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UC celebrates National Postdoc Appreciation Week

The University of Cincinnati has a long list of events lined up to honor its postdoctoral fellows as colleges across the country celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week.
kenneysn@ucmail.uc.edu (Stephen Kenney) | Thu, Sep 19, 2024

While postdoctoral fellows work year-round to advance research at the University of Cincinnati, they’re especially honored during National Postdoc Appreciation Week.

This event, lasting from Sept. 16 to 21, is packed with opportunities for Bearcat postdocs to showcase their research and highlight its far-reaching impacts.

Below are a few ways UC is honoring its talented postdoctoral researchers. From high-profile speakers and networking events to pitch competitions, there’s no shortage of events during National Postdoc Appreciation Week in Cincinnati.

Celebrating Cincinnati’s postdocs

Peruse the list below to learn about opportunities tailored specifically for UC’s postdocs:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 18: For those willing to travel, the Society of Postdoctoral Scholars at the University of Kentucky is hosting a free, full-day event in Lexington. The theme is “finishing strong,” and the event includes a keynote speech, career panels and poster competitions. Learn more about the Research and Career Symposium at the society website.
  • Thursday, Sept. 19: Dr. Sarah Hokanson, co-founder of the Postdoc Academy, will speak to UC students about defining their own expectations and taking ownership of their careers. Attendees should plan to arrive no later than 9 a.m. in room S1.203 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
  • Thursday, Sept. 19: A networking poster session for UC postdocs will run from 2 to 4 p.m. in the CARE/Crawley Building’s atrium. Participants must register by 8 a.m. on Sept. 18 and should come with a 48-by-96-inch presentation poster board.
  • Friday, Sept. 20: Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, the president of Northern Kentucky University and a UC alumna, will speak about her career path and lessons from the journey. Postdocs hoping to attend should arrive at room 160 in UC’s College of Law by 12:45 for the hourlong session.
  • Friday, Sept. 20: Following Dr. Thompson’s speech will be a pitch competition where postdocs have three minutes to explain their research and its impact. Winners of the “People’s Choice Award” will earn $500 while other prizes will be handed out during a networking session that follows.
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: The UC Graduate College will celebrate Family Weekend with games, music and food from 9 a.m. to noon at Van Wormer Hall. The event will provide networking opportunities and let postdocs learn about additional resources at UC. Families are encouraged to join but note that reservations are required for all attendees.

Poster and pitch competitions require advance registration, so sign up ahead of time if you’re planning on participating in them. Head to UC’s full Postdoc Appreciation Week schedule for additional events, from professional headshots and town halls to free breakfasts.

Postdoctoral fellows aren’t always discussed, but they make significant impacts on research and progress at UC. From performing in-depth research to taking on teaching roles, postdocs play a huge role in advancing UC’s innovation agenda.

Caitie Norrie headshot

Caitie Norrie. Photo/Provided

Caitie Norrie, a program manager for graduate student professional development at UC, said she is excited to celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week “because it uplifts a group of professionals who work incredibly hard and whose work may not always be recognized.

“Postdocs are essential to UC as we grow and expand our opportunities, bringing diverse knowledge from all around the world and supporting the efforts of the innovative research going on,” she said.

Employers are often impressed by the forward-thinking research stemming from UC’s postdocs. Because of this, many tap into Bearcat talent by setting up shop at the 1819 Innovation Hub, a collaborative environment where UC’s skilled researchers can connect with leading companies.

Ultimately, the best way for UC’s postdoctoral fellows to highlight their research is by showcasing it. Whether that’s at an event during National Postdoc Appreciation Week or by pitching it via the Venture Lab, postdocs have plenty of chances to shine at UC.

Featured image at top: Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Taejong Song performs research at UC. Photo/Colleen Kelley

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