Kalen Rasmussen

Chemical and Biological Engineering Adjunct Faculty

I currently teach Fundamentals of Biology I (CBEN 110), which combines laboratory instruction and experimentation with an active-learning lecture curriculum. The course leverages a molecular biology approach, and promotes critical thinking through exercises in experimental design, analysis, and communication. My aim is to help students understand biological systems in order to one day utilize them to address engineering problems. My research interest are within the realm of geomicrobiology, where I study microbial community structures, metabolism, and microbial-environmental interactions. By better understanding the geomicrobial cycle we may better predict and solve environmental problems or utilize unique geomicrobial processes to solve anthropogenic issues.

Education:

BS – Colorado School of Mines, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

MS, PhD – Colorado School of Mines, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Publications:

Rasmussen, K., Stamps, B., Ulrich, S., Spear, J., 2023. Spatial and Temporal Dynamics at an Actively Silicifying Hydrothermal System. Frontiers in Microbiology. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1172798

Shaffer, J., Spear, J., Rasmussen, K., Thieringer, P., 2023. Tackling the STEM Skills Gap in 3 Weeks. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/career advice/teaching/2023/08/02/accelerating-student-stem-skills-three-week-program

Salmon, O., Rasmussen, K., Aurelius, S., Vanzin, G., Munakata Marr, J., Fujita, Y. 2022. Impacts of Gadolinium and Yttrium on the Performance and Microbial Community Composition of a Bench-Scale-Activated Sludge System. ACS ES&T Water. DOI:10.1021/acsestwater.2c00098