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Dear Postdoctoral Community,
I hope your summer has been relaxing and productive. With the fall semester quickly approaching, please note the exciting events and opportunities listed in the body of this newsletter.
I am also pleased to share our 2022-2023 Annual Report. This year was filled with growth and new opportunities for our postdoctoral fellows. The annual report highlights our collective accomplishments as well as my vision for the future.
In recognition of your contributions to Vanderbilt, our postdoc community will be celebrating National Postdoc Appreciation Week, September 18-22. I hope to see you at one of our many events during this celebration, including the Annual Postdoc Family Picnic or by getting a professional headshot.
In collaboration with the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association (VPA), we will host our 17th Annual VPA Symposium on Friday, November 17. More details to come.
Lastly, please join me in extending a warm welcome to our 2023-2024 VPA Executive Committee Members. You can learn more about them below and by visiting the VPA website here.
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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National Postdoc Appreciation WeekSeptember 18-22, 2023
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
Tuesday, September 19 | 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall 206Reserve your headshot time here.
Wellness Workshop: Creating Harmony Within Your World
Wednesday, September 20 | 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | 100 Alumni LoungeRSVP Here!
Complimentary Professional Headshots for Postdocs
Wednesday, September 20 | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall 206
Reserve your headshot time here.
Massage Chairs for Postdocs
Friday, September 22 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall 206
Sign-up link to reserve your slot is forthcoming.
For the Love of Ice Cream Social
Friday, September 22 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall Terrace
RSVP Here!
More events are being planned! Keep an eye on our September newsletter for more ways to get involved and added events! For up to date information on events, please visit our website.
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English Language Center Course for Postdocs
The English Language Center (ELC) will be offering Academic Communication for Postdocs during the fall semester. The course is offered as a service of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the ELC. There is no additional charge to you for the class.
This course will offer postdoctoral scholars and researchers opportunities to practice academic communication skills to make the most of their postdoctoral experience at Vanderbilt University. The course content includes various aspects of oral communication in an academic setting, including making small talk with colleagues, joining group discussions, practicing job talks, and discussing research to different types of audiences. This course is highly interactive so that postdocs will have plenty of opportunities to practice speaking and receive individualized feedback on assignments. Postdocs will also learn about expectations for postdocs, cross-cultural considerations, and navigating professional relationships.
The course begins the week of August 28 and ends the week of November 20. The class will be held on Thursdays from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in Featherington Hall 211. Please sign up now to reserve your spot.
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Vanderbilt Postdoc Association Executive Board
Thank you for taking the time to nominate and vote for your Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association Executive Board.
The VPA Executive Board for 2023-2024 is:
President: Tor Nasci
Vice President: Katie Young
Community Building Co-Chairs: Jayden Lee & Yasmina Mekki
Postdoc Advocacy & EDI Co-Chairs: Haya Hayek & Vanessa Cerda
Scholarly Advancement Co-Chairs: Lidiana de Moraes & Madeline Searcy
Career Development Co-Chairs: Abdul-Musawwir All Oluwafuyi & Taseer Ahmad
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| | VPA Symposium: Friday, November 17
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| The 17th Annual Vanderbilt Postdoc Symposium is scheduled for Friday, November 17 in the Student Life Center.
You can register to attend the symposium here. You can submit your interest to present a poster presentation or give a lightning round talk when you register.
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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.
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Write On!
Do you want to make more progress toward your writing goals every semester? Write On! includes programming to help you set achieveable goals, establish routines, and meet deadlines within a framework of support and accountability within the Vanderbilt community. The goal is to help graduate students and postdocs develop a daily writing habit that will benefit them in their academic career at Vanderbilt and beyond, through:
- Matching you with a writing accountability group
- Guided programming from campus and online resources
- Monthly check-ins for goal setting and progress
Applications Due August 25!
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1-1 Meetings
1-1 Meetings with Stacey and Nick will be offered throughout the summer. Please feel free to reach out or connect as needed. The schedule is listed above on their flyer, but you can also sign up using their online calendar here.
Weekly "Co-Working" Sessions
The GPAS staff will also be offering weekly 'co-working' sessions on Wednesdays between 10:00AM and 11:30AM (Stacey) and on Thursdays between 2:00PM and 3:30PM (Nick) 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 & Stacey will begin each session with setting goals for the time and provide free coffee! If you are interested in participating in these sessions via Zoom, please contact Nick or Stacey directly to set those up.
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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:
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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.
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| Now Leasing: The Broadview at Vanderbilt
The Broadview at Vanderbilt has recently expanded its eligibility to include Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center postdoctoral fellows. The Broadview'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!
Be one of our first residents to live in a 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: Tor Nasci, Ph.D.
Tor Nasci is a postdoc in Nephrology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center studying the mechanisms of sex differences in the prevalence of kidney disease and hypertension. Read about their work and how they spends their free time tending to their garden, hiking with their dog, and getting outside on the local lakes kayaking or fishing in our August postdoc feature here.
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Save the Date! 2023 Postdoc Symposium
The 2023 Postdoc Symposium will take place on Friday, November 17 in the Student Life Center.
For more information on past symposia, please visit the VPA website.
Get involved by joining the Symposium Planning Committee.
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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: Professional Networking in the Digital Age
In today's digital world, professional network has become essential for career success. This workshop will provide participants with valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate the digital landscape and build a strong professional network. Postdocs will learn how to create a compelling online presence that showcases their skills and expertise, attracting relevant connections. They will also discover how to tap into digital networks to uncover job opportunities and foster professional growth. Register here for the August 22 virtual course.
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Libraries' Digital Scholarship and Communications 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. For more detailed information and registration links, visit their website here.
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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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