University of Denver Spring 2024

50 Reasons to Love DU

25 NO.

INNOVATIONS IN HEALTHY AGING The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA) is exploring all aspects of aging to improve the odds of growing old in a healthy way.

Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Sunil Kumar and his lab are working with researchers in KIHA and across campus to develop and test potential treatments for Parkinson’s disease. KIHA’s Paul Freeman Financial Security Program is discovering new ways to combat financial fraud and abuse among aging populations.

55+ MILLION PEOPLE in the U.S. are 65 and older

65+ -65

That’s 1 in 6

Professor Mohammad Mahoor developed Ryan, an emotionally intelligent robot designed to assist people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. KIHA also partners with local institutions to spread Alzheimer’s awareness and connect community members with resources. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, KIHA researchers tested a novel antibody test, enabling its emergency use authorization by the FDA.

# 26

OLYMPIC GLORY As more than 10,000 athletes compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, don’t be surprised if you see a familiar face on your television screen. More than 100 current and former Pioneers have competed in the Olympics since the 1948 Winter Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland—including Paul Stastny (men’s ice hockey), Kevin Dineen (men’s ice hockey and women’s ice hockey coach), Katie Hensien (alpine skiing), Jessica Lopez (gymnastics), Nick Shore (men’s ice hockey), Craig Patrick (men’s ice hockey coach), Simona Castro (gymnastics), William “Willy” Schaeffler (skiing coach) and so many others.

Alumna Michelle Kwan (BA ’09) performs during the Winter Olympics in 2002. Credit: Zuma Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo