Fall 2021 BUMP Newsletter
BUMP Newsletter- Fall 2021
As we look back on the first year of the Black Undergraduate Mentorship Program we couldn’t be more proud of our first cohort of BUMP mentees - Black Columbia undergraduates interested in the biomedical sciences who found a way to find research positions, volunteer, and apply to medical and graduate school during a uniquely challenging year. We are also thankful for all of our volunteer mentors from the Black Alumni Council and the graduate students and postdocs from labs all across Columbia’s campuses who gave their time to support, inspire, and guide our amazing BUMP mentees. We’re excited to continue to grow this program with increased funding to expand our programming, welcoming new student mentees and volunteer mentors. Learn more below, share the application info and apply!
BUMP EVENTS
Despite the many challenges of hosting events and creating community during the pandemic we were excited to be able to host the first couple of social events for BUMP. In November 2020, we hosted a Zoom Career Panel in which professionals in biomedical sciences from the Black Alumni Council (BAC) and Black undergraduate seniors spoke about their experiences at Columbia and provided career advice pertaining to their respective career paths in medicine and research.
More recently, we were delighted to be able to meet some of the inaugural cohort of BUMP mentees in person as we distributed gift bags full of BUMP merch and goodies to help get through the stress of exams and the long cold nights of winter in NYC.
GRANTS
Graduate Equity Initiative (Aug. 2021 -- Present)
Awarded the 3-year, $85,000 per year grant offered by the Columbia University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, to expand BUMP Biology and fund undergraduate research.
Provost Grant (Nov. 2020 -- Present)
Awarded the $5,000 Provost’s Seed Grant for Addressing Racism to expand the mentorship program.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
Building community in Covid times relies on virtual connections through social media and with the help of Ponce Tidwell, we’ve established a strong presence, highlighting our talented mentees and sharing resources and research opportunities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and a BUMP Biology website. If you’re not following, you’re missing out! We also have an active Slack server for mentors and mentees to collaborate and network.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Launched the mentorship program in January of 2021 with Mentee, Research Mentor, and BAC Career Mentor applications.
29 Black undergraduates from Columbia form the first BUMP Mentee cohort.
September 2021 updates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZFi6tqUjG7EeHfwje_XD5oBIKSfN8b6mereNWi8WqdY/edit
26 professionals from the Black Alumni Council (BAC) are the BAC Career Mentors.
37 graduate students and postdoctorates from the Biology Department and the Zuckerman Institute are the Research Mentors.
BUMP Mentees were assisted with applications for summer internships and research programs and given career-related and personal mentorship.
Developed a code of conduct, a mentee training guide, and a mentor training guide.
Hosted a Mentor Training session with Dana Crawford.
BUMP COORDINATORS
Yasmin Ramadan
“I am a 3rd year PhD student studying evolutionary trends in developmental neurogenetics. When I’m not in lab, I’m hiking, cooking, or playing with my kitten. I believe strongly in mentoring as a tool for equity and community-building - I know I wouldn’t be here without the mentorship I’ve received, and I’m thrilled to be working with this fantastic team to pay it forward!"
Raffi Cohn
“I am a postdoctoral research scientist studying the peripheral nervous system of Drosophila larvae in the Grueber Lab at the Zuckerman Institute. I also love teaching and believe that there is great power in junior scientists using our scientific professional networks and institutional knowledge to guide and support undergraduate students interested in science. Outside of the lab I’m usually with my kids exploring Inwood Hill Park, playing tennis or doing yoga.”
Beka Stecky
“I’m a 4th year PhD student in Marlin and Lomvardas labs at the Zuckerman Institute, where I use the mouse olfactory system to study transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of trauma. Coming from a first-generation, low-income background, I have experienced the power of mentorship in breaking down seemingly insurmountable barriers, and I plan to spend the rest of my career paying it forward. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me biking and eating all over NYC, doing acrobatics, and spending time with loved ones.”
Neci Whye
"I’m a CC alum, living and working in New Orleans after graduating with a Master’s in Anatomy from Tulane. Prior to my current position running the research department at West Jefferson Medical Center, a local community hospital, I worked in trauma research back in my home state of Maryland. In my free time, I like trying new restaurants and experiencing the live music around the city as well as baking and gardening. I’m thrilled to be a part of the BUMP Bio community and proud to be supporting Black students navigating the biology and pre-med paths at Columbia."
Raisa Alam
“I’m a recent Columbia alumni and currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Research at Icahn School of Medicine. I am passionate about research, teaching, and advocacy. I have worked to advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental illnesses and support individuals with disabilities. I have taught and advised middle and high school students on health sciences, career development and the high school and college process. In my free time, I read books of all genres and memoirs, watch Netflix, k-dramas, and anime, and try new food. I’m super excited to help coordinate the BUMP program to support Black students pursuing their goals in medicine and research.”