News
Wed, 09/02/2026
KU alumna, NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara to headline KU Reads event Oct. 8
The University of Kansas will welcome home one of its own this fall when KU alumna and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara returns to Lawrence for a public event celebrating the 2026-27 KU Reads: A Common Book Experience selection.
Tue, 09/01/2026
Developing Innovating Solutions to Kansas Lakes
The project at Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan marks the first time a water injection dredge has been used in a lake to remove sediment.
Mon, 08/31/2026
Four years later, KU researchers continue their work strengthening American dams
Nearly four years after launching a federally funded research initiative to strengthen American dams and levees, University of Kansas engineers are demonstrating how that work is delivering measurable benefits to Kansas infrastructure, workforce development and public safety.
Thu, 08/27/2026
KU Transportation Center keeps Kansans connected
The KU Transportation Center supports the roads, routes and relationships that strengthen the Sunflower State. Part of the School of Engineering, the center has partnered with transportation professionals, transit providers and local governments throughout Kansas.
Tue, 08/25/2026
NSF awards $2 million grant to KU-led project supporting future AI and computing leaders
A University of Kansas-led initiative has received a $2 million award from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program to expand educational opportunities for low-income students pursuing careers in computing, engineering and emerging technology fields.
Wed, 07/15/2026
KU Engineering researcher receives NSF CAREER award for work on reliable healthcare AI
Zijun Yao, assistant professor of electrical engineering & computer science at the University of Kansas, earned a National Science Foundation CAREER award for a project that tackles a major hurdle in healthcare technology: teaching AI to understand a patient’s full medical history without losing sight of human clinical judgment.
Wed, 07/15/2026
National Science Foundation honors KU Engineering researcher for protecting public trust in global supply chains
Sumaiya Shomaji, assistant professor of electrical engineering & computer science at the University of Kansas, is building a secure, high-tech tracking system powered by artificial intelligence. Her project, AuthenTrack, recently earned her a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award.
Wed, 07/08/2026
20 KU students receive Undergraduate Research Awards for summer and fall 2026
The KU Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships gave out $1,000 awards to 20 Jayhawks pursuing mentored research and creative projects across all disciplines.
Thu, 07/02/2026
KU student from Lawrence named Astronaut Scholar
Arthur Benson, a Lawrence native and School of Engineering student, has been named a 2026-2027 Astronaut Scholar. The program awards approximately 60 scholarships annually to sophomores and juniors in STEM who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, significant research experience and a commitment to pursuing a career in research.
Mon, 06/22/2026
Three KU Engineering Assistant Professors Earn CAREER Awards
Ana Morais, Sumaiya Shomaji and Zijun Yao were each awarded for early-career excellence.
Wed, 06/10/2026
KU Engineering Honors Retiring Faculty
Five faculty members with a combined 127 years of experience at KU retired from the School of Engineering at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Wed, 06/10/2026
Thousands Gather to Honor KU School of Engineering Class of 2026
The School of Engineering is on track to award more than 550 undergraduate and 175 graduate degrees this year.
Wed, 06/10/2026
KU researcher’s work contributes to data transmission link from Artemis II mission
Research from Erik Perrins, University Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, enabled observers on Earth during the April mission to receive high-bandwidth transmissions from the Orion capsule, such as video and audio feeds, without being corrupted by errors.
Tue, 05/19/2026
KU-led ‘Wall of Wind’ research ongoing; findings tie in to tornado season
Elaina Sutley, Diane M. Darvin Chair’s Council Associate Professor of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas, is leading the research, which aims to make it plain to federal regulators why the nationwide building code for manufactured homes needs an update.
Mon, 05/18/2026
Engineering professor charts unexpected career path from thermodynamics to whiskey barrels
Chris Depcik, University of Kansas professor of mechanical engineering, has created a solution to help distillers better predict how spirits mature inside a barrel.
Tue, 05/12/2026
School of Engineering faculty member earns NSF CAREER Award for advancing sustainable plastics solutions
Ana Morais, assistant professor of chemical & petroleum engineering, received the prestigious award for research focused on improving how difficult-to-recycle plastics can be converted into useful products while advancing broader sustainability efforts through education and outreach.
Thu, 05/07/2026
Amy Hansen receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for water research in Chile
Amy Hansen, associate professor of civil & environmental engineering at KU, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to conduct research in Chile during the 2026-2027 academic year. She will study how water sources of different densities mix in natural environments, collaborating with Chilean researchers.
Mon, 05/04/2026
Engineering Student To Compete for Astronaut Scholarship
Two outstanding University of Kansas undergraduates are representing KU in the Astronaut Scholarship program. Arthur Benson is a junior in chemical engineering from Lawrence, and Gabrielle Bolfing is a a junior in astronomy and geology from Eureka, Missouri.
Fri, 05/01/2026
Chemical Engineering Major Wyatt Vaughn Named Udall Scholar
Wyatt Vaughn, a KU junior from Olathe double majoring in chemical engineering and English-creative writing, has received a federal Udall Undergraduate Scholarship. The award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, public service and commitment in the fields of tribal public policy, Native health care or the environment.
Fri, 05/01/2026
Six Engineering Students Recognized with 2026 KU Tradition of Excellence Awards
The University of Kansas celebrated 10 exceptional students at the 2026 Student Leadership Dinner, recognizing extraordinary leaders who are leaving an indelible mark on the Jayhawk community.
Thu, 04/30/2026
Two Engineering Students Win Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships
The University of Kansas has three juniors who were selected to receive the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship out of more than 1,000 nominees nationwide. KU’s 2026 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars are Tatum Aikin, Arthur Benson and Carter Gray.
Thu, 04/23/2026
Chemical Engineering Student Among 2026 Brosseau Creativity Award Recipients
The Spencer Museum of Art has awarded four KU undergraduate students from Kansas with Brosseau Creativity Awards, which honor innovative and risk-taking creative work in any area of study.
Wed, 04/15/2026
KU student Nora Jennings named finalist for Truman scholarship
Nora Jennings, a University of Kansas junior in chemical engineering from St. Louis, has been named a finalist for a 2026 Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Jennings was among 198 finalists from a pool of about 800 nominees.
Thu, 04/02/2026
Research targets outdated manufactured housing wind-safety codes
Wind provisions governing the design of manufactured homes haven’t changed since 1994. Part of the problem in modernizing HUD building codes has been a lack of supporting research showing inadequacies in the current regulations. A University of Kansas researcher aims to change that.
Tue, 03/31/2026
Chemical Engineering Major Among 4 KU Students Nominated for Truman Scholarship
Four outstanding students have been selected as the University of Kansas nominees for Harry S. Truman Scholarships. The prestigious national awards, which provide up to $30,000 for graduate study, are given to college juniors for leadership in public service.
Mon, 03/16/2026
Alan Allgeier named director of KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis
Alan Allgeier, Don W. Green Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, has been named director of the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis at the University of Kansas, effective immediately.
Mon, 03/16/2026
Friis, Soper Recognized for Academic Invention
The National Academy of Inventors recently recognized two KU School of Engineering faculty members for career achievements.
Thu, 03/12/2026
2026 KU Engineering Expo Draws Record Crowd
Expo drew more than 2,500 people over two days in February.
Thu, 03/12/2026
KU Engineering Professor Elected SAE International Fellow
Chris Depcik, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas School of Engineering, was elected to the 2025 class of Fellows in SAE International (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers).
Thu, 03/12/2026
KU Engineering alumnus receives school’s highest honor
Bob Peebler will be honored with the KU Engineering Distinguished Engineering Service Award on April 16.