Program for Research Initiated by Students and Mentors (PRISM)
The Program for Research Initiated by Students and Mentors (PRISM) is a prestigious summer research opportunity designed specifically for first-year medical students at the University of Maryland (UMB) School of Medicine.
During this full-time nine-week program, students work alongside their UMB faculty mentors for immersive, hands-on research experience. Participants also benefit from interactive enrichment seminars that complement their research training, helping them build critical skills for academic and clinical careers. At the end of the summer, students present their findings at the Student Research Forum, showcasing their progress and professional growth.
PRISM is supported and administered by the University of Maryland School of Medicine Office of Student Research (OSR).
The purpose of the program is to:
- Encourage students to consider the possibility of careers that include biomedical or clinical research and/or academic medicine; and
- Provide students with a realistic understanding of the medical research environment.
Student Testimonials
“PRISM provided me a structured inquiry-focused program that nurtured my curiosity and introduced me to incredible researchers while developing my skills as a future physician-scientist.”
-Matt, MS2“PRISM is an excellent opportunity to formally learn about the intricacies of research and its implication in the real-world. With the guidance of everyone in the OSR, I was able to follow my research project through the summer, build relations with my mentor, and ultimately disseminate my findings to my peers in the form of an oral presentation.”
-Apanjit, MS2
PRISM Information
Summer 2025 - Important Dates
Summer 2025 Program Dates: May 27, 2025 – July 25, 2025
Application Timeline
- Application Portal Opens: Mid-November, 2024
- Deadline to Initiate application: Friday, January 31, 2025 (preferred); Sunday, February 16, 2025 (final)
- Deadline to add a mentor to the application portal: Friday, January 31, 2025 (preferred); Sunday, February 16, 2025 (final)
- Application Deadline: Sunday, March 23, 2025
- Decisions Announced: Mid-April, 2025
Mandatory Events
- Pre-Summer Meeting: TBD
- Orientation: Tuesday, 05/27/2025–Wednesday, 05/28/2025
- Mid-Summer Retreat: Wednesday, 06/25
- Student Research Forum: (Tentative) Thursday, 07/24–Friday, 07/25
Program Leadership
Gregory B. Carey, PhD
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Assistant Dean for Student Research and Education
Executive Director of Student Research and Community Outreach, OSR
Director of PRISM, UM Scholars and STAR-PREP Student Research Programs
Email: GCarey@som.umaryland.edu
Fiama Romero, MS
Program Manager
Email: FRomero@som.umaryland.edu
Fatimah Dixon, MPH
Program Coordinator
Email: FDixon@som.umaryland.edu
Information Sessions
Info Session 1: Summer Research Fellowships
- Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
- Overview of summer programs and fellowships, including PRISM, M4I, and MPower-funded programs.
- Info Session I - Slides
Info Session 2: PRISM Basics
- Date: TBD
- Overview of PRISM, what makes a good proposal, details of application, and recommended timeline.
PRISM Photos
