In the present day, Colorado State University sits at the cutting-edge of scientific innovation and development. Distinguished as a Carnegie R1 institution, which recognizes high research activity, and receiving $436 million in federal research grants, CSU’s scientific arm has made tremendous strides since its founding as Colorado Agricultural College in 1870.
This reality that has been shaped by the tireless dedication of countless academics, professors and scholars throughout CSU’s history. Here are four historical scientists and alumni who left a lasting impact on the university.
1. Paul Crutzen
Nobel laureate and atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen first came to CSU in 1976, where he served as an adjunct professor in the department of atmospheric science until 1981. He later went on to direct the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany, from 1980 to 2000.
Crutzen marked several scientific firsts with his research, including being the first to explore the impact of burning biomass and fueling the debate on geoengineering to counter the effects of greenhouse gases. He also popularized the term anthropocene, which suggests we are living in a new geological era due to human impact on the Earth…