National Postdoc Appreciation Week is next week, September 16-20. 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 and other campus partners have curated many events throughout the week. We look forward to seeing you. A full list of events can be found below.
In addition, the National Postdoc Association (NPA) has many virtual events, 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 16
Complimentary Headshots for Postdocs
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | E. Bronson Ingram MPR 1003
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
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | 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.
Tuesday, September 17
Complimentary Headshots for Postdocs
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | E. Bronson Ingram MPR 1003
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 Cookies from Crumbl with the BRET Office
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Light Hall, North Lobby
Come grab a free cookie from Crumbl! Please join our colleagues in the BRET Office for some delicious cookies.
Women in the Academy: Expanding Your Network 2.0
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Alumni Hall Reading Room (206)
Please join the Women's Center and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for a workshop that offers a chance for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers to reflect on the ways that gender affects their professional experiences in the academy.
Wednesday, September 18
Coffee & Catered Breakfast with OPA
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | 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 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to enjoy some hot coffee and a complimentary breakfast catered by Panera before you get your day started. Space is limited, RSVPs are required.
This breakfast will be sponsored by Proteintech.
Thursday, September 19
OPA at the Farmer's Market
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Medical Center Plaza
In partnership with the Nashville Farmers Market, this weekly event provides individuals connected with VU and VUMC an opportunity to support local businesses, explore diverse cuisines, and cultivate connections within the community. As part of the National Postdoc Appreciation Week, OPA will be at the Farmer's Market giving away free gear and coffee from one of our local shops here in Nashville, Surefire Coffee Co.
VPA 'Speak Easy' Talk Series
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
All postdocs are invited to the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association's (VPA) talk series, the 'Speak Easy'! Fellow postdocs will give a 10-minute peer presentation on their research in a fun and casual setting to help hone communication and presentation skills. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Please note that RSVPs are requested so 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 or complete this survey.
Friday, September 20
Group Hike at Edwin Warner Park
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Warner Park Nature Center
Help us wrap up National Postdoc Appreciation Week by meeting at the Warner Park Nature Center for an easy loop trail with your fellow postdocs. Please note that no dogs are allowed, 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. More details for those interested in participating in the carpool will be forthcoming. RSVPs are required, regardless if you plan on utilizing the carpool.
Please reach out to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you next week!
