The Communications Committee aids in the creation of novel methods to connect life science students with the various resources offered by both UCLA and LSSA. Communications helps to publicize LSSA events via the website and social media updates. The committee’s goal is to increase the dissemination of LSSA’s current and future work. One project undertaken by committee is the formation of the LSSA ListServ which collects and disburses relevant opportunities for LS students.

The Community and Culture Committee is dedicated to fostering connections and driving positive change within the Life Sciences community. This committee organizes quarterly mixer events that offer professors, graduate students, and undergraduate leaders the chance to network in a relaxed setting. Additionally, the committee plans Life Sciences Town Hall meetings and facilitates quarterly Dean’s Advisory Board sessions, where student representatives from various Life Sciences organizations engage in discussions with the Dean of Life Sciences.

The Curriculum Committee plays a crucial role in enhancing resource availability and accessibility for all students. It collaborates with other committees, faculty, and UCLA staff to develop and implement valuable content. Notable past initiatives include creating four-year graduation plans, establishing common post-graduate pathways for all LS majors, and producing enrollment survival guides. Additionally, the committee is responsible for designing and analyzing surveys to gather student feedback, which is used to identify and implement improvements in LS administration.

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee is an essential committee that promotes equitable access to resources and opportunities and makes continuous efforts toward equal representation, collaboration, and increased inclusivity. EDI establishes a safe platform for all student voices to be heard and encourages continued civil discourse and dialogue. Past undertakings by the EDI committee include hosting EDI workshops and panels to spotlight individuals and organizations that embody this initiative.

Fellowship Committee, reserved only for 1st year Life Sciences (LS) students, is an opportunity to gain leadership experience while exploring the vast array of resources available to LSSA members. Fellows participate in skill-building workshops, shadow other committees, learn from LSSA mentors, and learn to organize their own career-oriented event from start to finish. By winter quarter, each Fellow will transition into new roles as a committee member and continue working with UCLA faculty and professionals to organize events for all LS students.

The Finance Committee is responsible for securing funding for all events, projects, and supplies, making it a crucial component of LSSA’s operations and overall success. The committee oversees all LSSA funds, applies to funding bodies, tracks the progress of applications, and acquires funds. Also responsible for planning and hosting a variety of fundraisers, the finance committee is an integral part of LSSA and is a place for individuals with multiple skillsets.

The Outreach Committee is dedicated in providing opportunities to connect with the greater Life Science Community and Los Angeles. Our events are spaces for students to network with alumni, volunteer locally, and engage with faculty members. Every Spring Quarter we host a campus wide conference focused on increasing minorities in healthcare!

The Professional and Career Development Committee aids LS students in developing essential professional skills, such as constructing a resume or preparing for an interview. The committee also seeks to ensure that LS students feel confident in their chosen career path and are aware of the variety of careers available to them within the life sciences. With a host of unique speaker panels, the Professional and Career Development Committee places a special emphasis on “alternative” career paths in life science fields that do not pertain to the traditional pre-med path, such as PhD, MBA, MPH, etc.

The Programming Committee is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the execution of many LSSA events and outreach programs on campus. From connecting students with LS faculty to educating students on how best to present themselves, programming helps to bring UCLA students together. Some past projects undertaken by the committee include the Professor Round-Table and Resume Workshop.

The Research Committee works to increase and promote access to research opportunities for all LS students. Collaborating with the Professional Development Committee, they create options for students to network, learn, and gain further insight on pertinent research topics. For example, one past project of the committee was co-hosting a student research night in which undergraduates could see seek research positions and connections with available Principal Investigators.