The BGSG hosts numerous educational and social events throughout the year for biomedical graduate students to participate in. Below are the events we host regularly:
Annual Biomedical Graduate Student Research Symposium and Distinguished Lecturer
Graduate students have the opportunity to present their research at a poster session followed by a keynote address given by an invited speaker. Previous guest lecturers include Dr. Jonathan Pritchard (Stanford University, Genetics, and Biology), and Tracy Bale (University of Maryland, Pharmacology, and Psychiatry).
Graduate Student/Postdoc Career Day
Graduate Students attend an all-day event filled with career development seminars and workshops such as CV to Resume building and how to make a LinkedIn. There is also a science career panel, where students can learn about different Ph.D. careers, with a special focus on careers outside of academia (i.e., industry, biotech, science writing, etc.). Finally, the keynote speaker presents their track to their current job and personal anecdotes on successfully navigating the job market after their Ph.D. Past speakers include Isaiah Hankel (Cheeky Scientist), Joanne Kamens (previously Executive Director, Addgene), and Marie-Claire Peakman (Executive Director of Discovery Science, Pfizer).
Alumni Seminar Series
Graduate students have the chance to meet with alumni to improve networking skills and learn about Ph.D. careers in and out of academia.
Coffee and Donuts Sessions
Besides eating coffee and donuts, BGSG members and fellow graduate students convene to discuss various topics related to graduate school and science. Previous topics include gender in science, the life of a postdoc in academia and industry, how to deal with lab dynamics and different lab personalities, time management, how to talk to non-scientists, and how to project confidence in the scientific world, and lab tips and tricks.
Graduate Student Happy Hours
Graduate students and postdocs get together to mingle for several hours at various locations around Miami. Great for seeing new places, getting to know new people, and networking!
Miller Herb and Food Garden
Graduate students, alongside medical Students and the UM Sustainability Office, plant and take care of a garden right on campus. The garden includes herbs, vegetables, and fruits that can be used for cooking classes and to teach members and patients of the community the benefits of eating healthy.
PhTea
Hosted by the BGSG’s Mental Health and Wellness Committee, this event is for graduate students to come together and talk about mental health topics, such as how to talk to your mentor about mental health and how to prevent burnout.
Ronald McDonald, Camillus, and Lotus House Dinners
Graduate students volunteer to cook dinner for the families staying at the on-campus Ronald McDonald House and at local shelters.