This summer, MCIN launched a new program, called Neurolink, between CSU and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). 

The program aims to promote undergraduate research stays for UNAM students at CSU to encourage collaboration between CSU and UNAM, provide students international research opportunities, and recruit potential graduate students to CSU.

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Neurolink in action

As part of the program, MCIN members Dr. Michael Thomas and Dr. Emily Merz hosted undergraduate student researchers from UNAM this summer for lab research. The students, Angelica Heredia Flores and Daniel Chaguen, spent two months in CSU labs learning new techniques and building partnerships between the two universities.

“Overall, my experience was one of a kind. For this to be my first international experience, it managed to set the bar really high. I’m deeply grateful to all the people I met at CSU who only made the experience even better. ”

Angelica HEREDIA FLORES, visiting unam student

While working in the Merz lab Angelica studied neurodevelopment in children, early stimulation, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on development.

Daniel, working in the Thomas lab, investigated fMRI data in patients with Schizophrenia to analyze functional network differences. While his primary goal was to better understand the underlying mechanisms of Schizophrenia, Daniel also wanted to contribute to a valuable cultural exchange between CSU and UNAM.

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“The team at CSU introduced an initiative to establish a program focused on UNAM students conducting research internships with a list of available researchers open to collaboration. After meeting with Dr. Thomas, I became fully committed to participating in the program.

Daniel Chaguen, visiting unam student

Thanks to the success of the Neurolink program, MCIN is pursuing ways to expand the program to provide more research opportunities for both CSU and UNAM undergraduate students. You can follow along to find more information and updates about the program here.