Learn more about the BioCORE Scholars Program
(Many thanks to David Rither in Educational Technology & Media for creating this video.)
The BioCORE Scholars Program was also featured in The Falcon, SPU's student newspaper, The article, "BioCORE encourages community" was written by Lu Aleman and appeared on Oct. 24, 2018.
SPU congratulates the BioCORE Scholars Class of 2021
During an online ceremony in June, the BioCORE Scholars Program honored our five graduating Scholars, who joined during the 2017-2018 academic year. Each Scholar was formally presented by a faculty member, and was pinned by a family member. Our graduates are:
- Mercy Alsworth, BA Biology
- Bethelehem Gebre, BS Physiology
- Alexandria Gonzalez, BS Biochemistry
- Cindy Huang, BA Life Science
- Israel Zamudio, BA Life Science
In addition to being Scholars, Bethelehem, Alexandria and Israel also served as Peer Mentors to first-year Scholars. Bethelehem was the program's Learning Assistant for the 2020-2021 academic year. We appreciate their service to and leadership in the program!
We also congratulate Sawa Tecle (BA Human Development and Family Studies), who was an original member of the BioCORE Scholars 2017-2018 cohort, and who also graduated in Spring 2021.
Congratulations to all of our graduates - we are very proud of you!!
Learn more about the first two graduating classes of BioCORE Scholars.
BioCORE Scholars and Mentors
Photos of previous cohorts
Meet our 2020 BioCORE Scholars, Peer Mentors and Learning Assistant. (Front row, from left) Ale Gonzalez (Peer Mentor), Damarisse Valladares, Malanda Clamoungou, Angie Vazquez (Peer Mentor), Kalkidan Yekuno (Peer Mentor), Beth Gebre (Peer Mentor)
(Middle row) Aani Gomez, Ayysta Htoo, Ngan Dang (Learning Assistant), Jessica Martinez, Esmeralda Vazquez-Sagrero, Geana Nicolas, Rachael Turner
(Back row) Israel Zamudio (Peer Mentor), Menna Haileariam (Peer Mentor), Juan Vargas, Natalie Orona, Jashley Terrado, Insiya Nehal, Mirelle Gutierrez Palma, Roxana Cruz-Ramirez
(Not pictured) BioCORE Scholars Martina Hernandez, Niyah Thurman and Joanna Guo
At the "Welcome" reception, Scholars were greeted by Dr. Bruce Congdon (Interim Provost), Dr. Sandy Mayo (Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Dr. Derek Wood (Interim Co-Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences Division). Scholars introduced themselves, then photos were taken of the new and current BioCORE Scholars. New Scholars then met with their Peer Mentors (Beth Gebre, Ale Gonzales, Menna Hailemariam, Angie Vazquez, Kalkidan Yekuno and Israel Zamudio).
BioCORE Scholars Research Week
Research students
After a hiatus due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 BioCORE Scholars cohort finally had the opportunity to participate in Research Week. During the week of June 14-18, 2021, eight Scholars participated in independent research with faculty in the Biology department. The scholars and their projects were:
- Ayysta Htoo, Geana Nicolas, Niyah Thurman-Henry and Esmeralda Vazquez-Sagrero. Biology or Sociology? What determines human walking speed? Mentored by Dr. Cara Wall-Scheffler, Professor of Biology
- Malanda Clamoungou, Insiya Nehal, Ivy Ta and Jashley Terrado. A genetic analysis of homologous sex determination genes in the tardigrade, Hypsibius exemplaris. Mentored by Dr. Jenny Tenlen, Associate Professor of Biology
Please also see previous Research Week students and mentors.
BioCORE Scholars Activities
BioCORE Scholars Activities and Events
BioCORE Scholars regularly participate in community-building and networking activities, including social outings, meetings with researchers and health care professionals, and other events.
Above: Members of the 2020-2021 cohort of BioCORE Scholars had their very first in-person outing on September 25, 2021. Scholars and peer mentors joined program director Dr. Elena Brezynski at the Woodland Park Zoo, taking advantage of spetacular weather to catch up with one another and to enjoy the Zoo exhibits.
In attendance were (Kneeling) Dr. Elena Brezynski, Victoria Bowman (Peer Mentor), Gum Nau; (front row, standing) Angie Moten, Yaira Ponce, Itzel Aparicio Saldivar, Bella Camarillo, Meridiana Mendez;
(back row) Milan Brkvic, Gio Gonzalez (Learning Assistant), Ayrieanne Terrell, Richo Abenojar (Peer Mentor), Zoie Bailey (Peer Mentor), Anthony Hernandez, Abdullah Bashmail (Peer Mentor)