The Program’s mission is to advance the professional development of students with an interest in U.S. military-relevant research through mentorship and guidance in a collegial, collaborative environment.

Additionally, the program will:

• Provide exposure to DoD research opportunities/grants/requirements/structure
• Introduce the scholar to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully conduct research
• Facilitate networking with military and CU Anschutz principal investigators and researchers
• Support multi- and interdisciplinary research to address military practice and/or outcomes prioritized by CU Anschutz Center for COMBAT Research and UCHealth leadership
• Promote a research-friendly environment focused on developing scientific knowledge and data-driven clinical solutions
  

The program generally lasts the length of the student’s degree program. The expectation is that the Center will help the student develop and conduct a study and submit at least one manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The student will also submit at least one abstract for presentation at a national conference. It is common for Scholars to have more than one opportunity for first authorship and to submit for presentation at multiple venues. 

Other Scholar Expectations: 

• Highly engaged member of the Center for COMBAT Research team with an eagerness to work collaboratively
• Communicate with the Senior Scholar about project status and barriers to project progression
• Display ownership and independence
• Demonstrate integrity and tenacity
• Possess a strong drive to be part of something larger than oneself
• Serve as an Ambassador for the Program 
  

By the end of their time in the program, a student research scholar will be able to:

• Critically review and analyze literature 
• Identify innovative solutions, think creatively, and act decisively in a dynamic environment
• Effectively and efficiently communicate key takeaways from their research
• Integrity, positive attitude, persistence, and excellent communication skills
• Ability to synthesize, distill, and concisely present the results of a project/study
• Ability to use the scientific method to test a hypothesis in clinical or translational research
  

A team-based mentorship approach will be implemented to assist the Scholar in successful completion of the study/project. The team may consist of CU Anschutz Center for COMBAT Research members, COMBAT Executive Committee members, CU Anschutz leaders, Principal Investigators, or U.S. military stakeholders. 

The Director, Deputy Director, and Program Manager of the Center for COMBAT Research will provide oversight for the program. Additionally, the Center for COMBAT Research Director of the Scholar Program  will collect data to evaluate the success and sustainability of the program, including (but not limited to):

• Annual Evaluations 
• Number of projects completed by Scholars: 
  • Publications in peer reviewed journal
  • Abstracts submitted/accepted
  • Research funding (extramural)
• Entrance and exit interviews to assess comfort with various aspects of the research process and improvement during the course of the program
  

Eligibility

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The eligibility criteria for the program are: 

• Current student in a CU medical or healthcare program, or University Services University medical program
• Meets or exceeds clinical performance appraisal in the last review period, if applicable
• Agrees to, completes, and submits the COMBAT Scholar Commitment Agreement
• Access to a computer with video/audio capabilities and MS Office Suite software/equivalent
• Strong interest in military healthcare or a military background 

Application Guidelines

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The program application cycle opens in the spring, at which time a submission link will be available at the top of this page.

Required information for applications

1. Current CU Program start date and expected completion date
2. Summary of Interest in the COMBAT Scholar program (500 word limit), including:
   • Overview of your experience with research, quality improvement, and/or program evaluation including your roles and responsibilities with each project
   • Area of research interest, as well as research idea(s) and military background (if applicable)
3. Current copy of resume/CV

Selection Committee/Criteria

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The Selection Committee will consist of the Director of the COMBAT Scholar program, Senior Scholar(s) and at least two (2) other members of the Center for COMBAT Research.

Selection Process

Qualified candidates will be asked to schedule an interview with the Center for COMBAT Research Deputy Director. They will also be asked to schedule a meeting with the Senior Scholar to outline expectations for the program and answer any questions. 

Second Lieutenant (2LT) Mike Akaraphanth is a medical student at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine (CUSOM, Fort Collins Branch), a U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program Recipient, and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research.
 
2LT Akaraphanth double majored with a B.S. in Biology & Neuroscience at the University of California, Riverside, with honors (2019). During his undergraduate, he worked for three years in a biomedical lab studying the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. He presented a project, “Does Direct Infection of Astrocytes Lead to the Downregulation of Glutamate Transporter-1?” at the 44th annual West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of San Diego. Before medical school, he worked for a couple of years in industry pharmaceutical development in pharmacokinetics and oncology research, mainly delivering compounds at different dosing parameters in various in-vivo models. His medical interests includes emergency medicine, trauma/vascular surgery, and continuing military research within the U.S. Army. 

Second Lieutenant (2LT) Hank A. Brand is a medical student at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine and member of the Rural Program, U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program Recipient, and COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research.

2LT Brand holds a BS in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado - Boulder and has a research background in genetics and bioinformatics. His COMBAT research interests focus on firearm suicide prevention and opioid misuse reduction, primarily through novel technology implementations aimed at enhancing mental health care access and community connectedness.

Ensign (ENS) Lucas Eggers is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. 

ENS Eggers is a Wisconsin native and commissioned in the Navy under the Health Professions Scholarship Program after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Dominican University Chicago where he studied biochemistry, theology, and mathematics. He also competed in NCAA men's volleyball, worked as a certified nursing assistant, and pursued research in wilderness medicine and parasite metabolism. His current interests are in pre-hospital care, head and neck surgery, musculoskeletal injury, and anesthesia. After graduating he will serve as an active-duty physician for the US Navy. 

Captain Raiza V. Deyto is a graduate student of the Military and Veteran Health Care Program at the University of Colorado College of Nursing and the first nurse scholar of the COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research Program. She served as an Army National Guardsman from 2010-2019 and is currently a nurse with the Colorado Air National Guard in the 140th Medical Group located in Buckley Space Force Base.
 
Raiza is an alumni of Valley Forge Military Academy and College (A.S. Health Sciences, 2012), University of Denver (B.A. Natural Sciences 2014) and Regis University (B.S. Nursing, 2018). Her interests include wellness and suicide prevention for veterans and servicemembers. Raiza hopes that her contributions to the program will enhance military readiness and improve quality of life for veterans.

1LT Garrett Healy is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a Research Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research.

Garrett graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelors in Biological Sciences and a minor in Computational Neuroscience. He served for 5 years as an Infantry Officer in the 1-184th Infantry, California Army National Guard, and currently serves in the Medical Detachment of the Colorado Army National Guard.

While serving in California, he worked on the civilian side as a researcher for a biomedical device start-up working to develop long-acting combination drug-devices to treat schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and Parkinson’s. His medical interests include vascular surgery and trauma surgery.

Second Lieutenant (2d Lt) Victoria Livingston is a U.S. Air Force medical student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. She previously served as an Active Duty Air Force Acquisitions Officer from 2021 to 2024, stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Victoria earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut in 2021 and received her commission through Air Force ROTC Detachment 115. Her first assignment was at Hill AFB, where she served as the Executive Officer for the 748th Supply Chain Management Group. Most recently, she worked in the Sustainment Branch of the F-22 Program Office as a Mechanical Program Manager and Contract Support Specialist, supporting advanced logistics and lifecycle management for the Air Force’s premier fifth-generation fighter platform.

Her research interests include combat casualty care, prehospital trauma systems, and optimizing human performance in aerospace and operational environments.

Ensign (ENS) Kevin Matthews is a medical student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for  COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research.

Kevin enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2016 and served operationally as the Senior Line Corpsman, Scout Sniper Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/4, deploying globally in support of national security operations. He later served as the Course Manager for the 1st Marine Division’s inaugural Prolonged Casualty Care Course, training medical personnel through immersive field medical training practicums. During his service, he has served as an instructor for courses in TCCC, PCC, POCUS, and Emergency Fresh Whole Blood Transfusions.

Kevin commissioned in 2024 after graduating from George Mason University with a M.S. in Biology and is currently serving as Class President for the Class of 2028, USU School of Medicine. His research interests include operational and austere medicine, emergency medicine, and TBI recovery.

Second Lieutenant (2LT) Carter Niedert is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. He is a recipient of the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

2LT Niedert graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. His drive to serve through medicine was shaped by firsthand experiences with the challenges faced by loved ones navigating serious illnesses, as well as his time volunteering in low-cost and free clinics, where he saw the powerful impact of accessible, compassionate care. As an undergraduate, he co-led the design of a novel anesthesia alarm to reduce monitoring errors in resource-limited settings.

Through the COMBAT Scholar Program, he looks forward to contributing to mission-driven research while growing as a future physician and military officer. His current interests include research in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ophthalmology, and the application of artificial intelligence to improve clinical processes and decision-making.

Ensign (ENS) Jessica Oudakker is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM), a U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) recipient, and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for  COmbat Medicine and BAT tlefield (COMBAT) Research.

 
ENS Oudakker earned a BA in Biochemistry (2022) from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Through her undergraduate career, she worked for several years in a COVID Critical Care Unit, where she found her passion for intensive care medicine, palliative care, and emergency medicine. She is currently performing research with the University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Orthopedic Surgery, is pursuing global health initiatives as a member of the Global Health Track, and is studying pediatric trauma casualty outcomes in South Africa.

Second Lieutenant (2LT) Abigail Richardson is a US Army medical student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research.

2LT Richardson 2LT earned a B.S. in Neurobiology and Physiology at University of Maryland Honors College (UMD) in 2017 and a M.S. in Physiology at Georgetown University in 2019. While attending undergraduate university, she worked for two years at the UMD/Food & Drug Administration Joint Institute of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in a food safety microbiology research laboratory. After graduating medical school, she will serve as an Army physician.

Julia Schaffer is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. She holds a B.A. in Neuroscience and Spanish (Washington & Jefferson College, 2021), and has a history of research in behavioral biology at Johns Hopkins University and Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. She is interested in pursuing research in neurology and psychiatry.

Julia is currently a 2LT in the United States Air Force as part of the Health Professionals Scholarship Program. After medical school, Julia will continue pursuing a career in military medicine. Her current interests include TBI, PTSD, acute and chronic pain management, and trauma care.

Second Lieutenant (2LT) Christian White is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. He currently serves in the Medical Detachment (MEDDET) of the Colorado Army National Guard.

2LT White earned a B.S. in Neuroscience from Brigham Young University in 2024, where he was involved in research of solid-state physics and thermodynamics, authoring several publications. While at Brigham Young University, he also served as Editor-in-Chief of the student research journal Chiasm, supporting student scholarship across the life sciences.

He is currently conducting research in orthopedic surgery, with a focus on surgical recovery and functional rehabilitation. His current research interests center on improving bone health to enhance prosthetic fit and function for amputees. He hopes to continue contributing to military medicine throughout his career.

Virginia “Ginny” Yao is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. She graduated with a B.S. in Psychobiology and the University of California, Los Angeles. She previously worked at UCSF investigating neuron-specific biomarkers for spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, and conducted mental health research at UCLA studying stress-enhanced fear learning in rodent models of PTSD.

Her interests center on the intersection of mental health, neurologic injury, and trauma-informed care. At CU Anschutz, she is co-leading the development of a culturally responsive support group for older adults experiencing cognitive impairment. Ginny plans to pursue a career in psychiatry and is particularly committed to advancing neurotrauma recovery and access to care within the context of military medicine.

William Coburn
MD Program, Class of 2023
COMBAT Scholar 2021-2023

Second Lieutenant (2LT) William Coburn was a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM), a U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) recipient, and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. 

2LT Coburn holds a BS in Biochemistry (2018) and a BA in Russian Language and Literature (2018) from the University of Florida. His medical research interests include ophthalmic and otolaryngologic trauma and recovery, trauma surgery, and emergency medicine. 2LT Coburn is interested in pursuing operational medicine in the U.S. Army following graduation.

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Drew Fawcett
DDS Program, Class of 2025
COMBAT Scholar 2022-2025 

Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Drew Fawcett is a dental student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CUSDM) and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. 

TSgt Fawcett earned a B.S. from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is currently an Intelligence professional with the U.S. Air Force. TSgt Fawcett has two deployments to the middle east as an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Tactical Controller (ITC) with 1st and 3rd Special Forces Groups and as a Senior Intelligence Instructor for CENTCOM. His medical research interests include the application of advanced wound dressings beyond the traditional hemostatic agents in maxillofacial injuries on the battlefield and mission readiness from a dental perspective.

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Robert Fuller
MD Program, Class of 2025
COMBAT Scholar 2022-2025 

Robert Fuller is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. Robert served 8 years as a Judge Advocate with the U.S. Army Reserves and the U.S. Air Force. During his service, Robert led legal teams responsible for military justice operations and investigations, federal acquisitions, administrative law, and international law.

Robert graduated with honors from The Citadel (2007) and Mercer School of Law (2010). His medical interests include anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and otolaryngology.

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John Hesling
MD Program, Class of 2023
COMBAT Scholar 2020-2023

John Hesling was a medical student at CU SOM and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. John served 11 years in the U.S. Navy as an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot after graduating with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2008.

 

Dr Helsing is a Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) graduate with three Air Medals for combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012 and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2017. He is currently pursuing research in trauma surgery or emergency medicine.

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Evan Kikla
MD Program, Class of 2025
COMBAT Scholar 2023-2025

Evan Kikla is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. Evan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2009 and served 5 years as a rifleman. He was a member of the 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and Marksmanship Training Unit Twentynine Palms.

During his service, Evan served as an infantry fireteam and squad leader and Combat Marksmanship Instructor. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2014, Evan worked in conservation before joining the Lakeview Interagency Hotshot Crew as a wildland firefighter. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of William and Mary with a B.S in Biology in 2021. He is a Naval Health Professions Scholarship Program recipient with interest in prehospital and wilderness medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry.

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Michael Klausner
MD Program, Class of 2021
COMBAT Scholar 2020-2021

Michael Klausner, MS, was a medical student at CU SOM and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with multiple deployments throughout southeast Asia and one to Iraq in 2008.

He holds a MS in Biomedical Science from Colorado State University (CSU). After medical school, Michael will continue his service as an Army physician, pursuing residency training in Emergency Medicine with an interest in wilderness and expeditionary medicine.

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Cory McEvoy
MPH Program, Class of 2023
COMBAT Scholar 2021-2023

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Cory McEvoy was a graduate student at the CU Anschutz Colorado School of Public Health and COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat  Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. SFC McEvoy has a B.S. from the University of Oregon (2011) and is currently a U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) Medical Sergeant.

SFC McEvoy’s eight (8) years of service have included multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia in combat, humanitarian, and training roles. Cory is researching overpressure TBI and is interested in trauma surgery and VA policy.

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Maria Michelotti
CHA/PA Program, Class of 2024
COMBAT Scholar 2022-2024

Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Maria Michelotti was a physician assistant student in the CU Anschutz CHA/PA Program and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. She is currently in the U.S. Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP). 
 
She holds a BS in Cell Biology Neuroscience from Montana State University. Her current research interests are quality improvement of pre-hospital medicine training systems and mental health crisis intervention. After graduating, she will continue her service as a physician assistant in the U.S. Navy.

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Matt Paulson
MD Program, Class of 2023
COMBAT Scholar 2019-2023

Captain (CPT) Matt Paulson was a medical student at CU SOM and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. Matt served as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, with two deployments in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel.

 

Matt currently serves in the Colorado Army National Guard. He holds a BA in U.S. History (Boston University, 2013) and is currently pursuing research in prehospital battlefield medicine.

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Marika Rossetto
MD Program, Class of 2025
COMBAT Scholar 2022-2025

Marika Rossetto is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. She holds a B.S. in Nutritional Biology (University of California, Davis, 2018), and has since been working in the emergency room and as an EMT. She is interested in pursuing research in prehospital medicine.

After medical school, Marika is interested in residency training in Emergency Medicine and potentially a fellowship in Critical Care. Her current interests include pre-hospital emergency care, trauma care, and wilderness medicine.

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Allee Torres
MD Program, Class of 2021
COMBAT Scholar 2020-2021

Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) Allee Torres was a medical student at CU SOM and a COMBAT Scholar at the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research. She is a Medical Service Corps officer with the 140th Medical Group, Colorado Air National Guard.

She holds an M.S. in Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases (Georgetown University, 2015), is planning to practice Family Medicine, and is pursuing research in prehospital battlefield medicine with focus on ketamine administration.

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Ricardo Villarreal
MD Program, Class of 2023
COMBAT Scholar 2022-2023

Ricardo Villarreal was a medical student at CU SOM and part of the CU MSTP program. He received his PhD from the department of Microbiology and Immunology in 2021 where he completed his thesis on neonatal infectious diseases.

 

He began his medical research career studying cancer biology at Cornell University where he received his BS in Biology and Physiology. Ricardo has published research findings in various biomedical fields and participated in clinical research investigating novel field devices for early medical intervention for the U.S. Army at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). He is currently interested in developing emergency psychiatric analyses for military populations as part of the CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research program.

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Casey Weinstein
MD Program, Class of 2022
COMBAT Scholar 2021-2022

Casey Weinstein was a medical student at the University of Colorado (CU) School of Medicine (SOM) and a CU Anschutz Center for COmbat Medicine and BATtlefield (COMBAT) Research Scholar. He is also a Second Lieutenant (2d Lt) in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). 

2d Lt Weinstein graduated Summa Cum Laude and holds a BSE in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State. He worked as a Development Engineer after graduating, using his knowledge of human anatomy, medical terminology, and the principles of mechanical, electrical, and materials science engineering to provide creative solutions to real world clinical needs.

After medical school, 2d Lt Weinstein will continue his service as an USAF physician, pursuing residency training in Anesthesiology. His current interests include austere medicine, medical device development, and ultra-endurance medicine.