SLSS Student Organizations
The School of Life Sciences supports a variety of student-led organizations that create community, foster professional development, and promote collaboration across disciplines. These groups provide opportunities for mentorship, networking, leadership, and engagement in research and outreach - helping students grow both personally and academically while contributing to the broader scientific community.
BGSO (Bioinformatics Graduate Student Organization)
The Bioinformatics Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) represents the voice of bioinformatics graduate students at VCU. The organization fosters connections across the program by mentoring undergraduates, engaging with alumni, and supporting collaboration with faculty research.
BNFOthon Committee
The BNFOthon Committee organizes VCU’s annual bioinformatics hackathon, a student-focused event exploring the intersection of biology, computer science, and statistics. Since 2021, BNFOthon has served as the premier bioinformatics hackathon in the Mid-Atlantic region.
SEEDS
SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity, and Sustainability) is a student organization that works to diversify and advance the field of ecology. The program provides opportunities that inspire, support, and empower underrepresented students to explore, participate, and take on leadership roles in ecological studies and careers.
Society of Bioinformatics
The Society of Bioinformatics represents undergraduate students at VCU while building connections across the bioinformatics community. Through mentoring, networking, professional development, and social events, the organization supports student growth and promotes awareness of bioinformatics opportunities on campus and beyond.
ILSSO (Integrative Life Sciences Student Org)
ILSSO represents students in VCU’s Integrative Life Sciences Ph.D. program. The organization fosters community, advocates for student interests, and supports professional and academic development within the interdisciplinary field of life sciences.
Additional Student Organizations for SLSS Students
In addition to SLSS-specific groups, many of our students are actively involved in university-wide and related organizations that align with their academic and professional interests. These organizations can be found on VCU RamsConnect.
- Black Men in Medicine (BMIM)
- Black Women in STEM
- Dental Club at VCU
- Dental Hygiene Club at VCU
- HOSA - Future Health Professionals
- Muslim Women in STEM at VCU
- oSTEM
- Pre-Veterinary Society at VCU
- STEM in Art
- Women in Science
- VCU PRIME