CBIS Graduate and Post-Doctoral Association

Group of grad students pose for a picture while ice skating

The CBIS Graduate and Post-Doctoral Association (CBIS GPA) is an engaged group students working together to cultivate a community within the Biotech building by planning and coordinating many events throughout the year, including professional development, social and outreach events. 

  1. To provide professional development resources
    1. Offering various career panels to allows students to explore all opportunities
    2. Engage alumni network for connections
  2. To be involved with the local community
    1. Creating outreach events targeted towards STEM awareness and education
    2. Hosting charity events to support local food drives
  3. Increase community engagement and promote interdisciplinary relationships within the building
    1. Hosting social events that promote communication between students
    2. Creating a graduate and post-doctoral support system by hosting discussions on important topics

  1. VP of Professional Development
  2. VP of Outreach

Roles and Responsibilities

Description

The President ensures that all planned activities of the council proceed accordingly, and serves as the primary point of contact representing the council. This role involves strategic planning, coordination, and oversight of council activities, events, and meetings.

Responsibilities:

  1. Organize monthly meetings with the GPA
    1. Schedule and lead monthly meetings with the Gradute and Post-gradute Student Association (GPA).
    2. Set the agenda for each meeting, ensuring that all relevant topics are covered.
    3. Ensure all planned events are on track and address any issues or delays.
  2. Organize semesterly meetings with the Director of CBIS
    1. Arrange bi-annual meetings with the Director of the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS).
    2. Present a comprehensive budget report for all planned events during these meetings.
    3. Prepare an annual review document detailing the council's activities and achievements.
  3. Assist with event organization
    1. Be ready to step in and provide support for any role that requires additional help.
    2. Secure rooms and reservations for events, and help coordinate food orders when needed.
    3. Assist in maintaining the alumni database by updating contact information and tracking engagement.
    4. Keep the CBIS GPA Box account updated with relevant documents and records.
  4. Coordinate with other student organizations and graduate councils
    1. Plan joint events in collaboration with other student organizations and departmental graduate councils.
    2. Reach out to potential collaborators for co-hosting events and activities.
  5. Assign roles
    1. Delegate responsibilities to other council members to ensure efficient operation and event execution.
  6. Oversee CBIS GPA podcast (PhDCast)
    1. Select host(s) and producer(s).
    2. Authorize episode plans.
    3. Assist with planning when needed.

Description

The Vice President of Professional Development focuses on organizing events that enhance the professional growth of CBIS members. This includes workshops, networking sessions, and other career-oriented activities.

Responsibilities

  1. Plan professional development events
    1. Organize and host events aimed at enhancing the professional skills and career prospects of graduate students.
    2. Work closely with industry professionals, alumni, and faculty to provide valuable networking opportunities.
  2. Work closely with the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) and training grant admins
    1. Coordinate with CCPD to host resume and job search workshops
    2. Coordinate with NIH and NIA training grant administration in CBIS to host professional development events.

Description

The Vice President of Community Engagement is responsible for planning and executing events that promote social interaction and engagement within the CBIS community, including students, faculty, and alumni.

Responsibilities

  1. Plan "welcome back" events each semester
    1. Organize events at the start of each semester (in September and January) to welcome new and returning students.
    2. Encourage new students to participate to foster a sense of community.
  2. Organize various social events throughout the semester
    1. Plan and execute a variety of social events, such as game nights, scavenger hunts, and recruitment activities.
    2. Collaborate with the VP of Outreach to include outreach events involving the CBIS community.
  3. Develop and maintain the alumni database
    1. Create and regularly update a comprehensive database of CBIS alumni.
    2. Connect with faculty and previous CBIS GPA members to gather and maintain alumni information.

Description

The Vice President of Outreach develops and implements activities to promote STEM awareness and education within the local community, and supports RPI undergraduates interested in graduate studies.

Responsibilities

  1. Work with local schools to develop new outreach events
    1. Design and organize new outreach events tailored to different age groups in local schools.
    2. Develop age-appropriate STEM education activities to engage and inspire students.
    3. Maintain ongoing communication with schools to establish recurring annual events.
  2. Create and maintain a mentorship program for undergraduates
    1. Develop a mentorship program connecting graduate students with undergraduates interested in research and graduate school.
    2. Organize information sessions about graduate school, including application processes and research opportunities.

Description

The Vice President of Finance oversees the financial planning and management of the council's activities, ensuring all events are within budget and that resources are well-managed.

Responsibilities

  1. Work with the President and VPs to develop an annual budget
    1. Collaborate with the President and other Vice Presidents to prepare a comprehensive annual budget for events and activities.
    2. Coordinate with CBIS administration to finalize the annual budget and ensure financial transparency.
    3. Ensure that event costs are monitored and maintained within the appropriate budget.
  2. Maintain CBIS GPA inventory
    1. Keep track of all supplies and inventory located in BT3109.

Description

The Vice President of Public Relations manages the communication and promotional efforts of the council, including overseeing the CBIS GPA email, social media, and website.

Responsibilities

  1. Communicate on behalf of the GPA
    1. Manage the CBIS GPA account, ensuring timely responses to any inquiries.
    2. Send out emails and announcements on social media platforms to promote events and activities.
  2. Coordinate with CBIS administration to oversee the CBI GPA website
    1. Ensure that events and announcements are promoted on the website.
    2. Edit and upload submitted responses to blog questions to keep the content fresh and engaging.
CBIS GPA Diego Machado Reyes
Diego Machado Reyes
President

Department of Biomedical Engineering

CBIS GPA Vice President of Finance Saurabh Rastogi
Saurabh Rastogi
VP of Finance

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

CBIS GPA Vice President of Public Relations Manasa Chillara
Manasa Chillara
VP of Public Relations

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

CBIS GPA VP of Community Engagement Sahiti Tamirisakandala
Sahiti Tamirisakandala
VP of Community Engagement

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Upcoming Events

 
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