The 91·çÃùÄñ³ª School of Medicine’s International Undergraduate Research Program (IURP) is reaching new heights, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D. Hitchcock has made a significant contribution to the program that will play a pivotal role in supporting the program for years to come.
Professor of physiology and cell biology Sean Ward, Ph.D., created the international program over 30 years ago and is now assisted by Caroline Cobine, Ph.D., associate professor, and Nathan Grainger, Ph.D., research assistant professor. The program includes collaborations with universities in England and Northern Ireland, allowing students from three esteemed institutions, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Ulster, and the University of Manchester, to participate in groundbreaking research alongside the diverse team of researchers at UNR Med.
“Supporting research is important, but what really matters is creating new scientists who will continue to push the boundaries of discovery,” Hitchcock said.
Since 1991, the IURP has been central to UNR Med’s mission of fostering global scientific collaboration, offering students hands-on research experience in fields like physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, biochemistry and biology.
For Hitchcock, supporting the program is about more than funding - it's about inspiring and shaping the next generation of scientists.
“Supporting research is important, but what really matters is creating new scientists who will continue to push the boundaries of discovery,” Hitchcock said. “We need to keep filling the pipeline with new talent to ensure that the field keeps advancing.”
Thanks to Hitchcock’s generous support, the program has now expanded, providing funding for up to five more students and helping faculty support international participants. His contribution ensures continued access to transformative, collaborative experiences for future generations.
“One of the greatest joys that I have witnessed over the years is the marriages and children that have come from young scientists meeting each other through the IURP and establishing careers in the Reno area, as well as nationally and internationally,” Ward recalled fondly. “It is hard to believe that it is been over 34 years since I started this program.”
With the support of colleagues Kenton Sanders, Ph.D., and David Westfall, Ph.D., Ward took the first step toward creating the program by inviting a student from the University of Ulster to spend a year performing basic science at UNR Med. “I would have loved this opportunity while completing my undergraduate degree,” Ward said.
IRUP students have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research with a talented team of researchers at the 91·çÃùÄñ³ª.What began as a simple gesture of mentorship and outreach soon evolved into something much greater. “Little did I know that the program would grow and flourish from these initial modest beginnings to become a highly respected international program at the University,” Ward shared.
As the program continues to attract talented students internationally, their voices provide insight into the powerful blend of science, community and self-discovery that defines IURP. One current student in particular, Sanya from University of Manchester noted that, “being part of the IURP at the 91·çÃùÄñ³ª has been an incredible journey. The hands-on experience in the lab has deepened my passion for research, and the welcoming atmosphere of Reno has made this year feel like a true adventure. This opportunity has allowed me to grow both as a student and as a person, in such a vibrant and inspiring city.”
Students gain hands-on research experience, exploring real-world scientific questions through immersive lab work.Cobine is one of two current faculty members at UNR Med who was also a participant in the IURP program as an undergraduate. Reflecting on her own experience, she shared how the program shaped both her career and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers.
“The IURP is an incredible opportunity for students to have an immersive experience and learn what research in an academic setting entail,” she said. “As a past participant, I would not be where I am in my career had it not been for this research year at the University as an IURP student. Now as a faculty member, I enjoy working with and mentoring IURP students, as it’s a perfect way to give back to the program that helped put me on this path.”
Through Hitchcock’s commitment, the IURP is helping to overcome barriers that often limit scientific research, enabling students and researchers worldwide to collaborate in ways more deeper and meaningful ways. By supporting the program, students from across the world are given the opportunity to engage in real-world research, while fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchanges that will influence their careers for years to come.
