The First-Generation Student Group (First-Gen) is a community of graduate students who are the first generation in their family to graduate from college or attend graduate school. Our supportive peer community is focused on connecting students with professional development and personal resources to support student success and enhance the graduate school experience! 

We meet monthly with an agenda that is driven entirely by student interests. Activities include seminars/workshops, mentoring opportunities, and career discussions with leaders in diverse fields related to biomedical sciences. 

Our Goals

• Provide valuable resources and information to help students thrive in graduate school
• Guide students as they look forward and explore career path options
• Connect students to a community that encourages each other while navigating new academic, social, and professional opportunities and challenges.

Contact Us

We are always looking for new ideas and suggestions for workshops, seminars, and events.  Please email your suggestions to [email protected].

Our Faculty Advisor, Guillermina (Gigi) Lozano, PhD, is also a first-generation student and helps connect the group to information, resources, and experts in any topic to help our students and community thrive.

2024-2025 OFFICERS

President:                  Maria Torres Carrizalez

Vice President:         Annette Machado

Secretary:                  Madison Shyer

Faculty Advisor:       Guillermina (Gigi) Lozano, PhD

Previous Activities

• Financial planning for small paychecks
• Networking tips for people who hate networking
• Stress management
• Impostor syndrome awareness
• Informational interviewing
• Mentoring lunch with first-generation undergraduate students in MD Anderson Summer Research Experience
• Career conversations with scientists in diverse fields, including:
  • Jennifer Herricks, PhD, Director of Advocacy, Safe Communities Coalition and Action Fund
  • Lauren Goldie, PhD, Assistant Dean, Research Strategy, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Danielle Martinez, PhD, Associate Director, Alliance Management, Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Articles

A Guide For First-Gen Students