UR PDA Executive Committee

 

Erin Davis, SMD Co-Chair

Department: Pediatric Allergy & Immunology
Research Interest: Maternal and infant nutrition, gut microbiome composition, and immune development in early life
Why did you get involved in the PDA? I joined the University in early 2021 – a time when connection among colleagues looked quite different for us all. I became involved with the PDA to meet other postdocs across campus, network with a diverse group of faculty and staff that I may have not otherwise met in my corner of the medical school, and ultimately feel more a part of the University community. Getting to bring together postdocs from all over the world at our events, advocate on behalf of my colleagues, and help to highlight the numerous accomplishments and contributions of postdocs here at UR have been the things that have kept me involved in the committee for the past 3+ years.

Alice Chau, AS&E Co-Chair

Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Research Interest: planet formation and evolution, structure formation
Why did you get involved in the PDA? To help fostering the postdoc community and advocate for it. It is also a lot of fun!
ORCiD  LinkedIn

Soumata Belhadj, Vice Chair (AS&E)

Department: Center for Visual Science/Flaum Eye Institute
Research Interest: retinal physiology and pathology, retinal degeneration, therapy development, stem cell-based therapy, translational research, adaptive optics imaging
Why did you get involved in the PDA? I really appreciate the PDA events/initiatives and wanted to contribute!

Aleksandr Ivanov, Postdoc Engagement and Event Coordinator

Department: Biochemistry and Biophysics department
Research Interest: Research ribosomes and RNA dynamic.
Why did you get involved in the PDA?  I want to be a part of postdoc community. I know that postdocs often is swamped and have side activity than Graduate students and Undergrads. So I believe that I can help with some entertainment for other postdocs.
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Courtney Jackson, Treasurer

Department: Pediatric Allergy & Immunology
Research Interest: Environmental exposure’s impact on Infant immunity
Why did you get involved in the PDA? An opportunity to participate in events that are happening on campus and in the Rochester area as well as connect with other postdocs.

Rosie Lin, Digital Marketing and Communications Officer

Department: School of Nursing
Research Interest: Emotional regulation, older adults, dementia prevention
Why did you get involved in the PDA? Meet new friends and contribute to creating a supportive community. Most importantly... have FUN!!!!

Harshavardhan Lingegowda, Digital Marketing and Communications Officer

Department: Environmental Medicine
Research Interest: Reproductive and immunotoxicology
Why did you get involved in the PDA? I got involved in the postdoc association to connect with fellow researchers, advocate for our needs, and enhance our professional development. It's a fantastic platform to foster collaboration, gain leadership experience, and contribute to a supportive community that drives positive change for postdocs.
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Vikas Arige, Engagement and Events Co-ordinator

Department:  Pharmacology & Physiology
Research Interest: I am currently investigating the basic mechanisms governing the activity of a calcium release channel termed as Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and various human abnormalities arising due to mutations in this protein
Why did you get involved in the PDA? The PDA is a great way to connect, network and hangout with a bunch of enthusiastic colleagues in the same walk of life. Being a member of this diverse (intercontinental) group allowed me to increase my visibility and attend numerous meetings which are honestly beneficial for my professional development.