Neurolink launched in 2025 as a partnership between MCIN and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Through Neurolink, UNAM students have the opportunity to complete summer research rotations in MCIN labs. See below for information on the expansion of Neurolink in its second year, and plans to open the program for CSU undergrads to travel to UNAM for rotations.

---

Neurolink expands in second year to welcome cohort of five visiting students

Summer 2026

This summer saw the return of the Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (MCIN) program’s Neurolink, an undergraduate exchange program in collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Now in its second year, Neurolink expanded to host five visiting students, including three from UNAM, and two from institutions in Brazil and India.

                Students Shirley Gabriel Martinez Osorio, Mariana Cortes Rodriguez, Danae Alejandra Cortes, Estela Cortez and Niyathi Dharmalingam made up this year’s cohort and presented their summer research projects to the MCIN community during an event on July 8. MCIN faculty members Dr. Chris Vaaga (Biomedical Sciences), Dr. Seonil Kim (Biomedical Sciences), Dr. Jaclyn Stephens (Heath and Exercise Science), and Dr. Soham Chanda (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) advised the visiting students and were impressed by the outcomes of their rotations.

Neurolink student presented on their summer research projects to the MCIN community on July 8 at the end of their stays in Colorado.

“It was a genuine pleasure to host Shirley through the Neurolink program with UNAM,” said Dr. Vaaga. “During her time in our laboratory, Shirley made an immediate and meaningful impact, helping to pioneer a new experimental technique for our group: EMG recordings in awake, behaving mice. Her exceptional work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative spirit not only advanced our research capabilities but also enriched the laboratory environment.”

                The students, too, spoke highly of their experience in Neurolink, and the opportunity to gain high-level research experience at a new institution and bolster their academic futures.

                “My favorite part was the hands-on work in the lab – actually learning and performing techniques like stereotaxic surgery, vibratome sectioning, and immunofluorescence staining rather than just reading about them. Beyond the technical side, I also loved getting to interact with people from all over the world,” said Niyathi Dharmalingam. “This experience will be valuable as I move forward with my graduate school applications – it gave me real, hands-on research experience that strengthens my profile and helps me speak concretely about my skills and interests when I apply to PhD programs.”

Neurolink students touring the virtual reality lab on the CSU campus.

Under the direction of MCIN Director Dr. Susan Tsunoda and CSU’s Mexico Engagement Specialist, Dr. Eduardo Najera-Hillman. MCIN hopes to continue expanding the opportunities for collaboration offered by Neurolink. MCIN intends to host more UNAM students next summer and is currently working toward giving CSU undergraduates the opportunity to do international research rotations at UNAM as well. The program not only provides students with international research opportunities, it also increases collaboration between CSU and UNAM, and opens doors for students from both institutions to strengthen their research, connections, and expertise.

Updates on opportunities for CSU students to join Neurolink will be announced on the MCIN website: mcin.colostate.edu. If you are a student or faculty member interested in getting involved with Neurolink, please visit the MCIN website or reach out to Dr. Susan Tsunoda (Susan.Tsunoda@colostate.edu).

Neurolink students with MCIN Director Dr. Susan Tsunoda.

---

Neurolink program launches at CSU

Summer 2025

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.

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.

---

“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.