The STAHR Scholars Program began at UMKC School of Dentistry in 2011 as the Admissions Enhancement Program, with the goal of equipping students for their journey to become health professionals. Directed by Dr. Melanie Simmer-Beck, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Kylie Austin, Educational Program Manager, Academic Affairs and Deja Lamb, Student Services Coordinator, Office of Student Programs, the STAHR Summer Dental Scholars (DAT Prep) Program offers unique opportunities to help students prepare to apply to dental school.

Dr. Melanie Simmer-Beck, Director of the STAHR Program and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs explains, "Our goal for the STAHR Dental Scholars goes beyond helping them become competitive dental school applicants. We're preparing them to thrive in dental school and to return to their home communities, many of which face a shortage of dentists. Ultimately, this program is about advancing health equity."

Student listens to speaker at STAHR Culmination Ceremony

Many STAHR scholars have returned as students themselves, with three scholars from the 2025 cohort attending the School of Dentistry this fall. The 2026 Dental Scholars program ran from May 18 through July 17 and hosted a cohort of 14 scholars, who were chosen among 103 applicants.

Student views a presentation in the waxing lab

Online Curriculum

One major component of the program is preparation in knowledge; scholars utilized the DAT Bootcamp prep course and the online math learning platform ALEKS, and received instruction in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biology. In all, scholars participated in 26 general sessions online, along with 18 supplemental and review sessions.

Another component is preparation for the application process. Scholars took part in workshops, spent time developing their personal statements, received support on their AADSAS applications, and completed mock interviews. One-on-one advising and support were also available to scholars throughout the program.

Students listening to a presentation from GEHA representatives during lunch

Time spent in the program amounted to over 350 hours, including 200 hours of online curriculum and 150 hours of DAT Bootcamp. Throughout it all, each scholar was paired with a student mentor from the UMKC School of Dentistry. These mentors were key touchpoints for students, helping guide them each week. Thank you to Treasure Boykin, DDS Class of 2028 and  Ja'Brandion Douglas, Jayla Pierce, Audrey Rowe, and Beth Brandt all from the DDS Class of 2029, for mentoring the 2026 cohort.

A STAHR mentor helps their scholar in the waxing lab

On-Site Week

For the final leg of the program, scholars came to the School of Dentistry for a week of in-person programming. It kicked off on Monday, July 13 with a welcome event at The Combine, where the scholars enjoyed dinner together and met their mentors, School of Dentistry faculty, and Dean Paul Luepke. Throughout the week, students participated in a morphology lab session, shadowed in the clinic, enjoyed a professional development and etiquette dinner and had the opportunity to network with representatives from GEHA Solutions, who have been instrumental in providing generous support to the STAHR Program through the GEHA Solutions Oral Health Access Pre-Dental Fellowship.

A student shakes hands with the host of the professional development dinner

The on-site week also offered the chance for scholars to enjoy the city, going on outings to relax and recharge.

Deja Lamb recapped the group’s activities throughout the week. “To encourage teamwork and help scholars unwind after the demanding process of taking the DAT and submitting their dental school applications, we visited Activate KC, where scholars participated in interactive, high-tech games that challenged their physical and mental agility while building camaraderie.”

Students pose for a group photo at Activate KC

Activate KC was only the beginning of their adventures. “Throughout the week, scholars also enjoyed a networking and professional etiquette dinner at Grand Street Cafe, spent a day at Worlds of Fun, and wrapped up the week by celebrating their accomplishments at the STAHR Culmination Ceremony,” Deja said.

Students laugh together at lunch after the STAHR Culmination Ceremony

Special thanks to G.E.H.A Solutions, FIGS, Mary Jean Billingsley, and every presenter who offered their insight to the scholars; the photographers who captured each moment; and Dr. Simmer-Beck, Kylie Austin, and Deja Lamb for organizing the STAHR Summer Dental Scholars (DAT Prep) Program, creating an enriching experience for the scholars every year.

Looking back on the summer, STAHR Scholar Jordan Howze shared, “Gratitude is the one word that comes to mind when I think of my experience in the program. Being able to soak in the breadth of knowledge from faculty, staff, alumni, current students is an experience I am truly grateful for.”

Congratulations to the 2026 STAHR Summer Dental Scholars!

  • Jessica Tomas-Lucas — Garden City, KS
  • Jasmine Braxton — Hattiesburg, MS
  • Anahy Argueta — Garden City, KS
  • Jordan Howze — Columbia, SC
  • Sarah Gormley — Las Cruces, NM
  • Emely Lopez — Kansas City, MO
  • George Moore — Brandon, MS
  • Naomi Brake — Wichita, KS
  • Alexis James — Gray, GA
  • Christopher Gonzalez — Berea, KY
  • Miriam Shin — Rio Rancho, NM
  • Lizbeth Alaniz-Deshpanday — Kansas City, MO
  • Nicolas Garza — Kansas City, MO
  • Mina Al Bahhash — Columbia, MO

Students smile for a group photo after the waxing lab

Find more photos from the STAHR Summer Dental Scholars Program in our gallery.