The Graduate Student Association in the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology has been named the 2024 award recipient for Outstanding Student Organization by Illinois International Student and Scholar Services.

This award is traditionally given to an RSO or student organization that has excelled in internationalizing the Illinois campus.

“There are a lot of international students in MCB, and they often have to become experts in immigration law and other technicalities,” said Quang Nguyen, a fifth year PhD student in Molecular & Integrative Physiology and a GSA board member. “We’re creating a network for students to tap into each other's research and knowledge.”

The GSA and its members, known as “MCBees,” facilitate events, workshops, and seminars for its members. Its mission is to provide an open and inclusive environment through service and outreach opportunities.

While the organization provides plenty of work-related opportunities, they also promote social events where students can take a break from their studies and get to know one another.

“Because MCB encompasses four different departments, we don’t always get to know our cohorts,” Nguyen said. “We have social events at local bars, relax with therapy animals, and find opportunities to immerse ourselves in science communication. It’s a chance to take our mind off of research.”

Recent social events have included a trip to Curtis Orchard for first-year students; the popular “Science on Tap” series; and collaborations with other departments including Physics and Integrative Biology.

The 2024 ISSS awards ceremony will be at 3 p.m. Dec. 5, 2024, at the I-Hotel and Illinois Conference Center.