The Microbiology and Immunology First-Generation University Student Mentorship Program was established to support the career and personal development goals of undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology who are first-generation university students.
This program is intended to enrich the UBC experience for students who are the first in their family to attend university. Being a first-generation university student makes one a pioneer in their family, which can come with additional challenges and responsibilities. We would like to provide first-generation students with one-on-one mentoring as well as financial support to participate in enhanced learning experiences, such as workshops or scientific meetings, that will broaden their horizons and expand their opportunities.
This program was established by Professor Michael Gold after his tenure as Department Head. Professor Gold has mentored first-generation microbiology and immunology students since 2019 and has recruited an expanded team of faculty mentors, all of whom were themselves first-generation university students.
