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Tian Meng, a fourth-year dental student who is also part of the International Dentist Education Program (IDEP) at the �������� School of Dentistry, is one of four students nationally recognized for outstanding oral and poster presentations in the category of basic science research at the 2019 Hinman Student Research Symposium held this November in Memphis, Tennessee. The Hinman Student Research Symposium is a national meeting that features oral and poster presentations of research studies by dental students and graduate trainees from dental schools across North America and four Canadian provinces. Tian’s award-winning presentation explored the role of the nuclear isoform dentin matrix protein 1 (nuDMP1) in regulating odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation. Tian is grateful for the support he received, and he is genuinely passionate about research, “I would like to thank my school for every opportunity it has given me, as well as the Hinman Symposium for the award and the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious research symposium; I will make every effort to translate research findings into clinical dental care. I would love to work as a clinician-scientist to improve oral health by caring for the needs of patients and seeking innovations in science and education.” Ketaki Chougule, DS4, also attended the symposium to present her poster evaluating the flexural strength of monolithic zirconia after glaze and polish treatment. Sharing her experience at this year's event, Ketaki says, "The symposium was a great event to meet students from schools all over the U.S. and Canada and to learn about ongoing research. It also inspired me to work harder for my interest in research. I wish to continue to explore more research opportunities. I'd like to thank Nair Hospital Dental College, ��������, and the Hinman Dental Society who helped me present my research."