Program Overview

Introduction to the Mentored Medical Student Research Award

The Department of Dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine offers a Mentored Medical Student Research Award (MMSRA) to provide early research opportunities for medical students interested in dermatology. This initiative aims to promote research in the department, strengthen the applications of students interested in dermatology, advance the biology of skin disease and biology, and inspire future careers in academic dermatology.

Program Details

• The MMSRA is open to CU Dermatology medical students in good academic standing who demonstrate an interest in dermatology and research.
• Preference will be given to students in their 1st year. MD-PhD students entering their final clinical year will also be considered.
• Each awardee will receive a $2,500 stipend to support summer research participation.
• The program aims to cultivate early exposure to dermatologic research for medical students interested in the field, while providing meaningful research experiences that benefit both faculty and students.

Program Requirements and Timeline

• Period: July 26, 2026 - August 28, 2026
• Number of Awards: Up to three (3) awards will be offered annually.
• Timing: Research projects are expected to take place during the summer, preferably between the first and second years of medical school.
• Application Deadline: February 15 each year, with award notifications by March 15.
• Mentorship: Each awardee will be paired with a departmental dermatology faculty mentor at Colorado University who will guide project design, execution, and presentation.
• Research Curriculum (Optional): Students can take an optional concurrent 6-week course that is already offered by the medical school.

Deliverables and Expectations

• Students will submit a final research summary or abstract at the end of the summer and are encouraged to present their findings at departmental research day or external meetings.

Previous Award Recipients

The following students have received the Mentored Medical Student Research Award:

• Oula Kareem, mentored by Margaret Boyle, awarded on 12/1/2023
• Ryan Tseng, mentored by Mayumi Fujita, awarded on 12/1/2023
• Elizabeth Garcia Creighton, mentored by Lucy Kohn, awarded on 5/1/2024
• Pritika Parmar, mentored by Maryam Asgari, awarded on 7/2/2024
• Kelsey Kines, mentored by Richard Wang, awarded on 11/4/2025

Conclusion

The Mentored Medical Student Research Award offers a unique opportunity for medical students to engage in dermatology research under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. By supporting early research experiences, the program aims to foster a pipeline of future academic dermatologists and contribute to the advancement of dermatology research.