Biobridges Living Learning Community: A Gateway to Success for First- Year Biology Students

August 14, 2024

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences

The Biobridges Living Learning Community (LLC) provides first-year Biology students with the social and study structures they need to succeed, from fostering time management skills, to building a sense of community they can rely on when inevitably facing the challenges of a demanding major.

Spearheaded by Emma Throneburg, a PhD student in Biology, and Connor Morozumi, Post Doctoral Fellow in Biology, this LLC lends particular support for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, though it is open to all first-year Biology students.

“It's a challenging major, but what's worrisome is that we see much higher rates of attrition out of the biology field and out of STEM in general, especially from groups that don't have historic cultural support, and that could include first generation students, and students from underrepresented backgrounds in terms of race or sexuality,” Morozumi states. “We wanted to build a program early on, centered on belongingness and bringing new Biology students into this supportive structure. We know from past research that these sorts of safety nets really can help students when the going gets tough.”

This initiative is a part of a broader impact effort funded by an NSF grant, and it aims to build scientific identity among students while also opening them to new opportunities within the field of biology.

Jonah Belance, a Biology major who participated in the LLC during his freshman year, said regularly scheduled study groups and access to peer mentors who had already navigated the challenges of the first year were invaluable.

“What I enjoyed most about the Biobridges community was the camaraderie and creative differences among the students,” Belance said. “We shared a common interest in biology, which fostered a collaborative and motivating environment. The trip events and group study sessions helped build strong friendships and academic support networks, which for me released the pressure of nervousness I felt.”

Engaging Experiences and Opportunities

Biobridges Living Learning Community offers students a variety of enriching experiences – in addition to living on campus together while all sharing a major in Biology in common - designed to broaden their horizons and showcase diverse career paths in the field.

The LLC includes trips to significant scientific and ecological sites such as Mammoth Cave, the Indiana Dunes, and Chicago's Field Museum and Botanical Gardens. These excursions are not only educational but also aim to expand students' professional development opportunities.

"We wanted to expose these students to different career options," Throneburg said. "For example, we toured the research facilities at the Chicago Botanical Gardens to see the kind of research being done there."

Jordan Hursey, a Biology major who participated in the LLC, said, “Being a part of Biobridges helps freshmen get a better understanding of their career trajectory and to participate in trips related to biology.”

Building Community and Study Skills

Creating a sense of community is a cornerstone of the Biobridges Living Learning Community. This fall, there will be a heightened focus on helping new students develop their study skills individually and as a group, and it is the organizers’ hope that the students will not only study together but also that they will be in some of the same core Biology classes together as well.

"In the fall, we focus on team building and ensuring students have a place to go for study questions," Morozumi noted.

The program emphasizes the development of study skills specifically to support first-year students through the rigors of biology and other hard science classes.

"We meet with every student individually to talk about study skills and check in on them," Throneburg added.

Future Plans and Ongoing Support

Looking ahead, Biobridges LLC aims to continue improving its offerings and support systems.

Additionally, the program seeks to establish a mentorship system in which past Biobridges LLC participants can guide new students.

"We're hoping past participants of Biobridges can come back and be peer mentors," Morozumi said.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Accessibility is a key consideration for Biobridges. The LLC works to cover costs for trips and even provides stipends to offset the financial impact of missing work in some cases.

"A big accessibility barrier for our students is cost, and we offer stipends to cover expenses," Morozumi highlighted.

The Biobridges Living Learning Community is more than just a support program; it is a vital lifeline for first-year biology students, providing them with the tools, experiences, and community necessary to thrive in their academic and professional careers.

As Throneburg aptly summarized, "It's about making sure they're not feeling like they're going through it alone."

For more information about the Biobridges Living Learning Community and how to get involved, visit the UofL Department of Biology's website by clicking here.