BEAMS

Biostatisticians and Epidemiologists at Michigan State

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

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.
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
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 ACTIVITIES

Here is what we accomplished during the 2025-2026 academic year.

BEAMS New Student Orientation – Welcomed incoming students to the department, shared important resources, helped students navigate the department, introduced the BEAMS leadership team, and provided an opportunity for new students to connect and socialize with their peers.
BEAMS Study Hours – Organized two study-hour sessions where students came together to work on assignments, connect with one another, and enjoy snacks provided by BEAMS.
Alumni Career Talk – Hosted a conversation with alumni focused on career development and navigating the job-search process. Alumni shared their experiences, practical job-search strategies, and tips for students preparing to enter the workforce.
BEAMS Fundraising & Department Merchandise – Organized a fundraiser featuring T-shirts and sweatshirts with the department logo. This helped raise funds to support future BEAMS activities while giving students an opportunity to show their department spirit.
Department & Student Engagement – BEAMS members actively supported departmental activities, including Research Day and the department picnic.

Looking forward to a great 2026-2027 year with BEAMS

Some of the activities of BEAMS from previous years include: BEAMS Night Out, Food Drives

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
Alumni Career Connection Series
- 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.