Graduate Student Organizations
Graduate study is stronger with community, shared leadership and clear representation. In the Department of Biological Sciences, graduate students can connect with peers, build professional networks and contribute to departmental life through student-led organizations and representative roles. These groups provide opportunities to engage beyond the lab, stay informed about university policies and advocate for graduate student interests.
Student Organizations:
The Biology Graduate Student Association represents graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences. Affiliated with the university-wide Graduate Student Association, BGSA works to strengthen the academic, professional and social experience of graduate students.
What we do
BGSA helps build a connected and supportive community through:
- Annual Research Symposium: Partnering with the department to organize the yearly symposium, where students present their work
- Journal clubs and academic events: Supporting student-led discussions and engagement with current research
- Community-building activities: Hosting social events that connect students across labs and research areas
- Information sharing: Communicating departmental updates, university policies and upcoming opportunities
Meetings are typically held monthly, with announcements shared through the department email listserv. All graduate students are welcome to participate.
Get involved
BGSA fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Whether you are new to the program or further along in your training, joining BGSA is a great way to connect with peers and contribute to the graduate student community.
Kendra Scheer
President, Biology Graduate Student Association
Department of Biological Sciences
Email: kendrasc@buffalo.edu
The Graduate Affairs Student Representative serves as a liaison between graduate students and the department’s Graduate Affairs Committee.
Role and responsibilities
The representative:
- Attends Graduate Affairs Committee meetings when appropriate
- Shares graduate student questions and concerns with program leadership
- Communicates relevant committee updates back to students
- To protect student privacy, the representative does not participate in discussions involving confidential student matters.
Nominations are typically held at the start of the academic year, and the representative serves a one-year term.
Nathan Lynch
Graduate Affairs Student Representative
Department of Biological Sciences
Email: nlynch2@buffalo.edu
The Graduate Student Employees Union represents Teaching Assistants and Graduate Assistants employed by SUNY and paid by New York State.
If you hold a TA or GA appointment, you are part of the GSEU bargaining unit. The union negotiates contracts related to pay, benefits and working conditions.
To receive full union membership benefits, eligible students must complete a membership form and submit it to a union officer or follow the instructions provided by the union.
For current information about membership, benefits and representation, visit the Graduate Student Association website.