RIT biomedical sciences students launch new community club to provide mentorship networking and professional development opportunities for peers

Rochester, New York – Students in the biomedical sciences program at Rochester Institute of Technology are taking steps to strengthen community and collaboration with the launch of a new student organization this January. The Biomedical Sciences Student Association (BSSA) was founded by third-year accelerated BS/MS student Marissa Abramson and second-year honors student Grace Lee, who recognized the need for connection and support beyond the classroom.

The BSSA is open to all students in the biomedical sciences program as well as any RIT student with an interest in medicine, health sciences, or research. The club aims to create a supportive environment where students can build networks, learn practical skills, and navigate the demands of a rigorous academic program. Activities will include peer mentoring, hands-on training sessions such as Narcan administration and CPR, professional development workshops with guest speakers, and stress-relief events designed for students in high-pressure programs.

“At other universities, premed students often race against each other. At RIT, it’s a relay—and we’re all running together,” Abramson said, emphasizing the collaborative culture she hopes to foster through the club. The BSSA reflects a philosophy that success in biomedical sciences doesn’t happen in isolation. Instead, students thrive when they have access to mentorship, encouragement, and practical guidance from peers and upperclassmen.

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Abramson brings a wealth of experience to the initiative. Beyond her academic workload, she serves as a campus tour guide, teaching assistant, and sorority leader in Alpha Sigma Alpha, giving her insight into the challenges faced by her classmates. Her co-founder, Grace Lee, balances an accelerated biomedical sciences program with a Chinese minor, a psychology immersion, and research work in the biology department assisting with mouse dissections. Lee hopes the BSSA will not only help students succeed academically but also increase awareness of the biomedical sciences major across campus.

Early members have already noted the benefits of peer mentorship. Third-year honors student Josh Bennigsohn explained, “I think it’s important to give feedback to younger students,” highlighting the value of upperclassmen guiding first-year students through complex coursework and career planning. Mentorship, networking, and academic support are central pillars of the club’s mission, ensuring students have access to resources that extend beyond standard classroom instruction.

Faculty members also recognize the importance of the new organization. Todd Camenisch, director of biomedical sciences at RIT, called the club “vital for building community and supporting students interested in biomedical sciences and research,” stressing that extracurricular engagement complements academic development and professional growth. The club is designed to provide both emotional support and practical skill-building, preparing students for careers in medicine, research, and related fields.

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The launch of the BSSA comes at a time when many biomedical sciences students are seeking ways to navigate high academic demands while building meaningful connections with peers. By combining mentorship, hands-on learning, and stress-relief opportunities, the BSSA aims to foster a culture of collaboration rather than competition. Students interested in joining or learning more about the Biomedical Sciences Student Association are encouraged to contact Todd Camenisch or Ashley Jackson for additional information.

With the official kickoff scheduled for January, the BSSA is poised to become a central hub for biomedical sciences students at RIT, offering guidance, community, and professional growth opportunities to help future medical and health professionals succeed.