The University of Maryland has been invited to nominate two students  to participate in the summer 2012 EXROP (EXceptional Research
OPportunities) Program <http://www.hhmi.org/bulletin/sept2005/chronicle/exrop.html> , 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) 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. 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. EXROP participants are subsequently  eligible to apply for Gilliam Graduate Fellowships <http://www.hhmi.org/grants/individuals/gilliam.html> , which provide five years of funding leading to a PhD in the biological sciences.

EXROP students will participate in a 10-week mentored scientific  research with an HHMI Investigator at one of 54 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 [log in to unmask] To apply, send a brief email by Wednesday, October 5, 2011 describing:

 *   How this experience will benefit your professional development and help you achieve your career goals,
 *   How the requirement of coming from a disadvantaged or underrepresented background pertains to you, and
 *   Any previous relevant experiences (including research experiences).

The successful applicants will be notified by October 12, 2011 and will have their names forwarded to the HHMI. They will have until Dec. 1, 2011 to submit additional application materials. The HHMI will then select 80 students (from the pool of ~200 nominees) and will notify them in January 2011.