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 chose Gemstone as an incoming freshman because I was really interested in the opportunity for built in research experience that was also student directed. I was also interested in the opportunity to write a thesis. Once I got to UMD, I really came to value the Gemstone community and I truly think it is one of the best parts about the program. From the 2 day, team bonding GEMS camp experience right at the beginning of freshman year to our Gemstone Leadership Council, which hosts events throughout the school year, Gemstone really fosters a community that became invaluable to me as a student in a large university. I’m really proud to be a Gemstone research student and community member, and it is an experience I’ll value long after I leave UMD.”
Neha Sripathi, Class of 2025