Students in the BUMP Biology program will have the opportunity to participate in further social…

…and professional networking events throughout the year. We plan to host biannual networking events where students will have opportunities to professionally engage with medical school students, researchers, and community leaders on issues related to racial justice and equity in the medical and scientific communities. We also plan to host biannual dinners at local, Black-owned restaurants or the Faculty House with mentees, mentors, and faculty advisors to build community and strengthen relationships.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in wellness initiatives.

To optimally prepare the Black undergraduates for their research experience, we have collaborated with Dr. Lili Yamasaki, a Biology faculty member at Columbia, who sets aside placement for BUMP students in her lab skills preparatory course each year . This course provides training in basic lab skills, provides experience with reading of scientific literature, and addresses how undergraduates can get the most out of their experience in the lab.