Postdoc Association: Committees

DESCRIPTION
The heart and soul of the  postdoc community. We're on a mission to foster a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and mutual support among postdoctoral researchers at the University of Virginia.

ACTIVITIES

• Monthly informal happy hours (every third Thursday)
• Social trips including river trip, hiking, movie night, game night

GET INVOLVED
Join the Community Building Committee and become an integral part of our mission to create an empowering postdoc family. Your involvement will help us strengthen bonds, uplift spirits, and create a sense of unity that transcends the confines of academic research.
 
Together, we can build a community that not only supports your academic endeavors but also enriches your personal and professional life. To join or learn more about the Community Building Committee or join us, please contact Matthew Korban at [email protected].

DESCRIPTION
The primary role of this committee is to provide opportunities for professional advancement.

Goals of the Professional Development Committee: This group will focus on expanding professional development opportunities, including building professional networks, developing research and communication skills, and preparing for long-term career success in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs.  
 
ACTIVITIES
Headshots during National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW)
 
Research symposium
 
Career advising through PhD +
 
Networking opportunities

GET INVOLVED
Join the Professional Development Committee to help us create a space to embark on a transformative journey of growth and self-discovery. Your dedication to learning and self-improvement is the key to unlocking a future brimming with possibilities. To join or learn more about the Professional Development Committee, please contact Elizabeth Uzzell at [email protected].

Together, let's pave the way to a brighter, more accomplished future within the UVA postdoc community.

DESCRIPTION
The UVA Postdoc Association actively supports the Black Lives Matter movement and other marginalized or oppressed communities in the Greater Charlottesville Area (GCA). As researchers and educators, we have a responsibility to re-educate ourselves on issues of racism and suppression, particularly in our community and areas of study. We also believe we have a valuable opportunity to serve our community by organizing science outreach and educational activities.

ACTIVITIES
The goal of the UVA Postdoc Association’s Diversity and Community Outreach Committee is to empower postdocs to be a positive force for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our activities include EMRG (the Equity Minded Reading Group), organizing educational tours such as the Holsinger Studio Gallery and Memorial to Enslaved Laborers tours, and hosting community service programs such as the Self-Care and Giving Initiative for BIPOC Mental Health Awareness month.

GET INVOLVED
Join the Diversity & Outreach Committee to be part of a dynamic group that champions inclusivity and community engagement. Whether you're passionate about cultural exchange, education, or advocating for underrepresented voices, your contributions can help us create a more diverse and vibrant postdoc experience.
 
By joining forces, we can weave a tapestry of perspectives that enriches our academic journey and contributes to a more equitable future. To join or learn more about the Diversity & Outreach Committee, please contact Susan Doyle at [email protected].

The UVA PDA Resources and Communications Committee’s mission is three-fold:

• To work with all the other committees and the PDA chairs to facilitate the function of the PDA, and to ensure that its vision, goals and activities are communicated to all UVA postdocs in an efficient and timely manner, through Slack, e-mail and on our website.
• To maintain a social media presence that relies to the world the mission and accomplishments of UVA Postdocs, through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
• To establish and maintain a two-sided communication channel between the PDA and the UVA postdoc community at large. Thanks to this interaction, we will listen to all the suggestions from the UVA Postdoc community and work to enhance the overall quality of life of postdocs by identifying and minimizing obstacles that may fall outside the missions of other committees. 

ACTIVITIES

• Postdoc Spotlights for the National Postdoc Appreciation Week
• PDA e-mails and Slack communications
• Website management
• Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn updates
• Responding to suggestions in the Slack channel facilitated for that goal and generating resources to reduce the obstacles that postdocs at UVA may face, which fall outside the work of other committees 

GET INVOLVED
The Resources and Communications Committee is a fast-paced, dynamic committee, which allows a lot of opportunities and freedom to use your creativity to find innovative solutions for problems relating to postdocs’ life at UVA.

To join or learn more about the Resources & Communications Committee, please contact Gislane De Almeida (Social Media Manager) at [email protected] or Irene Sanchez (Digital Media Manager) at [email protected].

DESCRIPTION
The Advocacy Committee is dedicated to representing the needs, interests, and concerns of the postdoctoral community at UVA and, potentially, beyond. We believe that every postdoc deserves a supportive environment to thrive in their academic, professional, and personal pursuits. Our committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that your voice is heard and your needs are addressed.

ACTIVITIES
Amplifying Your Voice: We serve as a bridge between postdocs and the administration, advocating for positive changes that enhance your postdoc experience. We actively seek feedback from postdocs to identify challenges, concerns, and areas for improvement.

Policy Advocacy: Our committee works to influence policies that directly impact postdoctoral researchers. From negotiating benefits and compensation to addressing work-life balance issues, we strive to create a fair and inclusive environment that supports your well-being and success.

GET INVOLVED
Join the Advocacy Committee to be part of the team that will shape the postdoc experience at UVA. As a member, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to positive change, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate with fellow postdocs who are passionate about advocating for a brighter future.

By standing together, we can drive impactful changes and ensure that the UVA postdoc community thrives. Join us in making a difference today!

For inquiries or to join the Advocacy Committee, please message Billy at [email protected].