The Department of Biological Engineering launched a REFS Program (Resources for Easing Friction and Stress) in Fall 2014, becoming the tenth department to have the program across MIT. REFS provides resources and strategies to help graduate students manage conflicts and reduce stress. They offer one-on-one sessions, which are completely confidential, yet informal, where they help students express their conflicts and help them find probable solutions.

The genesis of the BE REFS program evolved out of a discussion between Professor Lauffenburger and the BE Graduate Student Board to provide students a strong support network among peers with the ultimate aim of improving the overall graduate student experience in BE.

Georgia Lagoudas (Blainey Lab), Scott Olesen and Tu Nguyen (both Alm Lab) [in photo] are currently serving as the first group of student Refs, with faculty/Staff support from Professor Roger Kamm and Communication Lab Director, Jaime Goldstein.

The three BE students had to undergo a comprehensive, three-tier, 40-hour training program to become certified Refs.  A significant part of their training was about how to serve as a facilitator and empower students to feel confident to manage their own conflicts.

“[We] don’t see REFS as a solution to a problem that needs to be fixed,” notes Tu.  “It’s more of a way to help improve graduate student life.”

Since it’s launch in the fall, the Refs conducted a “Rotation-to-Handshake” workshop for first years to help them navigate joining new labs. An event was conducted for BE Spring 2015 TAs to help identify potential sources of conflict and brainstorm strategies to mitigate them to make their TA experience more enriching.

Most recently, the BE Refs hosted a coffee hour to give the BE community an opportunity to interact with the Refs and familiarize themselves with the program. REFS, in collaboration with BE Graduate Student Board, is scheduled to host a panel discussion for those preparing for their thesis proposal next summer and fall.

REFS may be contacted at be-refs@mit.edu or by individually emailing Georgia, Scott and Tu. To learn more about REFS, upcoming REFS events, information on how you can become a Ref and the Pulse Box, visit be-refs.mit.edu.