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

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

BioMed F1RSTS will be hosting a panel of current postdocs here at Brown. This panel will answer questions current PhD students have about pursuing a postdoc after graduation. The panel will be held on November 20 from 1pm-2pm. Register for the workshop here.

Grad Student National First-Gen Celebration Day

First-Gen Celebration Day will be on November 8, 2024! We will be hosting some events on this day to recognize this great group. Save the date and keep an eye in your emails for more updates!

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 “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.

BioMed F1RSTS: Mapping Your Mentor Network Virtual Workshop

BioMed F1RSTS holds virtual workshops throughout the year. Our latest workshop, entitled “Mapping Your Mentor Network”, helped first-gen grad students identify their constellation of mentors who can support their professional development priorities during their time here at Brown.

BioMed F1RSTS and IMSD Host Bryan Dewsbury

In collaboration with IMSD, BioMed F1RSTS hosted Dr. Bryan Dewsbury for a professional development day. This development day combined a faculty development workshop in the morning with a small-group luncheon discussion, an afternoon session with those who struggle with Imposter Syndrome, and professional headshots taken by a F1RSTS student.

Contact Us

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