Graduate Student Resources

Biology Department Resources

Co-Directors of Graduate Studies — Scott Dixon (sjdixon [at] stanford.edu (sjdixon[at]stanford[dot]edu)) and Jonathan Pritchard (pritch [at] stanford.edu (pritch[at]stanford[dot]edu))

The Directors support graduate students and faculty with departmental polices, requirements, and practices and help resolve conflicts. The directors evaluate special requests and petitions regarding program requirements.

Biology Student Services —  The student services team supports students with questions and concerns regarding academics, finances, student activities, personal issues, etc.    

At least one member of our team there will be onsite in Gilbert 118 Monday-Thursday from roughly 9am to 4pm.  While drop ins are always welcome, we highly encourage students to schedule appointments. 

  • Lorena Rodriguez - Graduate Student Services Officer (lorenar3 [at] stanford.edu (lorenar3[at]stanford[dot]edu) or  schedule a meeting
  • Abby McConnell - Hopkins Student Services Officer (abbymc [at] stanford.edu (abbymc[at]stanford[dot]edu) or schedule a meeting)
  • Susie Gilbert - Student Services Manager (srgilbert [at] stanford.edu (srgilbert[at]stanford[dot]edu) or schedule a meeting)

University Resources

A near comprehensive list of University resources for students can be found HERE, including academic, financial, and professional development resources.

Here are a few resources we see PhD students use frequently:

  • Graduate Life Office – Provides comprehensive and impartial guidance and information about all aspects of life as a graduate student. The Assistant Deans can help you with personal issues, roommate problems, family issues, health concerns, academic challenges, financial difficulties, etc.
  • Financial Aid Student Support Programs 
    • Emergency Grant-in-Aid: Grants of up to $5,000 per year to help with unexpected financial hardships (e.g. medical, legal, etc.)
    • Graduate Cash Advance: Helps graduate students with expenses before their graduate financial support is posted to their student account and/or TA/RA salary is paid
    • Family Grant Program: Grants of up to $15,000 per year to cover expenses such as childcare, healthcare, insurance, etc. 
  • Biosciences Hardship Fund: Grants of up to $5,000 per year for financial hardship needs including mental health copay reimbursements.
  • Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE)