The Howard Hughes Medical Institute program announces its 2008 EXROP (EXceptional Research OPportunities) Program

The University of Maryland has been invited to send one student to participate in the summer 2008 EXROP (EXceptional Research OPportunities) Program, sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This program matches students from disadvantaged backgrounds or groups typically underrepresented in science with HHMI Investigators and Professors who provide a stimulating mentored research experience. The goal of this program is to expand the pool of talented students who enter graduate studies with the goal of becoming academic scientists.

EXROP is open to undergraduate students (usually sophomores and juniors, but freshmen and seniors will also be considered) from a disadvantaged background, defined as (1) coming from an environment that inhibited (but did not prevent) him/her from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and ability required to enroll in an undergraduate institution, or (2) coming from a low-income family able to be certified by the institution as having "exceptional financial need" in accordance with guidelines published by the department of Health and Human Services (see note at the bottom of this page). Students who are members of minority groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply. The student representing our campus will be selected on their academic achievements, potential to go on to and excel in graduate (i.e., PhD or MD/PhD) work and the impact of a mentored summer research program on their future career goals. Although this program is aimed at students contemplating careers in academia, we also encourage applications from students who are undecided as to future career directions, and for whom a summer research experience might help clarify future goals. EXROP participants are subsequently eligible to apply for Gilliam Graduate Fellowships, which provide five years of funding leading to a PhD in the biological sciences.

EXROP students will participate in mentored scientific research with an HHMI Investigator at one of 28 locations in the U.S. and will receive a stipend of $4,500. The costs of travel to the site and on-campus housing will be paid by the HHMI. Selected students are expected to live in on-campus housing at their research site and participate in events and activities arranged by the HHMI. They will work full time (40 hours or more, if necessary) and should expect to have flexible work hours, given the nature of laboratory research work.

Students interested in being considered for this opportunity should contact Dr. Kaci Thompson at hhmi@umd.edu or stop by 1313 Symons Hall by Tuesday, December 4, 2007. They should be prepared to describe

1. how this experience will benefit their professional development and help them achieve their career goals,
2. how the requirement of coming from a disadvantaged background pertains to them, and
3. any previous relevant experiences (including research experiences).

NOTE: Current income levels for "exceptional financial need," as published by the Department of Health and Human Services (shown by number of dependents in the family and the family income level):
1:$19,600; 2: $26,400; 3: $33,200; 4: $40,000; 5: $46,800; 6: $53,600; 7: $60,400; 8: $67,200