Hands-On Learning, Real-World Impact: Jeff Knight’s Mission for CU Denver Students

When Jeff Knight, PhD, was finishing his postdoc at CU Boulder, his advisor suggested he test the job market to get practice interviewing. “I wanted to find a university where research was strong, but teaching was just as important,” Knight said.

It was during the last recession, and opportunities were scarce, but he didn’t have to search for long. A single opening in CU Denver’s chemistry department appeared, and a colleague, Emily Gibson, PhD, now an associate professor of bioengineering, encouraged him to apply. Her mention of the university’s emphasis on experiential learning made all the difference for Knight.

Fifteen years later, Knight has helped shape CU Denver’s biochemistry program while leaving a lasting impact on students, both in and out of the lab. Now, he’s stepped into a new role as director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, where he will work with faculty, administrators, and external partners to expand opportunities, funding, and awareness.

His mission? To ensure that every CU Denver undergraduate knows that faculty-mentored research and creative work are within reach. “Every student who wants one of these experiences should be able to have one,” Knight said.

[Dr. Knight working with Chemistry Masters Students Katie Schultz (left) and David Soto (right).]
Knight working with chemistry masters students Katie Schultz (left) and David Soto (right).

Finding His Path in Science

Knight’s love for chemistry began in high school, when he realized he had a knack for the subject. “Honestly, I was good at it,” he admits with a chuckle. “And I heard there were lots of job opportunities.”

His path initially led him toward pharmaceutical research, but a passion for teaching and unraveling the mysteries of biochemical processes took him in a different direction. He found himself asking: “How do these big molecules follow the laws of physics to make biology work? That’s what started to fascinate me.”

The Knight Lab and Student Impact

In his lab, Knight and his students are working to understand how pancreatic cells release insulin, which is critical research for diabetes. But more than the discoveries themselves, he’s proud of the students who’ve come through his lab.

One standout example is his first undergraduate researcher at CU Denver, Tatyana Lyakhova. She started with enthusiasm but little experience. Over time, she became the first author of a published research paper based on her honors thesis project and later went on to become a veterinarian. “That’s the goal—to give undergraduate and graduate students ownership of a piece of a research project,” Knight said. “Sometimes they’re even the lead author on a publication, which isn’t typical at bigger schools.”

His students have gone on to become doctors, chemical and biomedical researchers, veterinarians, educators, clinical lab scientists, and science writers. Each one brings a different perspective, thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of the lab’s research. “By the time they leave, they’re thinking across disciplines—not just about applications, but about how things actually work together at a fundamental level,” Knight said.

Hear from Knight’s Former Students

[Tatyana Lyakhova, alumni]
Tatyana Lyakhova

Tatyana Lyakhova, Veterinarian
BS, Biology, ‘12, Undergraduate Research Student, Research Scholar, magna cum laude

“Dr. Knight and my time in his lab, profoundly shaped my life. As a young immigrant with little support in the United States, he was both mentor and friend, guiding me with kindness and belief in my potential. His support helped me grow beyond CU Denver, leading to a fulfilling career as an emergency veterinarian, where I now help sick and injured animals and their owners.”

[Beatriz Salazar-Nunez alumni]
Beatriz Salazar-Nunez

Beatriz Salazar-Nunez, PhD Candidate in Learning Sciences & Human Development at CU Boulder
BA, Psychology, ‘13, Undergraduate Research Student, cum laude

“Being in Jeff’s lab made biochemistry real for me. It wasn’t just theory in a book. I was doing hands-on research about how insulin-secreting cells work and what goes wrong in diabetes. I was able to see how science impacts real people’s lives and learn to ask questions without fear. But what really stuck with me was realizing that learning goes both ways. Not only was Jeff teaching me, but he was also willing to learn from me. That showed me the power of collaboration, and it’s shaped how I approach my community-based research and education today.”

A Commitment to Undergraduate Research

As the recently appointed director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, Knight is passionate about connecting students with hands-on research opportunities. He sees it as crucial for their success—not just in academia but in their careers. “Students engaged in research often see their GPAs go up,” Knight said. “They start recognizing concepts from their coursework in real-world applications, which makes learning much more meaningful.”

In this new role, he will forge connections with faculty, administrators, and external partners to increase opportunities, funding, and awareness of what a life-changing experience undergraduate research and creative activity can be for students. “My goal is for every CU Denver undergraduate student to know that faculty-mentored research and scholarly creative work opportunities are available to them,” Knight said. “Every student who wants to have one of these experiences should be able to do so.”

My goal is for every CU Denver undergraduate student to know that faculty-mentored research and scholarly creative work opportunities are available to them. Every student who wants to have one of these experiences should be able to do so.

Jeff Knight, PhD, Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

But that doesn’t mean Knight will be leaving the classroom behind. In addition to being the director, he plans to continue to teach Biochemistry of Metabolic Disease and graduate-level Biochemistry courses in upcoming terms.

Advice for Aspiring Researchers

For students interested in getting involved in research, Knight encourages them to simply reach out. “Professors love to talk about their research,” he said. “Send an email, have a conversation—that’s how it starts.”

Research opportunities exist all over CU Denver. And with a supportive environment for both faculty and students, he’s confident the university will continue producing impactful research and successful graduates. “I’m really grateful CU Denver is a great place to grow,” Knight said.