Gemstone

About the Gemstone program

The Gemstone program at the University of Maryland is a unique multidisciplinary four-year
research program for selected undergraduate Honors College students of all majors. Gemstone
students are members of a living-learning community comprised of fellow students, faculty
and staff who work together to enrich the undergraduate experience.

Gemstone students come together in teams to design, direct and conduct significant research
under the guidance of faculty mentors, university librarians and Gemstone staff. Students will
develop research skills in the context of multidisciplinary team research projects of importance
to society; develop the ability to work effectively in teams; have ample leadership opportunities
through peer mentoring, teaching and service; and have a close-knit community that supports
them in their Gemstone and other commitments and activities at the University of Maryland. In
the fourth year, each team presents its research in the form of a thesis to experts, and the
students complete the program with a citation and a tangible sense of accomplishment.

“I talked to a lot of students who were currently in the programs I was interested in. They helped me to envision what my next 4 years would look like as a member of their program, and how it would benefit my career goal of going to medical school. Gemstone has provided me with the most unique experience of developing a student-led research project. I can honestly say that the leadership, academic and teamwork skills that I have gained in the past three years are due largely to the opportunities that Gemstone gave me.”

Ria Sebastian