Programs

In May 2026, CMC students and faculty embarked on the first ever Tropical Ecology and Conservation program, an immersive 3-week experience in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is perhaps best known for its beaches and resorts, but students experienced a much less traveled, wilder side of the country. Students spent the majority of the program on the Osa Peninsula along the southern Pacific coast. Although you could fit over 200 Osa Peninsulas within Colorado, the Osa Peninsula supports approximately 2.5% of the world’s species and some of the most pristine tropical rainforest in the world. “I was blown away by how much biodiversity was packed into such a small area”, said Mike Dennis (Breckenridge). Not coincidentally, National Geographic referred to the Osa Peninsula as the “most biologically intense place on earth” Students stayed at a remote, off-the-grid field station operated by the nonprofit Osa Conservation, an organization committed to biodiversity conservation, environmental education and community-driven land stewardship throughout the region. Although the field station offered comforting amenities like freshly prepared meals using produce grown on site, showers, WiFi and solar-powered electricity, the heat, humidity and biting insects often felt inescapable. “Your clothes start to get that distinct jungle smell”, remarked Dr. Emily Schultz, one of the program faculty, referring to the fact that nothing ever completely dries in the tropical rainforest. During their time on the Osa Peninsula, students got a genuine taste for what it’s like to be a wildlife biologist in the tropics. Students worked with Osa Conservation wildlife biologists to study local wildlife in a variety of ways. Students deployed motion-sensitive cameras (“camera traps”) to observe elusive wildlife, such as cats and tapirs (distant relatives of horses and rhinoceroses). Students also participated in dung beetle surveys, which involve baiting traps with rotting meat or dung to attract the… Read more: Tropical ecology and conservation in Costa Rica: a wild and unforgettable experience for CMC students

Colorado Mountain College faculty member Ian McCullough is helping shape the global conversation around climate change and biodiversity conservation. McCullough, Associate Professor and Program Chair of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Colorado Mountain College, is a co-author of a recently published study that provides the first region-wide assessment of climate-resilient corridors across the Amazon rainforest. The research, featured by Mongabay and published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation, identifies pathways that could help plant and animal species migrate to cooler habitats as temperatures continue to rise. The study examined the entire Amazon biogeographic region, spanning millions of square kilometers across South America. Using advanced GIS analysis and large-scale spatial datasets, researchers evaluated elevational gradients, forest cover, fragmentation, protected areas, and other environmental factors to identify corridors that may support species movement and long-term ecological resilience. According to the Mongabay article, McCullough and fellow researcher Christopher Beirne analyzed data from 11 ecological provinces throughout the Amazon, overlaying information on elevation, forest connectivity, protected lands, deforestation, oil and gas concessions, and other landscape features. Their work helped identify regions where biodiversity may have the best chance of adapting to a changing climate. The findings highlight the importance of connected landscapes, particularly in the western Amazon, where mountain elevations and existing protected areas may provide critical pathways for species seeking cooler conditions. The research also identifies threats to those corridors, including habitat fragmentation, infrastructure development, and extractive industries. For students in CMC’s GIS program, McCullough’s involvement demonstrates the real-world impact of geospatial technologies. GIS tools are increasingly used to address complex challenges in conservation, climate science, natural resource management, and land-use planning. Studies like this one illustrate how spatial analysis can inform policy decisions and help guide conservation efforts on a global scale. McCullough’s contribution to this international research effort reflects the… Read more: CMC Faculty Member Co-Authors Landmark Study on Climate Resilience in the Amazon

  Colorado Mountain College is proud to celebrate Kirsten Brendtro, a science teacher at Steamboat Springs High School and adjunct faculty member in CMC’s Biology Department, who was recently named the Steamboat Springs School District’s 2025-2026 Educator of the Year. Brendtro was recognized for her commitment to student success, innovative programming, and leadership in creating opportunities that prepare students for college and future careers. As Career and Technical Education (CTE) coordinator and a science educator, she has helped connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, giving students meaningful pathways into STEM fields and other professions. For Colorado Mountain College, Brendtro’s impact extends beyond the high school classroom. Through concurrent enrollment courses offered in partnership with CMC, she helps students earn college credit while still in high school, providing an affordable and accessible pathway to higher education. As an adjunct faculty member in the Biology Department, she brings college-level expectations and scientific inquiry into her teaching, helping students build the skills and confidence needed for success after graduation. Among her many accomplishments, Brendtro developed and leads a biotechnology program that gives students hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques and scientific research. The program provides students with opportunities to engage in college-level learning while exploring careers in biology, health sciences, and related STEM fields. The Steamboat Springs School District highlighted Brendtro’s efforts to strengthen partnerships between schools, local businesses, and community organizations. Her leadership has helped create internships, career exploration opportunities, and industry connections that benefit students throughout the Yampa Valley. At Colorado Mountain College, we are grateful for educators like Brendtro who help bridge the gap between high school and higher education. Her recognition as Educator of the Year reflects a dedication to student achievement and the power of partnerships that expand educational opportunities for learners across northwest Colorado. Read the full… Read more: Steamboat Springs Educator of the Year Recognized for Expanding Opportunities for Students

This agreement establishes a “Guaranteed Admission” pathway for CMC transfer students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and commitment to STEM through the CMC Pre-Engineering program. It reflects a shared belief that students who meet these standards are prepared to thrive in Mines’ rigorous academic environment and contribute to its innovative STEM community. This agreement outlines the guaranteed admissions requirements and does not replace the Transfer Articulation Agreement between CMC and Mines. Terms of Guaranteed Admissions Eligibility: CMC Transfer students only. Mines defines a transfer student as a student who has enrolled at a college or university and has graduated from high school, or earned a GED equivalent, and has completed 12 or more college credits. Concurrent Enrollment students who do not meet the definition of a transfer student at Mines (e.g. students who do not complete 12+ credits in addition to High School/GED graduation) should apply as a first-year student to Mines through the Mines Undergraduate Admissions process. Required GPA and Coursework: Transfer Pathway Program students with an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher from CMC at the time of application, and who have earned a B or above in each of the five required classes listed below, will be guaranteed admission, provided they meet all other standard admission requirements outlined in the Mines catalog. Students who have not met the overall 3.25 GPA requirement or have earned grades lower than B in any of the required six core classes are invited to apply, but their application will undergo additional review. In this case, the Mines Transfer Admissions Coordinator will meet individually with students to review options for continuing in the guaranteed admissions pathway. Required CMC classes MAT 2410 – Calculus I MAT 2420 – Calculus II CHE 1111 – Gen College Chem I/Lab PHY 2111 – Physics Calc-Based… Read more: Guaranteed Admission Agreement and Transfer Pathway Program for Students from Colorado Mountain College with the Colorado School of Mines