Mortenson Center Affiliates are experts in a wide variety of fields, including ecology, materials science, hydrology, economics, and public health. They share a vision for a more sustainable and equitable world, and believe that research and applied science can improve the lives of vulnerable people. Below is a sample of the exciting work of Mortenson Center Affiliates. For more information, see each faculty member's profile page.

Artisanal Mine Rehabilitation

Mining activity in developing countries like Ecuador is often artisanal. This type of mining is very invasive and results in a series of environmental impacts, especially on aquatic ecosystems. Mortenson Center Affiliate Faculty Dr. Paola Almeida-GuerraÌýis currently investingating rivers in the Andean region of Ecuador which have been severely affected and degraded by mining activities. Read more

Environmental Impact of Electric Cars

Battery technology for electric vehicles is rapidly evolving, with varied environmental impacts. Mortenson Center Affiliate Faculty Dr. Sherri Cook recently published an environmental impact assessment on sulfur-based solid-state pyrite lithium batteries developed at the University of Colorado Boulder. These new batteries have been recognized as a viable option for electric vehicle applications.

Climate Change Adaptation

As a result of climate change, alpine meadows in Colorado are expected to have drier soils, higher temperatures, and a longer growing season, in other words, an extended summer. Preservation of these delicate ecosystems is supported by research by Mortenson Center Affiliate Faculty Dr. Jason Neff, whose team published predictions on how plant communities will adapt to changing conditions.

Green Energy

Alan Mickelson’s research group'sÌýefforts in Haiti have focused on training of local youth to install and maintain solar energy systems. The curriculum was a hands-on one that involved constructing and reconfiguring a 2 kW solar system whose parts had been supplied by Alan’s team with funding from IEEE and the Mortenson Center. Read more.