About this Site
This page is here to empower you—yes, YOU—first-generation biology students as you navigate your journey at Temple. This platform is designed to answer your questions, offer insights into biology and other academic courses, and support the FGLI (first-generation and/or low-income) community.
My name is Ji Pan, and I serve as the curator of this site, working under the mentorship of Dr. Frank Nelson and with the support of the CST STEM Leadership Program. My aim is to better understand the needs of the first-generation community and offer thoughtful responses to questions regarding finances, academics, and other concerns.
This page had dedicated categories for you to browse about:
- Scholarships and Grants
- Academics
- Networking Opportunities
- Other Events
- Research
- And more
Should you have any questions, you can submit a comment at the end of each post or email ji.pan@temple.edu. You can also suggest topics you would like to see covered!
Like many of you, I am also a first-generation biology student. I grew up in Philadelphia and attended Central High School (280) before moving up to Temple. During my time here, I’ve had numerous experiences I never imagined possible, including:
- Studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic
- Developing my own independent research project
- Fully funding my tuition, research, and study aboard costs through scholarships
I believe that knowledge is the most powerful tool a person can possess. As first-generation students, we often lack the insight to navigate the system effectively, which can lead to missed opportunities and prevent us from reaching our full potential—not because we aren’t capable, but because we didn’t know those opportunities existed. Having gone through various internships and career experiences, I want to share this knowledge to help students shape their futures and unlock the possibilities that can truly elevate their paths.
Furthermore, biology offers students a wealth of opportunities beyond just the field of medicine. As someone applying for a master’s in epidemiology, I want to highlight the diverse career paths available to those who pursue this discipline. It’s important to recognize that our futures aren’t fixed, and the choices we make today don’t limit us from exploring new passions or directions later on. Our lives and careers are ever-evolving, and biology serves as a gateway to countless possibilities.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”—Abraham Lincoln
