National Postdoc Appreciation Week is coming up next week, September 18-22. This is a week to celebrate the vital contributions that postdocs make to the Vanderbilt community through research, scholarship, and teaching.
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs along with other campus partners have curated many events throughout the week and look forward to seeing you. A full list of events can be found below.
In addition, the National Postdoc Association (NPAW) has many virtual events throughout the week, including a keynote presentation on challenges early career researchers face, wellness workshops, and career panels. More information on these events can be found here.
Monday, September 18
Refreshments & Research Support with the Career Center
11:00AM - 1:00PM | Student Life Center, 2nd Floor
Stop by the Student Life Center and learn more about how the Career Center can help you meet your research goals. You will receive information on various resources and tips available to you as a postdoc through the Career Center, including the 'Design Your Life' tools for planning and goal setting. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. No RSVP required, this is a 'drop-in' event.
Help us kick off National Postdoc Appreciation Week by meeting at the Radnor Lake (West Lot) parking lot for an easy 2.8 mile nature hike around Radnor Lake with your fellow postdocs.
Please note that no dogs are allowed on the trail, so leave your furry friends at home! For those who do not have their own transportation, we will be coordinating a carpool to the trailhead from campus and back. For more details on those interested in participating in the carpool can email opa@vanderbilt.edu for pick up time and location. RSVP are required, regardless if you plan on utilizing the carpool.
Tuesday, September 19
Complimentary Headshots for Postdocs
12:00PM - 5:00PM | Alumni Hall 206
Photographer Mackenzie LaRoe will be shooting complimentary headshots for the postdoc community. Make an appointment for a new or updated headshot. To pick your preferred time slot, please register here.
Annual Postdoc Family Picnic
5:00PM-7:00PM | Fannie Mae Dees Park ("Dragon Park")
Postdocs and their families are invited to a picnic at Fannie Mae Dees Park (also known as the “the dragon park”). We look forward to a family-friendly event and seeing you in person! Please RSVP here so we have an accurate count for food; please note any food allergies/restrictions.
Wednesday, September 20
Complimentary Headshots for Postdocs
8:00AM - 1:00PM | Alumni Hall 206
Photographer Mackenzie LaRoe will be shooting complimentary headshots for the postdoc community. Make an appointment for a new or updated headshot. To pick your preferred time slot, please register here.
Free Treats at the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center
9AM - 11:30AM | 2034D Vanderbilt Place, Franklin House
Wellness Workshop: Creating Harmony Within Your World
3:30PM - 4:30PM | Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
Join the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and the Graduate and Postdoctoral Academic Success (GPAS) program for a conversation on integrating time and space for self-care and self-reflection within your postdoctoral research. Leave our workshop with tangible strategies on living the life you deserve. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. RSVPs are required.
Thursday, September 21
Coffee & Catered Breakfast with OPA
9:00AM - 11:00AM | Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
We will be hosting a coffee and catered breakfast from Panera in the Graduate Student Lounge of Alumni Hall on Thursday morning to celebrate all of our new and current postdocs across VU and VU. Stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to enjoy some hot coffee and a complimentary breakfast catered by Panera before you get your day started. Space is limited, RSVP are required.
VPA 'Speak Easy' Talk Series
5:00PM - 6:30PM | Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
All postdocs are invited to the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association's (VPA) scientific talk series, the 'Speak! Fellow postdocs will give a 10-minute peer presentation on their research in a fun and more casual setting to help hone those communication and presentation skills. Appetizers and cocktails will be provided. Please note that RSVP are required so that we can have an accurate head count for the event. if you are interested in sharing your own scientific story, please contact the VPA at postdoc@vanderbilt.edu.
Friday, September 22
Chair Massages for Postdocs
12:00PM - 2:00PM | Alumni Hall 206
Take some time to relax with a 10-minute chair massage provided by Revigorate. Space is limited, please reserve your preferred time slot here.
For the Love of Ice Cream Social
3:00PM - 5:00PM | Alumni Hall Terrace
Join OPA and close out the week playing fun games such as corn hole, bananagrams, code names, and much more with your fellow postdocs while enjoying free ice cream on Alumni Hall Terrace. RSVP are required, so please register at the link here. We look forward to wrapping up National Postdoc Appreciation Week with you over some sweet treats and games! If there is rain, we will move inside to Alumni Hall Lounge (100).
Please reach out to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you next week!
