Origins
The Bioengineering and Bioscience Unified Graduate Students (BBUGS) began as the Student Leadership Council (SLC) of an NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC). This ERC was the Georgia Tech and Emory Center for Living Tissues (GTEC), which focused on tissue engineering research. As biotechnology research rapidly expanded at Georgia Tech—with new buildings, degree programs, and researchers—the SLC of GTEC recognized the need to broaden its scope. To better serve the growing bioengineering and bioscience communities, the SLC decided to evolve into a more inclusive group.
Transition
When GTEC’s NSF funding ended in 2009, the SLC faced a turning point. With many specialized student organizations already in place, the SLC aimed to create a group that would encompass all fields within bioengineering and bioscience. The decision was made to retain some of the SLC’s structure while expanding its focus to include all biosciences and bioengineering disciplines. Collaborations were established with the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB) staff, the Public Policy Forum, Emory ASP, the BME Student Advisory Board, and the Emerging Leaders Network. The goal was to unify and strengthen the network of graduate students across these disciplines, fostering collaboration rather than competition.
The Name “BBUGS”
The name “BBUGS” was chosen not only for its catchy acronym but also for its symbolic representation of community within the group. BBUGS members come from various academic backgrounds and degree programs, working together in labs and buildings across campus. Whether you’re a computer scientist, biologist, or mechanical engineer, each of us brings unique tools and approaches to achieve common goals. Individually, we may resemble beetles, fireflies, or dragonflies, but together, we are BBUGS—united in our mission to thrive and make an impact.
Looking Forward
As BBUGS continues to grow, it remains committed to enriching the graduate student experience beyond formal classes and lab work. The future is bright, filled with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and fun! We encourage you to get involved and be a part of BBUGS as it shapes the next generation of bioengineers and bioscientists!
