SciMed GRS is one among several Graduate Research Scholar communities organized by the various schools and colleges within UW-Madison to support underrepresented students.  Students receiving Advanced Opportunity fellowships are brought together in GRS communities throughout their graduate school career for a range of social, academic, professional development, and research-related activities.

SciMed GRS strives to enhance the graduate school experience and connectedness of scholars in the program through community activities, outreach opportunities and professional development sessions. Take a look at profiles of SciMed GRS scholars and see what they have to say about their participation in the program:

• “SciMed GRS has given me a sense of belonging. By being part of a small, but welcoming group of peers in my SciMed GRS cohort, I can ask questions, learn about other programs, and grow as both as a student and an individual.”
   
• “SciMed GRS has been key in my graduate school experience. Belonging to a community of graduate student that are going through the same issues as me provides me with support and helps me stay motivated.”
   
• “SciMed GRS has been one of the most valuable resources I have had during my time at UW-Madison. It helps me better understand the importance of organizing my time, and becoming a successful graduate student. SciMed has also helped me connect with individuals who I would not have otherwise met, and I’ve made important friendships.”
   

Professional Development

SciMed GRS offers many opportunities for professional development for SciMed graduate students, such as seminars for the first year students, speaker presentations by experts in the sciences, workshops, panel discussions, and more. Fellows in the program enter the program with a cohort of peers and are offered advising support through the duration of their graduate careers.

Community Engagement

Community engagement involves bringing people together to facilitate friendship, explore different cultures, and build connections for the future. The Community Engagement Committee strives to foster connections within the SciMed GRS student community, specifically focusing on enhancing the student experience and strengthening the student community. The Community Engagement Committee is a student-led committee that organizes events to increase camaraderie within SciMed GRS! Initiatives include SciMed Speaks, Coffee Hours, "Teach Me How To" sessions, and more. 

Outreach

The Outreach Committee was created in 2012 with the purpose of increasing the visibility of the SciMed GRS program to the broader Madison community while also playing an important role in encouraging young minority students to pursue higher education in STEM fields. The outreach committee participates and organizes multiple local and statewide science education events, holding several hands-on science education events at local elementary, middle and high schools as well as at the UW, Madison campus. These activities provide concrete examples of potential careers in the sciences and resources to students of all ages. The outreach committee also provides strong role models for undergraduates considering doctoral programs in science and technology. Visit the SciMed GRS Outreach Website for additional informaton. 

Peer Mentors

SciMed GRS peer mentors are graduate students from the SciMed community who give new SciMed students an insider’s point of view in order to make the transition to a new graduate program easier. Peer mentors listen, discuss their experiences, and connect new students to campus resources. They are a cool bunch that can make the first year of graduate school a little easier and a bit more fun!