Fostering community, professional growth and outreach for graduate students
The Cornell graduate student chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES).
By Sarah Henretta and Carlos Urrea De La Puerta
Cornell Biomedical Engineering Society’s (BMES) Graduate Chapter is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant and supportive community within our biomedical engineering department. Their mission extends beyond academic excellence; they strive to create an inclusive environment that enriches the graduate student experience, enhances professional development, and actively engages with the local community.
Building Community
Each year, BMES focuses on strengthening connections among students, faculty, and staff through a variety of social events. BMES organizes welcome activities each fall to facilitate interaction amongst new and returning members, such as hikes through Ithaca’s many waterfalls, the semi-annual cornhole tournament, and annual wine tour. Community-centered activities continue throughout the year and incorporate a broad range of interests, including happy hours, winter ice skating socials, sponsored intramural teams and more. These events not only celebrate department members’ achievements, but also foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the Cornell BME grad community.
Professional Development
Professional growth is a cornerstone of BMES’s mission. Each year, BMES hosts the annual BMES Research Symposium, providing a platform for students to present their research and gain insights from distinguished alumni. Additionally, BMES works closely with industry partners, like Exponent, and Cornell resources, like Careers Beyond Academia, to bring established industry professionals to campus and offer valuable seminars and job or internship recruitment opportunities. These interactions aim to connect academic research and industry practice, equipping BMES members with diverse perspectives and practical skills essential for their careers.
Community Engagement
Cornell BMES is deeply committed to outreach and education. Notably, BMES hosts a semi-annual Girl Scout Engineering Day, where over 300 scouts come to Cornell’s campus and Weill Hall. This initiative aims to inspire and educate young Girl Scouts about the opportunities in science and engineering. Additionally, BMES members host medical literacy programs at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center that educate senior community members on important health topics and the adopt-a-highway efforts allow members to contribute to environmental stewardship.
Mentoring and Support
Our mentoring initiatives, including the BMES + BMEW Mentoring Program, provide invaluable support for incoming Ph.D. students. By connecting them with experienced mentors, BMES and BMEW (Cornell BME Women’s Group) facilitate their transition into graduate school and offer guidance on academic and professional goals. Promoting events like the GWIS (Cornell Graduate Women in Science), Early Career Scientists Panel and career chats with esteemed faculty further enrich members’ experiences and professional networks.