“What makes ISCORE truly special is how it opens doors for students with no previous lab experience, pairing us with outstanding mentors who foster genuine scientific curiosity,” explained University of Colorado Denver student Katherine (Kate) Brassell. “There's something extraordinary about walking into a lab for the first time and having mentors who take the time to build your foundation in research while encouraging you to ask questions and understand not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why.’" 

The International Scholar Collaborative Opportunity for Research Exchange (ISCORE) program matches University of Colorado Denver pre-health undergraduates with distinguished international scholars at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. During the eight-week session, which is non-credit and free of charge, the undergraduate students have a chance to learn first-hand about the exciting research that’s taking place in labs throughout the medical campus.

During the application process, students and scholars are interviewed to ensure a suitable alignment of their academic interests, resulting in a productive exchange and sharing of knowledge.

“The ISCORE program offers a unique and friendly learning environment for both undergraduate students and international researchers,” said Mahmood Kabeil, MD. “The initial email explaining the program and recruiting scholars immediately caught my attention.”

Cristina Cenciarelli, PhD, International Scholars Outreach Coordinator, Office of International Affairs, leads and manages the ISCORE program. The program was developed by the Office of International Affairs, the Graduate School,  the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and members of the CU Anschutz community in 2017. It now runs each spring and fall semester with support from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, under the supervision of Elizabeth Evans.

International scholars from Japan, Egypt, India, Germany, Mexico, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, France, and Spain have volunteered to be mentors in the ISCORE program. In addition to providing guidance to the undergraduate students, these scholars make significant contributions to CU Anschutz through their research and teaching.

According to Cenciarelli, the international scholars work with the students “because they love to teach and promote science.”

Along with “hands-on real life training” in the lab, additional  professional opportunities may emerge for a student. An example is that of Brazilian scholar, Gustavo Della Flores Nunes, PhD, who recognized his ISCORE student's genuine interest and potential, and was able to help her to continue work through the summer as a paid undergraduate researcher in the laboratory of his mentor, Ethan Hughes, PhD.

Through observing students’ successes and challenges, as well from the information gathered in post-program surveys, refinements have been made to the ISCORE program over time. A major addition has been the requirement that students create and present their findings.  Research areas have ranged from Age-related Macular Degeneration to Advanced Light Microscopy to Natural Killer Cells in Immunology to Rheumatoid Arthritis to Novel AutoAntibodies Specific to Antigens as an Early Biomarker in Type 1 Diabetes and more.

“Students who are serious about science, who have a vision, really appreciate and accept this mandatory commitment,” said Cenciarelli. “They understand how it helps with their professional development.”

“This program made me a strong and confident person in conveying my ideas and presenting them,” said student Selia Abnoossi. She, as well as some of the other students, entered the program hesitant to give presentations. At the conclusion, Abnoossi was able to present what she had learned with confidence “because I knew I was giving others a chance to see the research and maybe spark ideas that could be used in the future.”

A welcome addition to a student’s CV/resume, the PowerPoint presentations are also published on the Office of International Affairs website.

Although Abnoossi has completed ISCORE, she still communicates with her mentors. “I feel like the program was not just an open and shut case. It is a program where I can connect to others, even though I am no longer physically in the program.”

After Brassell completed the ISCORE program, she asked her mentor if she could continue to assist him in the Hughes lab. Nunes helped her apply for a Eureca! grant, which supports student-initiated research and creative activities under the mentorship of a CU Denver | Anschutz faculty member, and her work has continued.

To students who are curious about ISCORE, Cenciarelli’s advice is: “This program is the best thing you can do if you have a vision for the future; but if you don't, the program will help you to shape one. It gives you free access to learn alongside esteemed scientists.” She adds, “You just have to go through the first door of applying; once you enter the program, you can unlock many other doors that you did not even know existed."

To learn more about the ISCORE program, contact cristina.cenciarelli@ucdenver.edu.

View student ISCORE presentations on a wide variety of scientific research topics.

Discover more:

Office of International Affairs

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, CU Denver

CU Anschutz