead by doing more than what was expected and constantly listening for the next thing she could add value to.

Connecting Beyond the Project

Beyond the technical side, Auerbach emphasized the importance of building relationships.

“I would tell other students to be incredibly intentional about building relationships during their internship,” she said. She set a goal to schedule at least one networking lunch every week, allowing her to connect with engineers and mentors across the company.

“There will never be another time in your career when people are this open and willing to help you – take advantage of it.” – Auerbach

Get Involved

Kylie’s story highlights the impact of hands-on industry experience. The Engineering Career Hub is here to support students every step of the way—from resume reviews and mock interviews to internship connections and career fairs.

Learn more about how the Engineering Career Hub can support your journey.

Read more Inside the Internship stories.

Electrical Engineering student, Kylie Auerbach (ElEngr'26), stepped into the fast-paced world of semiconductor technology as a systems marketing engineer intern at Texas Instruments.

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Inside the Internship: Gabriel Wardall, Lockheed Martin Space

Michelle Wiese — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:27:40 +0000

Inside the Internship: Gabriel Wardall, Lockheed Martin Space Michelle Wiese Tue, 01/13/2026 - 11:27

Gabriel Wardall
Senior, Electrical Engineering
Lockheed Martin Electrical Engineer Technician

From Lawns to Launch Systems

Gabriel Wardall (ElEng'26) has used his experience and expertise from all aspects of life to gain career success. Wardall interned with Lockheed Martin's Deep Space Exploration division for the past four years as an electrical engineer technician, landing the role by giving back to his community. Wardall is a prime example of utilizing your resources and connections wisely.

Wardall attributes his success in landing his internship to networking with next-door neighbors. Reaching out to neighbors in his community for recommendations and reconnecting with neighbors whose lawns he mowed in high school resulted in being able to network directly with managers who had a say in the hiring process. His time and participation in clubs and non-profits further prepared him for landing his internship. A combination of giving back to his community, hard work, and reaching out to anyone he thought could provide a meaningful connection led to his breakthrough.

“It honestly takes so much to get started on communicating or getting a network, but once you get one they can help you in so many ways. I built my network before, during, and after my internship. You never know who your friends or coworkers know, and it does not hurt to ask.” – Wardall

Efficiency and Excellence

Above all else, Wardall highlights the importance of proving your worth in the workplace. While networking got his foot in the door, working efficiently is what led him to continue interning with Lockheed Martin's Deep Space Exploration division for four consecutive years.

"Focus on delivering quality work consistently and being someone your team can rely on. That's what turns a summer internship into a four-year relationship." – Wardall

Wardall took on a multitude of projects at Lockheed, from building spacecraft simulation hardware to assembling test stands and inflatable habitats. Although his title was Electrical Engineer Technician, shifting priorities and national policy often pushed his work into systems-focused tasks. However, Wardall made do by taking away new experiences with Linux systems, electrical simulation behavior, data analysis and working on multiple projects at once in a corporate environment.

Making Every Connection Count

His involvement in clubs and non-profits during college didn't just build his resume – it expanded his circle of connections and taught him how to work collaboratively.

His four-year journey with Lockheed Martin's Deep Space Exploration division stands as proof that success comes from the combination of genuine relationships, consistent excellence, and a willingness to take on new challenges, even when they look different than what you originally expected.

Get Involved

Gabriel’s story highlights the impact of hands-on industry experience. The Engineering Career Center is here to support students every step of the way—from resume reviews and mock interviews to internship connections and career fairs.

Learn more about how the Engineering Career Hub can support your journey.

Read more Inside the Internship stories.

Electrical engineering student, Gabriel Wardall (ElEng'26), turned community connections into a four-year internship with Lockheed Martin’s Deep Space Exploration division.

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ECEE welcomes new faculty for spring 2026

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:51:14 +0000

ECEE welcomes new faculty for spring 2026 Charles Ferrer Wed, 01/07/2026 - 08:51

ECEE at �� Boulder is welcoming three new faculty members including Assistant Professor Logan Horowitz and and Assistant Professor Gonzalo Constante Flores. Additionally, award-winning physicist Matt Eichenfield, the inaugural Karl Gustafson Endowed Chair of Quantum Engineering, joined this semester.

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Engineers develop real-time membrane imaging for sustainable water filtration

Charles Ferrer — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:19:28 +0000

Engineers develop real-time membrane imaging for sustainable water filtration Charles Ferrer Tue, 12/16/2025 - 09:19

�� Boulder researchers have developed a laser-based imaging method called stimulated Raman scattering to improve the performance of desalination plants by allowing real-time detection of membrane fouling. The advance could help make desalination more efficient and reliable as global demand for clean water rises.

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Electrical Engineering

Scientists harness AI to reveal forces behind glacier surges

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Researchers build ultra-efficient optical sensors shrinking light to a chip

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3 with ties to ���������� Engineering elected to National Academy of Engineering

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How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break

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Dennis J. Pretti (ElEngr'95)

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An earthquake on a chip: New tech generates tiny waves, could make smartphones smaller, faster

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Inside the Internship: Kylie Auerbach, Texas Instruments

Taking Initiative at Texas Instruments

Connecting Beyond the Project

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Inside the Internship: Gabriel Wardall, Lockheed Martin Space

From Lawns to Launch Systems

Efficiency and Excellence

Making Every Connection Count

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ECEE welcomes new faculty for spring 2026

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Engineers develop real-time membrane imaging for sustainable water filtration

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3 with ties to �� Engineering elected to National Academy of Engineering