BioFIRE

Join BioFIRE to be part of a vibrant community of scholars and engage in scientific discovery during your earliest semesters at the University of Maryland.

  • Strong cohort that takes classes, studies and lives together: Take your first-year foundational science courses—including introductory biology, general chemistry and calculus—with other BioFIRE students and live together in Somerset Hall (commuters also welcome!).
  • Hands-on research: Work in faculty labs and contribute to ongoing research through the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE).
  • Community activities and traditions: Participate in study groups, tutoring, field trips, scientific lectures and other social activities.
  • Career exploration: Enroll in a one-credit fall and spring seminar to explore strategies for a successful transition to college and career options for biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry and neuroscience majors.

616

BioFIRE students since 2015

80%

First-generation college students, from under-resourced neighborhoods, or groups underrepresented in STEM

82%

STEM graduation rate (compared with 67% nationally)