GSBS Students,

We understand that isolation during the COVID–19 outbreak has become a major concern as more and more people are staying in their homes. During these times, it is important that we all come together to support each other.

To this end, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has created GSBS Buddy Connections, a voluntary student-to-student support program developed to create bonds between the students of our 18 different academic programs. The goal is to provide some interpersonal interactions during these times, as well as facilitate networking and friendship.

Here is how it will work:

1) Sign up at www.utbiomed.com/buddy.

2) Each week, we will randomly scramble the names and assign a new connection.

3) From time to time, and throughout the week, check in with your connection (text, email, zoom, MS Teams etc). Get to know them, tell them what’s up, find out what you have in common or learn something new.

Besides providing the support needed during these difficult times, this is a great way to expand your network of colleagues and friends. It is also a great way to gain more knowledge about each other’s culture, learn, and teach each other new hobbies.

Perhaps you may feel you do not need this, but that is all the more reason to have you be a part of it. We hope you will participate.

David S. Weiss, Ph.D.

Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Professor of Physiology and Neurology
Dielmann Chair in Basic Biomedical Investigation