Office of Graduate Studies

F1RSTS Program

An initiative designed to address the needs of first-generation graduate students within the Biomedical Division.

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F1RSTS Program

An initiative designed to address the needs of first-generation graduate students within the Biomedical Division.

F1RSTS graphic that says F1RST GEN PROUD The BioMed F1RSTS program values and appreciates the diverse community at Brown University. Our mission is to empower students who identify as first generation 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 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 first-generation graduate students within the Biomedical Division with a multi-pronged approach involving:

Professional development workshops
Casual networking events, and
Mentorship opportunities

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

Upcoming Events

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

Are you intimidated by the prospect of preparing your grad student tax return? Are you confused by the tax forms you received from your institution or funding agency – or the forms you didn’t? The “How to Complete Your Grad Student Tax Return (and Understand It, Too!) workshop, created by Dr. Emily Roberts, PhD, and the Personal Finance for PhDs, will help to answer some of the questions you might have about tax season. This workshop, co-sponsored by BioMed F1RSTS and IMSD, breaks 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 touches on the special tax situations that may apply to students under age 24 and/or who finished their bachelor’s degrees in 2024.

Navigating your Qualifying Exam panel discussion

On February 12, BioMed F1RSTS will be hosting a panel for first and second year PhD students entitled “Navigating your Qualifying Exam”. This panel will be led by PhD students who recently completed the exam themselves and faculty who can offer advice and guidance on preparing for your qualifying exam. This discussion will offer the opportunity for early-stage PhD students to learn from their peers and ask any questions they might have.

“Navigating your Qualifying Exam” will be held on February 12 from 2-3pm and RSVP is required. Please follow this link to register.

BioMed F1RSTS Lunches

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

Past Events

BioMed F1RSTS “Beyond your PhD: Becoming a Postdoc” Panel

BioMed F1RSTS hosted a panel of current postdocs here at Brown. This panel answered questions current PhD students have about pursuing a postdoc after graduation.

Grad Student National First-Gen Celebration Day

First-Gen Celebration Day was celebrated on November 8, 2024! We hosted events throughout the day to recognize this great group.

BioMed F1RSTS “If I knew then what I know now” Panel

BioMed F1RSTS hosted a panel of late-stage PhD students here at Brown. This panel highlights what these students have learned from their time at Brown, and what they would change if they could go back to the early stages of their PhD journey.

Contact Us

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