I recently traveled to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Maryland for a science conference for students in the Exceptional Research Opportunities Program (EXROP).  As I rode in a cab to the institute, I admired the lush greenery.  Soon, I was entering the gates into the HHMI grounds, a grand, ornamental building neighbored by the National Institutes of Health. Walking through the giant oak doors, I was greeted by a grand archway welcoming all the prospective scientists eagerly waiting for the conference to begin.

As I roamed the corridors of the institute, I was witness to marvelous architecture and works of modern art, as well as classrooms and meeting rooms filled with exquisite furniture and technology. The first meeting took place in the auditorium, where I enjoyed the velvet cushioned chairs and mahogany desks as I listened to how to optimize my EXROP experience. As an EXROP student, I had the opportunity to choose any HHMI investigator as a mentor and work in his/her lab for the summer. Through HHMI, I receive funding and travel expenses as well as future support to apply for fellowships and grants from Howard Hughes. But this summer is not only about research; it is about experience, networking, and realizing the benefits of scientific research.

I received information on applying to graduate schools and found out first hand what EXROP alumni do after they complete their undergraduate education. These former EXROP students, like me, were tired from travel, yet somehow when they spoke there was an air of excitement. These students were once in the same boat as me, an undergrad doing research and hoping to go on to bigger and better things. Through the EXROP program they gained valuable experience and networking skills that have allowed them to go on to graduate and medical school.

And as if this were not enough, the keynote speaker was Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, host of NOVA science NOW on PBS and director of the Hayden Planetarium in the American Museum of Natural History. He was a one of a kind speaker, whose passion for his research and love for science exuded through his every word, and he inspired each and every EXROP student to follow their passions wherever they may lead. And although his title and job positions connote "greatness," Dr. Tyson is one of the most down-to-earth scientists I have ever met, keeping his humor and charisma right alongside him regardless of his job position.

This summer I will be working under the direction of Dr. Tim Stearns, Biological Sciences, Stanford University, and although I will be away from home, I hope to make the most out of this exceptional research opportunity and gain experience that will last a lifetime.

Jason's work is funded by a grant from HHMI's Exceptional Research Opportunities Program.

Jason Espinoza, is a MARC student during the academic year in Dr. Li-Wen Lai's lab, Medicine, UA