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Department of Biochemistry

Biochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher and Student Association

Mission Statement

The Biochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher and Student Association (BPSA) strives to create an environment where both graduate students and post-doctoral fellows have a base of support within the department. We hope to accomplish this by enhancing the academic experience of graduate school/post-doc fellowships with opportunities for exchanging scientific thought in a supportive environment, participating in public speaking/presenting events at our bi-monthly colloquium and annual student symposium, and networking through seminar presentations and small group interactions with invited guests. Additionally, we seek to promote a collaborative environment among members of the department (students, fellows, and faculty) with a variety of social events. We also provide academic support for younger graduate students by helping them prepare for their qualifying exams by setting up mock exams. Overall, the BPSA seeks to expand the experiences of students, fellows, and even the faculty in our department.

View the Biochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher and Student Association’s Constitution

Departmental statement and initiatives to combat racial injustice

2024 – 2025 Officers

  • President – Tara Hickman
  • Vice President – Jordan Stacy
  • Post-doc Liaison – Mithun Giridhar
  • Colloquium Committee – Jill Armenia
  • Qualifying Exam Committee – Louis Otero Jessica Day, Andrea Ascura
  • Social Committee – Lilia Merbouche , Jessica Day
  • Communications Committee –  Kevin McCarty, Alexis Angelos
  • Wellness and Development Committee– Josh Gann, Kelly O’Rourke
  • Special Session Committees

Frontiers Search Committee — Jessica Collins (jessica.a.collins@vanderbilt.edu), Jordan Stacey (jordan.c.stacy@vanderbilt.edu)

2023 Retreat Committee – Jenny Tran (jenny.tran@vanderbilt.edu), Sara Conwell (sara.conwell@vanderbilt.edu)

2024 Retreat Committee – Xiaoyu (Lily) Yu (xiaoyu.yu@vanderbilt.edu), Gabriela Gonzalez Vasquez (gabriela.gonzalez@vanderbilt.edu)

Responsibilities

  • Assist with qualifying exam preparation for second years in the department, including organizing mock qualifying exams
  • Host a bi-weekly colloquium series
  • Provide a variety of social events
  • Help organize Biochemistry Department retreats
  • Author a monthly BSA newsletter
  • Support and advocate for biochemistry grad students and postdocs

Events

Biweekly Colloquium

The Biochemistry Student Colloquium takes place every other Friday at noon in room 214 Light Hall and by Zoom. This seminar series is designed to allow students and post-docs to present their research to a group of students, post-docs, and faculty in a relaxed environment. The BSA board presents updates at the start of each colloquium.  In person with zoom option, please reach out for zoom link.

Click here to view the Biochemistry Student Colloquium schedule.

Monthly Social Events

The BSA sponsors monthly social events to allow for more informal moments for members of the department to get to know each other. This year, social events will include a variety of activities to appeal to the varying interests of members of the department, including the traditional “whine and cheese” event, as well as trivia, canvas painting, and other activities. Social events this academic year will be also planned to comply with current COVID-19 restrictions. Stay tuned for more information on these events in the upcoming months!

Coffee & Conversations

This series takes place a few times every semester and is designed to facilitate discussions between faculty and trainees on various topics in an informal setting (coffee and a light breakfast are provided). During the COVID-19 pandemic this event has moved to a virtual format.

Social Issues in STEM + BSA Book Club

The aim of BSA Book Club is to discuss current social issues in science and potential improvements that can be made in scientific culture.

We choose and announce certain material (book/article/movie) that brings up these important topics about one month prior to the event. You will then have an opportunity to sign up, become familiar with the material, and finally participate in the event. If our discussions are based on books, the Biochemistry Department will provide a physical copy of a book to those who would like to participate, but you must commit to attend. All members of the Biochemistry Department are encouraged to attend. During the COVID-19 pandemic this event has moved to a virtual format.

BSA Mentorship Program

The goal of the BSA Mentorship Program is to provide a safe space for BCHM graduate students, specifically 2nd- and 3rd-years, to talk with a peer one-to-one on any topic(s) of their choosing.  We hope that this program will help students broaden their network within the BCHM department as well also establish informal advisors outside of their personal labs.

BSA Google Calendar

View the BSA Calendar.

Integrate the BSA Google Calendar.

Integrate the BSA Calendar into iCal.

Useful Links

Anonymous Google Survey
We have a google survey where you can submit a question to the BSA anonymously. We monitor this frequently and will try to answer all of your questions. To ask a question go to the link here.

Student of the Month Nominations
Send your nominations: https://forms.gle/hqr8XmoTyLetURzu8

Colloquium Sign-up
Sign-up to give colloquium here!

Sponsorship

All BSA events are kindly sponsored by the Department of Biochemistry.