Elissa Braunstein
- Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs
- Professor of Economics
"The unique work we do will help CSU achieve its educational and research mission, enrich our nation, and connect people and communities around the world as we grapple with wicked problems like climate change, inequity, and political polarization. In the Research Associate Dean's Office, we are committed to elevating that work and providing all of you with the resources you need to keep doing it."
- Elissa Braunstein
The faculty of CSU's College of Liberal Arts conduct urgent research into national and global crises; engage in high-impact scholarship on the complexities and contradictions of human history and culture; and create art in myriad forms, genres, and modes.
The Rad Office team supports all this work. We offer pre and post-award support for funded research; individualized searches for fellowship and honorific awards; grant-writing; author resources; sabbatical preparation; and small-dollar funding. We also support our faculty in collaborations across campus, including with the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Office of Sponsored Programs, and the One Health Institute.
Recent Faculty Stories
New funding opportunities available via Sustainable Rural Futures Seed Grants
The Fall 2025 Sustainable Rural Futures Seed Grant Program is a collaborative initiative bringing together the College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and the Office of the Vice President of Research. This program offers up to $10,000 to support interdisciplinary, community-engaged research that addresses pressing challenges facing rural Colorado.
Economics professor Ed Barbier short-listed for international award sponsored by Nature
University Distinguished Professor of Economics Ed Barbier is one of six scientists worldwide to have been short-listed for the 2025 Nature Awards for Standing Up For Science – The John Maddox Prize.
Tickets on sale for new play co-penned by English faculty member Nina McConigley
Opening January 2026 at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, the play follows the story of the Sen family as they navigate expectations and cultural collisions after moving from India to Wyoming.
Research Conversations
CSU's The Audit
Colorado State University’s podcast — The Audit — features conversations with CSU faculty on everything from research to current events. Just as auditing a class provides an opportunity to explore a new subject or field, The Audit allows listeners to explore the latest works from the experts at CSU.
Liberal Arts Impact
Colorado State University’s College of Liberal Arts is a vibrant community of artists, thinkers, storytellers, and scientists who examine the human experience. In these podcasts, our faculty share their areas of expertise and talk about why their work matters in our world today.
Faculty and staff recorded their podcasts with CSU's Center for Science Communication through the leadership of Associate Professor Jaime Jacobsen and her graduate students in the Department of Journalism and Media Communication.
Liberal Arts and Health
Associate Professor of Art Paul Flippen and Professor of English Aparna Gollapudi speak to the power of combining image and text to communicate an experience and emotion.
Associate Professor of Music John McGuire and Assistant Professor of Philosophy Domenica Romagni speak about the importance of a holistic approach to learning that puts well-being at the forefront.