Office of Graduate Studies

F1RSTS Program

An initiative designed to empower students and build community within the Biomedical Division.

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F1RSTS Program

An initiative designed to empower students and build community within the Biomedical Division.

F1RSTS graphic that says F1RST GEN PROUD The BioMed F1RSTS program values and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of individuals at Brown University. Our mission is to empower all students and build community by providing opportunities for collaboration, networking, and professional growth within the academy. By drawing on the rich experiences, insights and strengths of our first-gen community--as well as those of all students, faculty, and alumni--we aim to create a culture of success where we can connect, develop a sense of belonging, and grow together.

How to Join the F1RSTS

This initiative is designed to address the needs of F1RSTS students using a multi-pronged approach including:

Professional development workshops
Casual networking events
Mentorship opportunities

By incorporating the experiences and knowledge of F1RSTS peers, postdocs, faculty and alumni, we can support graduate students in their development and ensure student success.

Upcoming Events

Beyond your PhD: Becoming a postdoc

This event will be led by a panel of current Brown University postdocs who will share their experiences during their time as a PhD student, and answer questions about their transition to a postdoc.

“Beyond your PhD: Becoming a Postdoc” will be held in-person on November 17 from 1pm-2pm and RSVP is required.

Volunteer Opportunity

BioMed F1RSTS is looking for volunteers to help organize donated food items to support our local community on Tuesday, November 18, from 10am - 11am. We will be putting together “meals in a bag” for easy prep and organizing different donations for easy sorting at the food bank. This is an opportunity for our F1RSTS to come together, make a difference, and interact with people from outside of their program. Please consider registering if you are available to help out.

BioMed F1RSTS Community Gatherings

BioMed F1RSTS hosts community gatherings during the year for any BioMed Graduate Students who identify as “first-generation”, and for faculty and other members who support this initiative. These gatherings offer our BioMed F1RSTS students the opportunity to network with fellow F1RSTS, build community, and establish connections.

Past Events

BioMed F1RSTS Peer Speed Networking event

Participants had the chance to chat with peers in short, structured conversations — perfect for building connections and learning from others’ experiences. No previous networking experience is required. The goal of this event was to give all our F1RSTS a chance to practice networking on a smaller scale, and to encourage communication outside of their own program.

BioMed F1RSTS Presents: Coping Strategies Workshop

BioMed F1RSTS presented a workshop entitled “Coping Strategies” for all BioMed PhD students. This workshop was from the CIMER training, “Coping Efficacy”, and helped build students' confidence and independence as researchers and enhance their knowledge and skills around challenges they may face in their research experiences.

How to Complete your Grad Student Tax Return (and Understand it, too!) workshop

This workshop broke down how to calculate your taxable income from your salary, stipend, fellowship, grant, and/or scholarships; minimize your tax liability using education tax benefits; and report your income, qualified education expenses, and estimated tax paid on your tax return. It also touched on the special tax situations that may apply to students under age 24 and/or who finished their bachelor’s degrees in 2024.

Contact Us

For more information on the F1RSTS Program, please reach out to our office.