Engineering the Future: CU Denver Students Study Space Weather at HAARP

For engineering students at the University of Colorado Denver, summer research goes far beyond textbooks and labs. For some, it means venturing into the remote Alaskan wilderness, working with cutting-edge technology, and transmitting signals into space from one of the most advanced ionospheric research facilities in the world.

Each year, a team of CU Denver electrical engineering students, led by Professor  Mark Golkowski, PhD, travels to Gakona, Alaska to conduct hands-on field research at the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP). This is unique opportunity for CU Denver students, because only 30 students from across the nation are selected to work at HAARP in the summer as part of the Polar Aeronomy and Radio Science (PARS) Summer School program funded by the National Science Foundation.  

Set against the backdrop of vast, scenic landscapes, HAARP is part of a geophysical research facility that offers a rare opportunity for students to engage directly in space weather research. They have an opportunity to run their own experiments using the world’s most powerful high frequency radio transmitter dedicated to science.

“HAARP is a world-class, cutting-edge research facility, yet surprisingly accessible to student and faculty researchers,” says Golkowski. “It’s humbling to be able to work with such advanced hardware, and at the same time enjoy the beauty and remoteness of the Alaskan landscape at the same time.”

Turning Theory into Impact

At HAARP, CU Denver students go beyond theory. Their work focuses on extremely low frequency (ELF) and very low frequency (VLF) waves, critical yet often invisible parts of Earth’s atmosphere that impact everything from satellite communications and GPS systems to national defense infrastructure.

“Field work is an extremely formative experience,” says Golkowski. “One is forced to combine advanced technical knowledge with organizational skills and teamwork.” 

Despite the challenges, the CU Denver students arrived in Alaska well prepared. A rigorous yet practical hands-on experience is one of the features that define the engineering programs at CU Denver .  

Gabriel Da Silva, a master’s degree student who participated in the HAARP opportunity this past summer, commented on his curriculum, which combines theory and experiential learning in a small class format. 

“The classes helped to get a basic understanding of concepts but what helped the most are the hands-on projects and the professors being very approachable,” Da Silva says. “You become part of a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, making it easier to make friends and ask for help. Then, the projects give you practical experience.”

Thanks to the combined book learning and experiences like HAARP, Da Silva already has a job working with Keysight Technologies. 

A Growing Field with Global Relevance

Research in ELF and VLF wave propagation is not only scientifically fascinating, but also highly relevant to emerging global needs.

“Very low to extremely low frequency waves are the major drivers of space weather and the physics of the near-Earth space environment. As our civilizational footprint in space and our dependence on space assets increase, we, as a society, need a better understanding of the physical processes in these environments,” says Golkowski. 

“Both military and industry investments into space technologies are expected to significantly increase, leading to many career opportunities for students who choose to specialize in these areas.” 

Governments and private industry are already increasing investment in space weather forecasting and satellite resilience. For students at CU Denver, field research at HAARP offers a front-row seat to this growing field, but a competitive edge in high-demand sectors.  

The experiments that CU Denver students ran at HAARP seek to find novel ways to mitigate space weather effects using ELF and VLF waves and diagnose space weather effects on the Earth’s upper atmosphere. 

Beyond the research, the experience connects students with a broader scientific community. CU Denver teams work alongside faculty and students from institutions including Cornell University, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Dartmouth, and the University of Florida.

“I know that the students will remember these experiences and learn a lot from them,” Golkowski reflects. “It’s an opportunity to network with other students and professors from other universities and join a community of researchers.” 

More Than a Degree 

The Alaska research experience is just one reflection of CU Denver’s commitment to creating pathways that turn students into engineers, researchers, and innovators.

Through immersive, high-impact research opportunities like this, students step into the world of real engineering with purpose and confidence. 

“Research is an endeavor where even the most senior experts are eternal students learning new things while being challenged in their current knowledge,” says Golkowski. “All that is necessary to participate is curiosity and a will to work hard and not give up.”

That mindset defines the CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design, and Computing. Here, students gain access to world-class faculty, opportunities to work on real-world challenges, and the support to turn ideas into impact. It’s how CU Denver prepares students not just for jobs, but for careers that drive innovation, address global challenges, and help shape the future of our world.

Ready to Engineer the Future?

Whether you’re curious about radio waves, passionate about space science, or eager to  work on real-world problems that matter, CU Denver’s Department of Electrical Engineering offers the tools, faculty, and opportunities to help you launch your future.

Start your journey today: Explore the Electrical Engineering Program at CU Denver