The Building 68 Postdoctoral Association (B68-PDA) consists of postdoctoral scholars working to build and maintain a supportive community among fellow postdocs in the MIT Department of Biology. Founded in 2015 and funded by the department, the mission of the B68-PDA is to:
- Foster the Building 68 postdoc community,
- Provide a forum for discussion of postdoc concerns,
- Educate postdocs about topics relevant to their current and future positions,
- Present opportunities for career development,
- Encourage peer support and mentoring, and
- Enhance scientific exchange
Contact
We host a number of monthly events and other initiatives (see below). Email us and follow us on Twitter to find out more or to get involved.
Committees and initiatives
Townhall Meeting
At the beginning of each calendar year, the B68-PDA hosts a townhall meeting inviting all Building 68 postdocs to participate. During this meeting, the B68-PDA provides a summary of last year’s initiatives and activities, explains upcoming plans, and invites discussion and feedback. This meeting defines what initiatives will be taken and maintained by the B68-PDA throughout the year, as well as the topics that the B68-PDA will bring to the department for discussion.
Buddy Program
Every new Building 68 postdoc gets paired with a senior postdoc in the building to introduce them to MIT and connect them to postdocs outside their own labs. The buddies are encouraged to get coffee or lunch together one-on-one. In addition the B68-PDA hosts a larger “buddy lunch” for new and senior postdocs to network with one another.
Career and Networking Lunch Series
This monthly lunch series features postdoc alumni from industry, academia, and other fields who describe their job searches, current positions, and what it is like to no longer be a postdoc. This lunch is a good opportunity to learn about life post-MIT, and ask questions in an informal setting.
Mentoring Circles
We facilitate peer mentoring circles to help Building 68 postdocs build support networks, both during our time at MIT and as we move on to the next stage of our careers. These circles are small groups (roughly four to eight people), which meet twice a month to provide support, career help, and accountability to each other. All are welcome, even if you have just started your postdoc and are only just beginning to think about your career options. To find out more or sign up, just
send us an email.
MIT Biology Colloquia
The B68-PDA is in charge of inviting notable speakers to the Tuesday Biology Colloquia, and hosts these speakers during their visit to the department. This is an opportunity for postdocs to meet and interact with the invited guest during individual meetings, lunch, and dinner. Any postdoc in the department can suggest a speaker, and the choices are then voted on by all postdocs.
Postdoc Work in Progress Seminar (WIPS)
This monthly, internal MIT Biology lunch research seminar series features postdocs from Building 68, the Whitehead Institute, and Koch Institute. WIPS aims to enhance intellectual exchange between Biology postdocs, and encourage discussions about ongoing work, ideas, and challenges in a confidential setting.
Social Events
The B68-PDA hosts cookie hours and happy hours in Building 68 and at the
Muddy Charles Pub to bring postdocs together to chat and connect.
Science Slam
The B68-PDA also co-hosts the annual department
Science Slam in September; any postdoc is eligible to participate in the competition or help coach participants.
Calendar
Co-Chairs
Current Co-Chairs
Michaela Bartusel ● Alexandra Pike
Past Chairs
Isabel Nocedal ● Ana Fiszbein ● Markus Arnold ● Peter Sudmant ● Jeanne Jodoin
Members
Current Members
Dana Westmoreland ● Danica Cui ● Gregory Dodge ● Jennifer Chu ● Jia Jia Zhang ● Laura Caccianini ● Lisa McLellan ● Nat Clarke ● Qing Feng ● Xiaoxue Snow Zhou ● Sri Srikant
Past Members
Isabel Nocedal ● Ana Fiszbein ● Amael Madec ● Vignesh M.P. Babu ● Siva Sankari ● Lydia Herzel ● James Kraemer ● Jean-Marie Swiecicki ● Leah Seebald ● Markus Arnold ● Peter Sudmant ● Julie Silverman ● Jeanne Jodoin ● Yevgenia Khodor ● Jayme Dyer
