Mentored Medical Student Research Award (MMSRA)
We proposed to establish a Discovery Period Dermatology Research Award Program to provide early research opportunities for medical students, preferably in their 1st year, who are interested in dermatology. This initiative is designed 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.
The Department of Dermatology offers a Mentored Medical Student Research Award (MMSRA) for up to 3 students annually. Each awardee will receive a $2,500 stipend to support summer research participation.
We established a Discovery Period Dermatology Research Award Program to provide early research opportunities for medical students, preferably in their 1st year, who are interested in dermatology. This initiative is designed 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.
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. By fostering collaboration and academic growth, the initiative strengthens the department’s pipeline of trainees engaged in translational, clinical, and basic science dermatology research, ensuring a robust future workforce dedicated to advancing the specialty.
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.
What to know about the Mentored Medical Student Research Award:
- 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
Mentorship:
- Each awardee will be paired with a CU dermatology faculty mentor 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:
- 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.
| Medical Student | Mentor | Award Date |
| Oula Kareem | Margaret Boyle | 12/1/2023 |
| Ryan Tseng | Mayumi Fujita | 12/1/2023 |
| Elizabeth Garcia Creighton | Lucy Kohn | 5/1/2024 |
| Pritika Parmar | Maryam Asgari | 7/2/2024 |
| Kelsey Kines | Richard Wang | 11/4/2025 |
Program Manager:
Christopher Greig
Medical Student Education Coordinator
Department of Dermatology
University of Colorado School of Medicine
12631 East 17th Avenue MS-C329 3rd Floor
Aurora, Colorado 80045