Rockefeller launches new supportive community for first-year graduate students

Rockefeller recently launched the Bioscience Initiative for Outreach, Growth, and Research Optimization for Well-rounded Students Program, otherwise known as BIOGROW. All incoming first-year graduate students were invited to apply for the new supportive space, and eight scholars were selected to participate.

The program was designed by Rockefeller's Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) with the goal of fostering greater inclusion within the biosciences and cultivating a strong sense of belonging at Rockefeller. Institutional support and peer mentoring have been identified as key factors in retention of underrepresented groups in STEM graduate programs.

The BIOGROW scholars gather monthly to attend a cohort meeting led by members of ODEI's team. Each meeting aims to uncover the "hidden curriculum" in STEM by focusing on a topic essential for graduate students to thrive during their Ph.D. journey and beyond, including navigating lab rotations, communicating effectively, and managing mental health. The spring sessions were led by ODEI's Equity Building Fellow, Bianca Cotto (postdoc in the Heintz lab), and supported by two other Fellows-Calvin Leonen (postdoc in the Funabiki lab) and Priyanka Lakhiani (student in the Vosshall lab).

"Being a BIOGROW scholar has been both fulfilling and self-developing these last few months. Not only have I gotten support from my peers during this transition into graduate school, but I have also gained insight into how to maneuver around potential issues I may face in upcoming years," said Sheanel Gardner. "By participating in fun, engaging activities and gaining professional advice, I am confident that I will leave this program more prepared as a student and scientist, while strengthening my bonds with my fellow participants."

BIOGROW cultivates leadership skills by creating opportunities for scholars to lead and participate in professional development sessions and social events.

For instance, the professional development committee planned a panel discussion with recent Rockefeller alumni working in industry. At the same time, the program cultivates collegial peer relationships by creating spaces for informal gatherings; to that end, the community building committee held a trip to the American Museum of Natural History and is organizing several upcoming social and cultural outings around the city.

"BIOGROW is off to a great start," says Ashton Murray, Rockefeller's chief diversity officer. "I'm very impressed with our inaugural cohort. They are a deeply thoughtful group who have demonstrated great enthusiasm for engaging multiple competencies needed to excel as graduate students and scientists. We are excited to watch them grow and leverage the skills and networks they gain throughout the program as they join their dissertation labs and beyond."