Anschutz Health Sciences Building. Photo courtesy of ZGF Architects © Connie Zhou
The University of Colorado Cancer Center presents
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
The University of Colorado Cancer Center will host the inaugural Rising Stars Over the Rockies (RSOR) conference on June 17-20, 2025. The goals of this conference are to:
By attending this conference, we aim to equip attendees with the tools and skillsets required to be successful as an independent investigator and promote the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus as potential destination for the next step in their academic journey.
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Cancer Center Styles -- Give headings inside accordions and tabs more top margin
The conference will held be at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus in Aurora, Colorado, in the Don Elliman Conference Center, located on the 2nd floor of Anschutz Health Science Building (AHSB).
Parking will be available for all attendees in the Vail, Breckenridge, Snowmass or Aspen lots.
Enter the building through the west entrance. From past the security desk, you will make a left to take the elevator to the second floor. If you want to take the stairs, after the security desk, make a right and use the main staircase.
Agenda subject to change.
Tuesday, June 17 - Arrivals
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Welcome Reception & Dinner
Day 1 | Wednesday, June 18 - Professional Development Day, Panel Discussions, & Tour Day
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:00 - 9:20 a.m.: Welcome by CU Cancer Center Executive Staff member
9:20 - 9:30 a.m.: Introduction of the Keynote Speaker
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.: Keynote Address: Keys to Success as a UR Scientist
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.: Break
11:00 - 12:00 p.m.: Professional Development Workshop #1: Negotiating a competitive start-up package
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.: Panel Discussions #1 - A Day in the Life of an UR Scientist @ CU Cancer Center and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.: Break
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.: Workshop #2: Properly Branding your Biosketch, Specific Aims, & Personal Statements
3:15 - 4 p.m.: Panel Discussion #2 - Running a lab at CU: Career Growth, Opportunities for Collaboration,
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Campus Tour
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Dinner Activity - Restaurant in Aurora & Review of Area’s Resources
Day 2 | Thursday, June 19: Introduction to Campus Leadership and Cancer Center Programs
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.: Short talks by departmental heads
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: Break
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Short talks by departmental heads
11:30 - 12:00 p.m.: Break & Networking
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Attendee Recruitment Talks
2:00 - 2:15 p.m.: Break
2:15 - 3:15 p.m.: Attendee Recruitment Talks
3:15 - 3:30 p.m.: Break
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Professional Development Workshop #3: TBD
4:30 - 5:00 p.m.: Networking
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Optional Dinner: Downtown Social Event
Day 3 | Friday, June 20: Professional Development & Special Activities
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.: Professional Development Workshop #4: Grant Writing-Secrets of the Trade & Keys to Success
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: Break
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Professional Development Workshop #5: The Minority Tax-The Rewards & Perils
11:30 - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.: Optional Networking opportunity
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Optional Happy Hour @ T-street Social with CU Cancer Center Leadership & DEIA Facing Groups on Campus
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Optional Dinner Restaurant in Cherry Creek (or surrounding area)
To apply for the University of Colorado Cancer Center Rising Stars Over the Rockies conference, applicants must meet the following criteria:
If you have any questions regarding eligibility criteria, please email Curtis Henry, PhD, at curtis.henry@cuanschutz.edu or Kari Kuka at Kari.Kuka@cuanschutz.edu.
Applications will be accepted through March 20th, 2025.
Attendees to the RSOR will be selected using a competitive process where the following will be evaluated by students and staff at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and CU Cancer Center:
Applicants accepted for the inaugural RSOR cohort will be notified the first week of April 2025.
Please contact Dr. Miria Kano (miria.kano@cuanschutz.edu) or Dr. Curtis J. Henry (curtis.henry@cuanschutz.edu) if you have any question about the conference or application process.
Upload a single PDF (text must be 11 point or larger, margins must be at least one-half inch, and in US letter size). Include the following components:
Service Narrative (maximum of 1000 words; not including references or figures): The purpose of this statement is to summarize your work and experiences (professional and personal) with regard to helping others impacted by various diseases across the biomedical sciences through your acts of service (research, community outreach, etc.). Please include past, current, and future plans, as applicable.
References Cited (optional): References cited in your proposal (no word/page limit; Include complete source references)
Figures (optional): Limited to one page, including legends. Figure legends do not count toward the word count.
Applicants must demonstrate the following:
Denver and the surrounding metro area has a vibrant blend of cultural communities that contribute to its dynamic spirit. Whether you’re exploring music, art, food, or community celebrations, the Denver Metro offers a range of multi-cultural events that encourage family and community engagement.
1. Juneteenth Music Festival
When: June
Where: Historic Five-Points Neighborhood
About: Each year Denver's Historic Five Points Neighborhood transforms into a hub of entertainment and celebration for the community in honor of Juneteenth, the day when the last of the nation’s enslaved people learned of their freedom.
2. Denver Indian Market & Festival
When: August
Where: The Denver Art Museum & various venues
About: This annual event celebrates Native American culture through art, music, dance, and food. The festival features over 100 Native American artists, performances, and traditional ceremonies, making it one of the largest of its kind in the region.
3. The Taste of Colorado
When: Labor Day Weekend (September)
Where: Downtown Denver
About: A beloved food and music festival, Taste of Colorado brings together a wide range of cuisines representing the diverse communities of the city. Food vendors from across the world, as well as local restaurants, showcase their best dishes, while multiple stages host performances of local and international artists.
4. ¡Viva! Streets Denver
When: June – September
Where: Various locations throughout Denver
About: This community-wide celebration of Latinx culture includes car-free streets for walking, biking, and dancing, along with music performances, arts and crafts, and Latinx food trucks. The festival is designed to make space for healthy living, creative expression, and cultural connection.
5. African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Events
When: Year-Round
Where: 3340 E. 1st Ave, Denver, CO
About: The African American Cultural and Heritage Facility hosts a variety of events, from art exhibitions and history lectures to live music performances and community gatherings. These programs highlight the contributions of African Americans to Denver’s cultural and social fabric.
6. Denver’s Global Fest
When: Fall (Date varies)
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens
About: A celebration of global cultures, Global Fest brings together music, dance, food, and art from around the world. This multicultural festival offers a unique opportunity to explore world traditions and engage with diverse communities within the city.
7. Denver Black Arts Festival
When: July
Where: Five Points Neighborhood
About: One of the city’s oldest cultural festivals, the Denver Black Arts Festival brings together artists, musicians, and performers from across the African diaspora to celebrate the richness of African American culture. The event includes art exhibits, live performances, and a marketplace.
8. Denver International Film Festival
When: October
Where: Various locations in Denver
About: This renowned festival presents a curated selection of international films, focusing on diverse voices and underrepresented filmmakers from around the globe. It is a celebration of cinema that promotes global dialogue, understanding, and DEIA.
9. Denver Pride Fest
When: June
Where: Civic Center Park
About: Denver PrideFest is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride celebrations in the country, bringing together thousands of people to celebrate love, equality, and inclusivity. The event includes a vibrant parade, live entertainment, arts and culture exhibits, and community resources.
Denver’s events are designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone. Many events offer:
For more information on specific accessibility services, visit the event websites or reach out to the event organizers directly.
For more information on multi-cultural events, festivals, and initiatives in Denver, visit:
https://www.denver.org/about-denver/diverse-denver/multicultural-denver-attractions/
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/co--denver/cultural/
https://denverblackpages.com/little-black-book/
Together, we can build a more inclusive and welcoming Colorado for all.