Meet the Members of the UT Postdoc Association Leadership Team
This year, we are happy to announce that our Postdoc Association Leadership Team will be sponsored to attend the 2025 National Postdoctoral Association Conference in March. We are so proud to have this group advocating for the UT postdoc community.
Learn more about this team below and they believe a university level Postdoc Association is important:
Dr. Lydia Mabel Okabe, College of Liberal Arts, African and African Diaspora Studies, Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis (IUPRA). Often caught in the 'in-between,' a university postdoc association offers valuable knowledge by providing essential resources, fostering opportunities for collaboration, and, most importantly, creating a supportive community. This network helps postdocs navigate the unique challenges they face while preparing to transition into industry or faculty roles.
Dr. Chelsea Webber, College of Natural Sciences, Department of Neuroscience. She is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Jon Pierce's lab in the Neuroscience Department exploring the molecular-genetic basis of immune cell activation in C.elegans. Her research focuses on the macrophage-like coelomocytes and their activation in response to different stressors, including alcohol. She is excited to help build the UT Austin Postdoc Association to strengthen the bonds between postdocs, UT Austin, and neighboring institutions and to ensure that all postdocs receive the training they need and desire.
Dr. Muhammad Waqas Ishaq, College of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, is a postdoctoral researcher working at the interface of chemistry and biology to develop advanced biomaterials for drug delivery and immunotherapy. His research explores how polymer architecture, carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions, and molecular design influence biological function. He believes a strong university-level postdoc association is crucial for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, professional growth, and a supportive community for early-career researchers.
Dr. Mohammed Shakeel Abid, Cockrell School of Engineering, Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on Climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure through the advancement of unsaturated soil mechanics and geosynthetic applications. He believes a university-level Postdoc Association plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, professional development, and creating a sense of community among postdocs. It provides a platform for networking, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, allowing postdocs from diverse disciplines to support and learn from each other. Additionally, it serves as an advocate for postdoctoral researchers, helping address key concerns related to career development, funding opportunities, and overall well-being. Being part of such an initiative is a great opportunity to contribute to strengthening the postdoc experience at UT Austin.
