Student Organizations

The Biological Sciences Career Initiative (BSCI) is a graduate student–run organization that provides career development resources, networking opportunities, and alumni connections to support Biological Sciences PhD students in pursuing diverse career paths.

The Biological Sciences Graduate Student Council advocates for graduate student well-being by representing student concerns, advising the department, coordinating with student organizers, and recommending improvements to graduate student life and the BioSci PhD program.

The BUMP Biology program supports undergraduates in exploring academic STEM and medical research careers through mentored lab experiences and peer support, while providing doctoral students with valuable mentoring experience.
 

Biological Sciences Social Hours are held biweekly for PhD students to gather and discuss research. The Social Hours provide an opportunity for camaraderie among PhD students. 

The Newsletter & Website Team is a group of Biology PhD students who develop science communication skills by creating newsletter and website content that highlights departmental research, achievements, and initiatives.

The Queer Alliance hosts programming and events for queer PhD students and allies in the Department of Biological Sciences. 

Women in Science at Columbia (WISC) is a graduate student organization that supports and advances women and underrepresented groups in STEM through outreach, mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.

The Lead Teaching Fellows program is a professional development opportunity for doctoral and MFA students who are committed to promoting pedagogical practices and conversations among graduate students. 

STEM Starters is a student-led outreach program dedicated to inspiring local middle school students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our goal is to show that science is everywhere and that learning through hands-on exploration is fun, exciting, and rewarding.