Anschutz Health Sciences Building. Photo courtesy of ZGF Architects © Connie Zhou

The University of Colorado Cancer Center presents

The Rising Stars Over the Rockies Conference

June 17 - 20th, 2025

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO

Rising Stars Over the Rockies logo

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:

  • Provide professional development opportunities for scientists historically underrepresented in research and medicine
  • Provide targeted opportunities for attendees to meet, interact, and learn about faculty position openings at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and those associated with the University of Colorado Cancer Center
  • Tour our beautiful Colorado and our state-of-the-art biomedical research and clinical facilities at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

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

Conference Location

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).

Conference Parking

Parking will be available for all attendees in the Vail, Breckenridge, Snowmass or Aspen lots.

Conference Entrance

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.

Rising Stars Over the Rockies Agenda - June 17-20, 2025

 

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)

Eligibility

To apply for the University of Colorado Cancer Center Rising Stars Over the Rockies conference, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident (e.g., green card holder)
  • Currently employed as a Postdoctoral Fellow (>3 years of research), Research Instructor, Assistant Professor, or hold an equivalent faculty position
  • Self-identify as a scientist belonging to a group historically underrepresented in science as defined by the National Institutes of Health
  • Applicants currently awarded a K99/R00, K01, F32, or equivalent grants (foundation, industry, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply 

 

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.

Click Here to Complete Application Form and Upload Documents

Application Components

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:

  • Personal Statement.  Please provide a 1–2-page personal statement which addresses your scientific journey (including how being underrepresented in science has impacted your progress or outlook), current research focus, future research goals, and how resources at UCCC or UC AMC may support your success as an independent investigator. References and figures are optional.
  • Biosketch (NIH Format).
  • Representative peer reviewed publication.

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.

Instructions for personal statements:

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:

  • The applicant may share their personal challenges in pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), and/or the applicant demonstrates a scholarly knowledge of the disadvantages that certain people have in pursuing a career in STEM. 
  • The applicant should illustrate how they have taken an active role to help enhance representation either in their field or broadly in STEM.
  • The applicant should provide a narrative that describes realistic and achievable efforts commensurate with the applicant’s career level that will be undertaken during the funding period. The plan may be a continuation of work currently underway.

Celebrating Diversity Through Multi-Cultural Events in Denver

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.

 

Accessibility Initiatives in Denver’s Cultural Events

Denver’s events are designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone. Many events offer:

  • Wheelchair Accessibility
  • ASL Interpreters for performances
  • Language Support (including Spanish and ASL translation)
  • Sensory-Friendly Options for individuals with sensory sensitivities

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/

https://denverblackpages.com/little-black-book/

Together, we can build a more inclusive and welcoming Colorado for all.

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