University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Applications for the 2025 D-REX program are open. To apply, complete the application form for Summer Research Training located at the bottom of this page, and attach your letter of interest and an unofficial transcript. The letters of recommendation should be emailed to Hening Ren at hren@umaryland.edu. 

Application Form

Please read and follow the instructions carefully to complete the application form for Summer Research Training located at the bottom of this page. Attach your letter of interest and an unofficial transcript using the required file name and format.

Applicant Demographic Information​

NIH collects certain demographic information for their funded programs. The definition of these demographic categories can be found through the links below. The applicant should carefully review this information to answer the questions in the application form.​

• NIH Classification of Race and Ethnicity ​
• NIH Designated Populations with Health Disparities ​

Letter of Interest

The Letter of Interest (LOI) is a comprehensive and compelling personal statement that will be shared with potential faculty mentors and serves as an opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light.

The LOI should be structured into five distinct paragraphs, each addressing the following topics. Please ensure that each paragraph is no longer than a quarter of a page. Use 11-point or larger font. Handwritten essays are not acceptable.

1. Introduction: Introduce yourself by providing your name, age, grade, and a brief description of the school you are attending and your community or neighborhood.

2. Career Goals and Aspirations: Share your career plans or goals. We understand that your professional ambitions may evolve over time, so please feel free to discuss your current interests and aspirations. If your goals include pursuing biomedical research, explain your motivation for this field, whether it stems from your personal experiences, volunteer work, guidance from a mentor, or other factors.

3. Academic and Extracurricular Experience: Describe how you have been working toward achieving your career goals. This section should include:

· Relevant STEM courses you have taken in high school and college, including any Advanced Placement (AP) courses and their respective grades.

· Any research experiences in which you have participated.

· Extracurricular activities related to your goals, such as clubs, sports, or hobbies, and how they have contributed to your growth.

4. Research Interest: Is there a specific field or topic of dentistry or biomedical research in which you are particularly interested?

5. Your Expectations about the D-REX Program: What do you want to know about dentistry and dental research by participating in the D-REX program? How could D-REX program help advance your career goal?

Additional information for junior and senior college students: What is your projected time for graduation? What is your immediate plan after graduation?

Letter of Recommendation

· Two letters of recommendation (LOR) are required for all applicants.

· Students should have at least one LOR from a STEM teacher or research mentor. Science teachers should have at least one LOR from their superior. The second LOR should come from a person involved in the applicant’s academic or professional interaction.

· The LOR has two components: a free format essay about the candidate’s qualifications for the D-REX program, and a quantitative component. Applicant Assessment Form.

· The applicants are strongly advised to follow up with their person of reference to make sure they submitted the LOR by the application deadline and conform with the required format. The LOR should be emailed to hren@umaryland.edu.

Unofficial Transcript

· Students should submit their unofficial transcript for the most recent three years which in some cases include high school and college transcripts. They should be combined into one file.

· All documents should be submitted as PDF files or scanned to PDF files using a copy machine or ink jet printer. Cell phone photos or cell phone generated PDF files are not acceptable.

· Name the file: “Applicant lastname_Transcript”