BEAMS

Biostatisticians and Epidemiologists at Michigan State 

is the primary organization of epidemiology and biostatistics graduate students at Michigan State University. 

 

Purpose of BEAMS:

1. Discussion forum for epidemiology and biostatistics graduate students
2. Advocate actions that enhance the science and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics among students
3. Promote professional student development through educational activities
4. old social events to encourage a friendly environment for networking and fun

 

BEAMS ACTIVITIES

Some of the activities of BEAMS include:

• Haven House

  Haven House is a homeless shelter providing emergency housing and support services for both one- and two-parent families with children, emphasizing safe shelter, healthy food, and clothing. The shelter provides families with programs that offer assistance with attaining housing within a realistic budget (Rapid Rehousing), in addition to classes and activities for parent and children (Family Life).

   

  

• PIE NIGHT at Grand Traverse Pie Company

   

  

• Department Picnic

   

  

• Push 4 Plasma

  

  GEMS has established a Push 4 Plasma (P4P) Chapter at MSU! Our first Chapter blood/convalescent plasma drives were held on March 18 and March 31, 2021 at the Union in the Lake Huron Room. 

  P4P is a national campaign presented by the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project (organization that GEMS represents), University Blood Initiative, Survivor Corps, and American Association of Blood Banks. To learn more about us and what we do, please visit: https://www.universitybloodinitiative.org/push4plasma

  The P4P MSU Chapter is bringing Versiti to the East Lansing campus for the very first time! Versiti is a LOCAL blood center, meaning that donations stay in Michigan. 

   

• Blood Drive

  
  

      

• Bake Sales

   

  

• BEAMS Night Out
• Food Drives
• Alumni Career Connection Series is a series of informal meet and greets with Department alumni from diverse career pathways, including academic research centers, health departments, hospital systems, government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting, and the private sector. The purpose of this series is to help students explore future career pathways and to expand opportunities for networking. 

  

BEAMS Executive Board Members:

 

 Claire Schertzing, President

Claire is a fourth-year epidemiology PhD student whose research interest is in infectious disease, especially vector-borne and tropical infections. She received her Masters of Public Health (MPH) before pursuing her doctorate and has Bachelors degrees in Spanish Literature and Biology from Kalamazoo College. Outside of the classroom she enjoys coaching springboard diving for several local programs, running, and CrossFit. She’s looking forward to serving as the BEAMS president and getting to know her classmates and professors more closely.

 Kyle Jones, Vice-President

Kyle Jones is in his 2nd year in the MS in biostatistics program. His advisor is Dr. de los Campos. Kyle earned a Bachelors in Psychology and a Bachelors in Neuroscience at MSU, where he was in the Minor in Epidemiology and Global Public Health. Kyle was involved with the Office of International Students and Scholars and helped found the Intercultural Friendship Club. He was also an RA for 2.5 years. Kyle took a year off from school to serve with AmeriCorps in Denver, Colorado. He looks forward to integrating the biostatistics and epidemiology students further and supporting a greater sense of community within the department.

 Matthew Myers, Outreach Coordinator

Matthew is a third year PhD student in Epidemiology who works with Dr. Kipling Bohnert. Matthew's research is focused on adverse substance use outcomes, motor vehicle crashes, and injury prevention. Prior to joining MSU, Matthew received a bachelor's degree in biology from Albion College, and a master's in public health (MPH) from the University of Texas Health. Outside of work and school, Matthew enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and traveling. As a member of BEAMS, he hopes to foster the sense of community within the department. Feel free to reach out to him at any time!

 

For more information about BEAMS send an email to epi.beams@msu.edu

 

 

 

Mission and History of BEAMS

BEAMS is the primary organization of epidemiology and biostatistics graduate students at Michigan State University. BEAMS is dedicated to the promotion of a high quality epidemiology graduate education and research environment at MSU and to the promotion of public's health, in Michigan, elsewhere in the United States, and overseas.

GEMS was formally created in 1999 as an organization that serves the interest of the member-students: (a) through sponsorship of scientific meetings and journal clubs, (b) by providing a forum for discussions on any topic that concerns GEMS members and their educational and research activities, (c) recognizing outstanding contributions to the field, and (d) advocacy for issues pertinent to GEMS. The organization was renamed BEAMS ins March, 2022 to better reflect both the epidemiology and biostatistics graduate students.

 

BE A PART of BEAMS

President of BEAMS Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include: for month-to-month and semester-to-semester policy and programmatic decisions and for convening GEMS meetings; representing BEAMS in negotiations with the department chair and other unit administrators pertinent to GEMS.

Vice President of BEAMS Responsibilities

Responsibilities include: operational logistics for the bimonthly BEAMS meetings and attendance at departmental graduate committee meetings, as scheduled. Assists the president in the planning of seminars and journal club activities regarding the applications of epidemiology, as well as social events.

BEAMS Bylaws