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

BioMed F1RSTS celebrates First-Gen Appreciation Day

The Office of Graduate Studies is excited to celebrate our BioMed F1RSTS on National First-Gen Appreciation Day! Come and drop in to the Office of Graduate Studies suite at 91 Waterman Street anytime from 9am-10:30am on November 6 to talk to your fellow F1RSTS, and snack on sweets and coffee. Our community would not be the same without each and every one of you, and we want to take this day to appreciate all that you do. Please reach out to RoseMary Fletcher at rosemary_fletcher@brown.edu if you're interested in attending.

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.

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.