Will Paulson
Major
Chemical Engineering
Award
Marilyn and Howard L. Anseth Outstanding Undergraduate Research Assistant Award (CHEN)
Post-graduation plans
Seeking employment
Ministry intern with The Navigators at Colorado State ³Ô¹ÏÍø
Why did you receive this award?
I received this award for meaningful contributions to research undergone in the Weimer Lab over the past three years. My research has included investigating particle chemistries for carbon nanofiber concrete-strengthening additives and lithium ion battery stability, as well as designing the heat integration for a solar thermochemical water splitting apparatus. It has been a privilege to help hasten the reality of a sustainable energy industry. Ìý
What are some interesting things about you that others might not know?
During my time at CU, apart from academics, I have enjoyed working in the woodshop at the IdeaForge, playing intramural volleyball and ultimate frisbee, rock climbing and being involved with The Navigators student ministry group.
Tell us about a moment when you felt like you were "officially" an engineer.
I finally felt like an engineer doing my senior project during my last semester. It was in the challenging freedom of designing equipment and processes I had never learned before that I finally saw the culmination of everything I’d studied—and found it both doable and enjoyable.
What is your favorite memory from your time at CU Boulder?
Some of my most treasured memories were the countless nights my friends and I spent as freshmen in the Cockerell Hall lounge. We'd study, play board games and the out-of-tune piano and enjoy one another's company. ÌýI never expected to find the friends here that I did! Ìý
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