Community

“It is often said that science is a team sport. At MIT Biology, we have a great team. I’m proud that our department includes outstanding students, postdocs, staff, and faculty who have found their way to MIT from across the country and the world. Our scientists, from a wide range of backgrounds, create a potent incubator that drives discovery and innovation. Creating a community where everyone feels welcome and empowered to do their best work, as part of our team, is one of our key department priorities.”

-Amy Keating, Department Head

A strong community enables great science. At MIT Biology, we work together to create a welcoming environment where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive. Our programs promote professional and social interactions across the department and strengthen the important personal connections and professional skills that enable long-term, rewarding careers in biology. Our activities are coordinated by professional staff and engage many energetic organizers and participants from across roles and buildings.

Meet our Community and Professional Support Specialist

Hallie Dowling-Francisco is the department’s Community and Professional Support Specialist. She works with department members and advisory groups to promote a healthy and professional work environment. She convenes the MIT Biology Community Council, which brings ideas and concerns from the community to departmental leadership. She also provides one-on-one advising and coaching, workshops, mediation, and a connection to department and university resources. To set up a time to chat with Hallie, please email her at halliedh@mit.edu.

Biology Community Council

The Biology Department is privileged to have a collaborative body of students, staff, and faculty who devote time to fostering community and generating and relaying ideas from department members to department leadership. Our Biology Community Council values all perspectives and works to support groups, events, and processes that promote engagement and enhance the working and learning experiences of department members.

To learn more about the Community Council, connect with our Community and Professional Support Specialist, Hallie Dowling-Francisco, at halliedh@mit.edu.

Community Funding

Effective Spring 2025, the department offers a simple process to apply for department funds to support a community event. We fund established community groups and those that have outgrown the SoS Dean’s Quality of Life Grants. We also consider requests for relatively inexpensive one-time events. Events seeking support should be aligned with our department’s mission to advance biology-related research, education, and service.

The call for proposals for department funding will be issued in advance of each of the fall and spring terms. Grants of up to $3,000/year will be considered for Biology Department community organizations. We will also accept proposals for one-time events/programs, up to $500 each, on a rolling basis. Recipients will be asked to submit a short report describing their activities, schedule, final cost, community participation, and impact.

ROAD MAP FOR FUNDING STREAMS

If you have never applied for funding for your student or community organization or need more than $500 for your one-time event, please apply for a School of Science Quality-of-Life Grant. 

If you are an existing group or organization within Biology with a track record of participation and success and have received Quality of Life grants before, please apply for a Biology Community Organization Grant.

If you would like to propose a one-time program/event within Biology that will cost $500 or less, please apply for a Biology One-Time Program/Event Grant. 

Community Organizations

All groups are open to all members of the MIT Biology Department.