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Dear Postdoctoral Community,
I am looking forward to our Spring Postdoctoral Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 23. We will recognize the oustanding accomplishments of our postdoctoral community with awards, including postdoc of the year, postdoc mentor of the year, and the postdoc service award. We also recognize one faculty member as faculty mentor of the year. I hope you will consider nominating a fellow postdoc or faculty mentor for one of these awards.
We will also present an inaugural award for Outstanding Campus Partner. This award is to recognize an office that partners with OPA on a variety of events to help engage and connect with our postdoc community.
Additionally, as our Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association starts to plan our 18th Annual Postdoc Symposium, please get involved. The symposium planning committee helps shape the activities of the day and is open to all postdocs.
As a final note, I want to call your attention to the launch of our new Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website. While the information is the same, content layout has been updated and links have changed. I encourage you to visit our new website.
Best,
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C. André Christie-Mizell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Dean of the Graduate School
Centennial Professor of Sociology
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Annual Postdoc Awards Nominations are Open!
Nominations for our annual postdocs awards are now open. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23.
Awards to be presented include:
Postdoc of the Year
Postdoc Mentor of the Year
Postdoc Service Award
Faculty Mentor of the Year
Outstanding Campus Partner Award
For more information on the award criteria, to submit a nomination, or to view past winners, visit the OPA website.
To RSVP to the ceremony on May 23 at 3:00 p.m., click here.
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SAVE THE DATE! VPA 2024 Symposium
Mark it in your calendars! This year, the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association's Symposium will be held in the Student Life Center on Monday, October 14.
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| Symposium Planning Committee: Calling All Postdocs!
The Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association (VPA) is looking for postdocs to join this year’s VPA 2024 Symposium Planning Committee. As a planning committee member, you will have the opportunity to work with other postdocs from VU and VUMC to assist with the planning of the VPA’s largest event. Requirements include attending a 1-hour virtual and some in-person monthly (February to September) and bi-monthly (September-October) meetings to assist with the planning/preparation of the 2024 Symposium, attending the full-day symposium event on Monday, October 14, 2024, and willingness to work in groups to support the Symposium event. This is a 10-month commitment.
For more information on past symposia, please visit the VPA website.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to join the committee, please fill out the RedCap survey using the button below.
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| | February 29: VPA Mentorship Workshop
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| | International Postdoc Tax Workshop
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This workshop will cover tax treaty renewals that took place in November 2023 for 2024 and the requirements for those who qualify. They will also review tax return basics and provide resources for preparation assistance.
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L'Oréal USA for Women in Science Fellowship Program
The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science program awards five women postdoctoral scientists annually with grants of $60,000 each for their contributions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields and commitment to serving as role models for younger generations.
The program has awarded 100 postdoctoral women scientists over $5 million in grants to advance their research and careers.
The L’Oréal USA FWIS Program is seeking five exceptional women scientists to advance their research and serve as role models for the next generation of girls in STEM.
Applications will remain open until February 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Candidates must have completed their PhD and have started their postdoctoral research position by the application deadline. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply.
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| | VPA Happy Hour - February 22 at 5:00 p.m.
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| | V150 Sesquicentennial Scholarship Exhibition
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| | BCC: Black History Month Events
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| The Black Cultural Center is proud to present a comprehensive list of opportunities for the Vanderbilt community to participate in as we celebrate Black History Month. You can find a full list of events here.
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Libraries' Digital Scholarship and Communicatiosn Office (DiSC)
The Libraries’ Digital Scholarship and Communications (DiSC) Office will present a variety of workshops and lesson series this spring to help you build your technical skills. New offerings this spring include an introductory workshop on the popular Python and Colab code notebooks platforms, a lesson series on R using RStudio for data wrangling, statistical analysis and data visualization. Other lesson series that will be offered include an Introduction to Network Analysis, as well as GIS workshops covering the basics of ArcGIS and QGIS. The full list of upcoming GIS workshops can be found below. Many of these lessons are available remotely, with some events also offered in-person. For more detailed information and registration links, visit their website here.
Geocoding
Wednesday, February 7 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library Rom 304
Geocoding is the process of transforming a description of a location—such as a pair of coordinates, an address, or the name of a place—to a location on the earth's surface. You can geocode by entering one location description at a time or by providing many of them at once in a table. Learn how to geocode your data in this workshop. Make your data mapable!
Basic Spatial Statistics
Wednesday, February 14 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library Room 304
Are you ready to elevate your GIS skills to a new level by incorporating the power of spatial statistics? Learn the fundamentals of spatial statistics with an overview of spatial autocorrelation, point pattern analysis, and hot spot analysis.
Getting Started with QGIS
Wednesday, February 21 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library Room 304
In this workshop, you will learn to use raster and vector data in this powerful (free to use) open-source GIS. Users will have a brief introduction to the QGIS interface and will learn basic GIS methods.
Exploring ArcGIS Online (Web Mapping)
Wednesday, February 28 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library Room 304
From webmaps, webapps, dashboards, to Storymaps. See how to make interactive mapping applications can work for your research.
Intro to Remote Sensing (Spatiotemporal Change with Imagery)
Wednesday, March 27 | 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library Room 304
Remote Sensing imagery (satellite, airborne, drone, etc.) can be used for studying change over time on the earth’s surface. Studies in climate change, urban and built environment, and environmental applications often use remote sensing and image analysis to show how the Earth has changed and its implications. This workshop will discuss terminology and how to do a basic image analysis between multiple dates of imagery in ArcPro.
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| | English Language Center Postdoc Workshop Series
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These modules are intended to provide the resources and space for international postdocs to discuss, practice, and ask questions about the postdoc experience in the US. Attendees will have opportunities to meet and interact virtually with other international postdocs, submit materials for individualized feedback, and receive supplementary materials online.
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Graduate and Postdoc Academic SuccessThe Graduate & Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) are here to support graduate students and postdocs with anything that keeps them from doing their best academic work. They provide strategies to address concerns around progress and productivity, as well as, navigating academic relationships. They address your needs through 1-on-1 consultations and success planning sessions. Additionally, both of their staff members are Gallup-Certified Strength Coaches and able to give you access to the CliftonStrengths Assessment to help you accomplish your best work utilizing an authentic approach to who you are and how you show up. If you are interested in meeting with one of the staff members, you can schedule an appointment here. If you ever feel like you are “stuck” in your writing and/or research, we hope that you will reach out and connect with them.
Spring 2024: Weekly "Co-Working" Sessions
The GPAS staff will also be offering weekly 'co-working' sessions through the Spring 2024 term on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall Graduate Student & Postdoc Lounge (Room 100) for anyone to come by and work alongside them. This time can be used for writing, planning or other academic projects. Nick or Stacey will be there to discuss any goals setting or accountability questionsdd you may have. If you are looking for a quiet space to work on projects in the company of colleagues, this is the place to stop in. They will also provide free coffee (and sometimes snacks)! Free writing consultations will be provided by the Writing Studio once a month during the co-working sessions: February 20, March 19, and April 16. See you there!
No registration required.
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| Spring 2024: Peak Performance Series
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This workshop series is designed to promote expert performance by exploring common issues impacting graduate and professional students and postdocs. During each session, we will briefly cover theory and research on the topic and provide a space for attendees to discuss their related experiences and to gain support and consultation.
Both Graduate Students and Postdocs are welcome to register. Sessions held in person only. Space is limited, RSVPs are required.
Motivation, Mindset, & Goal-Setting
Thursday, February 8 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing
This workshop is designed to explore the concepts of motivation and mindset, to share experiences about how they affect our work, and to outline strategies on how to set goals that keep us motivated and productive.
Managing Conflict & Relationships
Thursday, February 22 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing
This workshop is designed to explore conflict within academia, to share experiences about how conflict has affected your work, and to outline strategies on how to navigate academic relationships that foster clear boundaries and expectations.
Performing Under Pressure
Thursday, March 7 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing
This workshop is designed to acknowledge the pressures of academia, to share experiences about how they affect our work, and to outline strategies on how to fight procrastination and increase efficiency in an ever-demanding environment.
Finding Work/Life Balance
Thursday, March 21 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing
This workshop is designed to explore your professional and personal values and responsibilities, to share experiences about how they affect your work, and to outline strategies to ensure that you are giving adequate time to your holistic needs.
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Career CenterThe Career Center supports VU postdocs with the non-academic career exploration and planning of postdoctoral fellows in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences disciplines. At the Career Center, students and postdoctoral fellows learn and explore professional opportunities through internships, career coaching, workshops, career panels, on-campus recruiting, job fairs, and industry-based treks. Currently, Jessica Abner, PhD and Whitney Taylor, PhD serve as the Senior Career Coaches for the postdoctoral population. If you're interested in taking advantage of any of their services, please check out their website for more information and to make an appointment. Additionally, you can attend some of their upcoming events listed on Handshake.
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BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program The BRET Office Career Development ASPIRE Program provides career and professional development services and enrichment activities for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical sciences at VU and VUMC.
Upcoming Events Hosted by the BRET Office of Career Development:
CV/Resumé Drop-In Clinics
Tuesday, February 6 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, February 13 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, February 20 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, February 27 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, March 5 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
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| The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center is an on-campus office and resource to help celebrate and empower women in both their professional and personal aspirations, helping to boast their overall lives as they navigate through their time at Vanderbilt University. You can read more about the Women's Center on their website and by attending some of their upcoming events below!
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| Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center Annual Awards
Please consider nominating a colleague, student, instructor, or administrator for one of the awards given by the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center each spring. Please find more information about the three awards below.
The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center Leadership Award
Annually presented to an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates leadership in activities that contribute to the achievements, interests, and goals of women, or promote gender equity.
The Mentoring Award
Annually presented to an individual who has supported women at Vanderbilt through professional and intellectual development.
The Mary Jane Werthan Award
Annually presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to the advancement of women at Vanderbilt University on a systemic level in honor of Mary Jane Werthan. The award honors three qualities characteristic of the first recipient for whom it is named: vision, persistence, and extraordinary skill in interpersonal and institutional relations. It recognizes the debt that women at Vanderbilt University owe to those individuals who have had the vision to see how things ought to be, the courage to persist in their hopes over time, and the skills necessary to bring new attitudes and practices into being. The Mary Jane Werthan Award offers tribute to the humor, intelligence, and graceful determination of those individuals whose work has enhanced the community.
The deadline for all three awards is Thursday, February 29, 2024. To nominate an individual, please fill out this form.
If you have any questions, please contact Rory Dicker, Director of the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center at rory.dicker@vanderbilt.edu.
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| Now Leasing: The Broadview at Vanderbilt
The Broadview at Vanderbilt's ideal location on Broadway and 20th Avenue in midtown Nashville puts you just 2 blocks from the Vanderbilt campus and half a mile from VUMC, making your commute a breeze!
The Broadview offers brand-new studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment. Each home is outfitted with upscale features and finishes including a fully equipped kitchen, stainless steel appliances, wood-style flooring, in-unit washer/dryer, and private bedrooms and bathrooms.
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| Connect with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
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| Connect with the Vanderbilt Postdoc Association (VPA)
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| Postdoc Spotlight: Katherine Ankenbauer, Ph.D.
Katherine Ankenbauer is a postdoc in Dr. DelGiorno's lab in the Cell & Developmental Biology department at Vanderbilt University where she researches the early events in pancreatic cancer formation. Specifically, her work creates a restorative program that occurs in response to pancreatic injury through pancreatitis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Read more about her work and how she enjoys reading, volunteering, baking and more in her free time in our February postdoc feature here.
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The Career Center is proud to present their free, self-service photo booth. Just step inside, pose, and share!
Located in the Student Life Center, this resource is free and available to the entire Vanderbilt community. The photo booth is available for use anytime the Student Life Center is open. Check out this flyer for more details!
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National Postdoc Association
NPA SmartSkills: The Industry Connection - Advancing Your Research & Career with Collaborative Partnerships
Industry collaboration is becoming a popular avenue for researchers seeking to bolster their funding and expand their programs in commercially applicable directions. Beyond the immediate research benefits, these collaborations provide invaluable industry exposure for your students and postdocs, preparing them for successful careers in the private sector. Join us to learn how to build connections with influential companies and help them see the value your research can being to them. We will outline a detailed plan you can implement to grow your own successful industry collaborations! Register here for the February 27 virtual course.
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| New VPA Slack Channel!
The VPA is revamping the VandyPostdocs Slack channel to foster a vibrant postdoctoral community, with dedicated channels for all general announcements, calendar events for all postdoc-related activities, job postings, social events (both formal and informal), and discussion about anything and everything!
*Must re-signup even if you have previously signed into the former Slack because this is a brand new channel!
How to sign into VandyPostdocs Slack:
- Visit the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Associatiion website.
- Click the link at the bottom (vandypostdocs.slack.com).
- Sign up with your VU or VUMC email.
- Launch Slack in your browser or download the app.
Then you should be all set! Feel free to post a message in any of the channels or request to start a new channel based on an interest you may have.
Important Note:
Must be signed in with VU/VUMC email to access VandyPostdocs Slack workspace.
Explore the VandyPostdocs Slack Channel today and connect with your fellow postdocs. For any assistance, contact the OPA (opa@vanderbilt.edu) or the VPA Community Building Co-Chairs (jayden.lee@vumc.org or yasmina.mekki@vumc.org). Let's build a stronger, more connected postdoc community together!
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| Employee Affinity Groups
Employee Affinity Groups (EAGs) are open to all Vanderbilt employees, regardless of identity. Staff, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars who identify as part of or have a close affinity to these groups are encouraged to attend. You can learn more about which group you identify most with from our options below:
Association of Vanderbilt Black Faculty and Staff (AVBFS)
Women & Working Moms
To learn more about Employee Affinity Groups or to join, visit the EAG website.
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| Nature Masterclass
Nature Masterclasses are developed by Nature Research and provide professional development training for researchers by drawing on the expertise of Nature Research journal editors and experts. Faculty, staff, postdocs, and students of Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are free to sign up at https://masterclasses.nature.com/.
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