|
Dear Postdoctoral Community,
With the fall semester in full swing, I hope you are feeling the excitement. I look forward to all the contributions you will make this year in teaching, mentorship, and discovery.
National Postdoc Appreciation Week will be held the week of September 16-20. This week is a celebration of the many contributions postdocs make to Vanderbilt and the Nashville community. Below, you will find a full line-up of events offered by OPA and other campus partners.
I look forward to celebrating with you!
Best,
| |
|
C. André Christie-Mizell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Dean of the Graduate School
Centennial Professor of Sociology
| |
|
National Postdoc Appreciation WeekSeptember 16-20, 2024
National Postdoc Appreciation Week is a time to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of the postdoc community. There will be many activities throughout the week including our annual picnic.
Complimentary Professional Headshots for Postdocs
Monday, September 16 | 9:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | EBI 1003
Reserve your headshot time here.
Annual Postdoc Family Picnic
Monday, September 16 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Fannie Mae Dees Park
RSVP Required!
Complimentary Professional Headshots for Postdocs
Tuesday, September 17 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | EBI 1003
Reserve your headshot time here.
Free Cookies with the BRET Office
Tuesday, September 17 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Light Hall, North Lobby
Women in the Academy: Expanding Your Network 2.0
Tuesday, September 17 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall 206
Postdoc Coffee & Catered Breakfast
Wednesday, September 19 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | 100 Alumni Lounge
RSVP Here!
OPA at the Farmer's Market
Thursday, September 19 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Medical Center Plaza
VPA 'SpeakEasy' Talk Series
Thursday, September 19 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | 100 Alumni Lounge
RSVP Here!
Group Hike at Edwin Warner Park
| |
| | VPA Symposium: Monday, October 14
| |
|
The 18th Annual Vanderbilt Postdoc Symposium is scheduled for Monday, October 14 in the Student Life Center.
You can register to attend the symposium here. Poster abstracts are still being accepted.
| |
|
Libraries' Digital Scholarship and Communicatiosn Office (DiSC)
The DiSC Office, Digital Commons, and Digital Humanities Center have joined forces in the Libraries’ new Digital Lab. This fall, the Digital Lab is sponsoring a variety of events focused on 'Using Amazon Web Services for Enhancing Digital Projects'. The first day of the workshop will give a beginner’s crash course in cloud engineering and some of the basic AWS services, such as Lambda, S3, DynamoDB, EC2, API Gateway, and Amplify. All of the workshops in this series are free, taking place in-person on September 24, October 1, and October 22 in the Central Library Community Room. For more detailed information and to register, visit there website here.
| |
|
NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career scholars working in critical areas of educational scholarship. Fellows will receive $70,000 for one academic year of research, or $35,000 for each of two contiguous years, working half-time. Fellows attend professional development retreats and receive mentorship from NAEd members and other senior scholars in their field.
Find more information on the fellowship here.
NAEd staff and the Chair of the selection committee are holding a webinar on September 2024 at 12:00 CST. Applicants are urged to attend and ask their questions. Register for the webinar here.
Application deadline: November 7, 2024
| |
|
Self-Paced English Language Center Course
The English Language Center (ELC) will be offering an online, self-paced Academic Communication for Postdocs course during the fall semester. This course is offered by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the ELC. There is no additional charge for the class.
This self-paced course will offer postdocs opportunities to practice academic communication skills to make the most of their postdoctoral experience at Vanderbilt University. This Brightspace course encourages postdocs to sign up for ELC consultations as they move through the material on their own.
This course is open to all international Vanderbilt postdocs. Dual identity is required for VUMC postdocs.
Please register here to enroll in the Brightspace course and gain access to all modules. For questions, contact Jim Cracraft, Associate Director of the English Language Center.
| |
| | d3center invites applications to CATIE: the Comprehensive Program for Adaptive Interventions Training in Education
| |
|
CATIE is a training program for scholars in the education sciences who are interested in constructing interventions that deliver the right treatment at the right time to support the needs of students or education organizations. The program supports CATIE Fellows as they develop initial research concepts into strong proposals for submission to a federal sponsor such as IES or NIH.
Scholars with a doctoral degree interested in learning more about adaptive interventions in education and the use of SMARTs to build high-quality adaptive interventions are encouraged to apply at catie.space/apply.
| |
| Immigration Workshops with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
ISSS and OPA will host mutliple workshops throughout the day on Thursday, November 7 with Attorney Dan Oldenburg to discuss a variety of immigration topics as it relates to international postdocs and employees. These workshops will be in-person in Alumni Hall Lounge (Alumni 100). All sessions will be recorded to be made available for those unable to attend day of.
More information will be forthcoming closer to the date.
| |
| Flulapalooza: September 27
Flulapalooza® XII will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the tent behind Light Hall.
For more information on the days events or to receive a flu vaccine at a satellite location on a different date, please visit the website here for more information.
TIPS:
- Wear short sleeves or have sleeves rolled up
- Don't forget your VU or VUMC ID badge
- Stagger staff participation to avoid delays or bottlenecks
- Food and drink are not allowed in the tent
| |
|
The VPA is looking for current Vanderbilt Postdocs to serve as mentors for their new Postdoc BuddyProgram!
The goal of this program is to systematically match new, incoming postdocs with current Vandy postdocs based on multiple factors that the buddies deem fruitful for a match to help build a supportive, welcoming community! As a current postdoc, your insight about Nashville and Vanderbilt will serve as a key resource to those who are transitioning into new positions. Remember that one hour of support/advice from a peer is worth more than 100s of pages of Word documents with lists of resources!
This is an excellent way to gain mentorship and academic leadership experience. We encourage our buddies to meet at least once during the new postdoc’s transition to Vanderbilt (virtually or in-person at one of the VPA sponsored events!). Otherwise, the mentor buddy will serve as a point of contact for incoming postdocs for any informal questions, advice, and support! The VPA will check in with mentor buddies each quarter to give volunteers the opportunity to recommit to an additional semester.
To get started, please complete this quick survey located here.
The VPA team will notify you as soon as possible, when you have been matched with an incoming postdoc!
| |
|
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.
| |
| Fall 2024: Peak Performance Series
| |
|
Peak Performance is a collaboration between GPAS and the Center for Student Wellbeing. This workshop series is designed to promote expert performance by exploring common issues impacting graduate and professional students and postdocs in a small group setting.
Both Graduate Students and Postdocs are welcome to register. Sessions held in person only. Space is limited, RSVPs are required. Lunch will be provided to registered participants.
Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome
Tuesday, October 1 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing
This workshop is designed to explore the concepts of how perfectionism and imposter syndrome affect graduate students and postdocs in academia - and strategies for making progress.
Motivation, Mindset, and Goal Setting
Tuesday, October 22 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing
This workshop is designed to explore the concepts of how motivation and mindset impact our ability to make progress and strategies for goal setting and managing productivity through setbacks.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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, September 10 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, September 17 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, September 24 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
| |
| 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!
| |
| Work-Life WorkshopsMy Body Is My Ally:
Engaging Radical Self-Love through Compassion and Mindfulness
| |
| Parenting GroupFostering Independence: How to Empower Children to Thrive
| |
| Women in the AcademyGetting Connected: Expanding Your Network 2.0
| |
| 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.
| |
|
| Connect with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
| |
| Connect with the Vanderbilt Postdoc Association (VPA)
| |
| Postdoc Spotlight: Yelena Doe, Ph.D.
Yelena Doe is a postdoc in the Department of Teaching & Learning at Vanderbilt University where she instructs in the Day of Discovery (DoD) program that engages middle school students in high level science, imparts them with skills relevant for success in advanced STEM courses, and exposes them to the everyday working habits of researchers, scientists, and engineers. This program is run by the Collaborative for STEM Education & Outreach (CSEO). This type of works allows Yelena to both learn with and from her students in the classroom by utilizing hands on approaches and techniques to help these rising researchers further along in their fields. Read more about her work and her path to teaching and outreach in our September postdoc feature here.
| |
|
2023-2024 Annual Report
This past year marked the 150 anniversary of Vanderbilt University. This sesquicentennial year was an exciting year for the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. During the 2023–2024 academic year, the OPA worked closely with postdocs, campus partners, faculty, and staff to ensure postdoctoral fellows received support during their postdoctoral training.
| |
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!
| |
| Holy Days CalendarAs a reminder, the Vanderbilt Holy Days Calendar provides a broad list of major holy days throughout the year and includes recommended accommodations for community members observing each holy day. For more information, please read the communication here.
| |
|
National Postdoc Association
NPA SmartSkills: Advocating for Public Policy
In this session, Richard Watkins, Ph.D., will discuss how everyone desires effective policy, but few truly understand the intricate process of crafting and passing legislation that shapes policy. Even fewer possess the determination needed to drive change. Advocacy and public policy are crucial components in the broader landscape of power dynamics. Embracing the adage that knowledge is power, the NPA invites attendees to recognize their potential to influence public policy and realize they are far from powerless in enacting change. Register here for the September 24 virtual course.
| |
| Join 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 (alicia.cronin@vumc.org or ilkin.safa@vumc.org). Let's build a stronger, more connected postdoc community together!
| |
| 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.
| |
| 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/.
| |
|
