Cochise Newsroom

Cochise College student Cristobal Angeles Toscano has been accepted into the University of Arizona’s highly competitive Place-based Health Informatics Research Education (PHIRE) Program. 

 

Originally from Cobach in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, Toscano is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering. He hopes to work in biotechnology development and create artificial organs, especially the heart. 

 

“I have always wanted to make artificial organs, specially the heart, and work in biotechnology development,” he said. “Being accepted into the PHIRE program is a huge step toward my goal and I’m looking forward to getting real-life experiences.”

 

PHIRE is a training initiative for undergraduate students interested in biomedical research. The program is supported by the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health and offers an intensive 12-week summer research experience followed by part-time research at the University of Arizona. 

 

As a PHIRE scholar, Toscano will actively engage in training activities until August 8 at the University of Arizona’s main campus in Tucson. He will continue part-time research during the academic year while completing his coursework in health informatics tailored to complement his major. Scholars also engage in professional development workshops and receive up to $6,000 in compensation. 

 

“This is the first time we’ve had a Cochise College student and undergraduate research student selected for the PHIRE program and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Frank Emanuele, Biology instructor. “Cristobal has worked hard and truly earned this opportunity. Congratulations on this amazing achievement!” 

 

Toscano is thankful for the encouragement from his family and instructors for helping him. Through the PHIRE program, he joins a select group of students gaining hands-on research experience. 

 

To learn more about the science and undergraduate research program at Cochise College, visit www.cochise.edu.