Executive Board

Florencia Anunziata, Ph.D. - Chair and Recording Secretary

fanunziata@health.ucsd.edu

Department: Pediatrics

My research in 12 words or less: Exploring the effects of alcohol use on pregnancy and infant outcomes.

Favorite thing about the PDA: Opportunity to collaborate with fellow postdocs, network with scientific associations, and support others navigating the uncertainties of this transitional career phase.

Favorite quote: "A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is not what it is built for." - John A. Shedd

Mahsa Pourhamzeh, Ph.D. – Deputy Chair

mpourhamzeh@health.ucsd.edu

Department: Pathology

My research in 12 words or less: Understanding the mechanisms underlying synaptic loss in neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular focus on prion disease.

Favorite thing about the PDA: Working with the PDA is a joy. What I love most about the PDA is the sense of teamwork and the shared passion for the growth of our diverse community of postdoctoral scholars. The PDA is a dynamic network that enables us to create initiatives that positively impact the lives and careers of postdocs, fostering a stronger, more vibrant community at UCSD. It's amazing to be part of this community!

Favorite quote: "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts". - Winston Churchill

Priyanka Ph.D. – Deputy Chair

fpriyanka@health.ucsd.edu

Department: Medicine

My research in 12 words or less: I am trying to understand transcription regulation and its complexity in human diseases.

Favorite thing about the PDA: Is to make new connections and network, and joining as a PDA board member will allow me to directly reach out to fellow postdocs and graduate students with various career opportunities available for us at different stages.

Favorite quote:  “Life should be great rather than long”- Dr. BR Ambedkar

Celeste Allaband, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Career development

callaband@gmail.com

Department: Pediatrics

I am so excited to serve as the new Vice Chair of Career Development Programs and help with the annual PDA STEM Career Symposium. I have had a non-traditional career path and plan to bring my varied experiences to the role. Looking forward to working with Exposure to Industry and Outreach & Teaching Committees as well as the GSA to help us all have the careers we want.

Oscar Vila-Dieguez, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Career development

oviladieguez@ucsd.edu

Department: Orthopedic Surgery

Having navigated multiple international research systems, I joined the PDA Board to help fellow postdocs find clarity and confidence in their career paths. I aim to strengthen programming that supports transitions into research, industry, or clinical careers.

Parham Hadikhani, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Community Engagement

hparham@health.ucsd.edu

Department: Pediatrics

I am thrilled to support postdocs through engagement and community development. I hope to help make UCSD a more connected and inclusive environment for postdocs by creating opportunities to come together—whether through social gatherings, wellness activities, or culturally enriching events.

Daniel Stehle, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Community and Engagement

Ingrid Rivera-Iñiguez, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Marketing and Communication

iriverainiguez@health.ucsd.edu

Department: Pediatrics

My research in 12 words or less: I study the different factors that influence eating behavior and conduct clinical trials that could help people to have a healthier lifestyle.

Favorite thing about the PDA: I like being part of a community that is willing to share, help others, work as a team to impulse other postdocs. 

Favorite quote: "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Debbie K. Ledezma, Ph.D., Co-vice Chair of Outreach and Teaching

dledezma@ucsd.edu

Department: Cellular and Molecular Medicine

I’m excited to join the PDA Board to help create authentic, meaningful outreach and teaching opportunities for postdocs here at UCSD. Over the past year, it’s become clear that a significant gap exists between scientists and the broader public in understanding the value of our research. I hope to help bridge this gap by organizing events and initiatives that encourage postdocs to engage more actively with the community and share their science in interactive ways.

Corine McCoy, Ph.D., Co-vice Chair of Outreach and Teaching

c2moeller@health.ucsd.edu

Department: Cellular and Molecular Medicine

As a researcher and educator, I joined the PDA Board to expand inclusive teaching and career development opportunities for postdocs. I’m especially committed about supporting diverse learners and building equitable pathways into teaching-focused careers. During my 2025–2026 term, I hope to strengthen collaborations with local institutions, expand outreach and teaching resources, and help postdocs access meaningful, equity-centered teaching experiences across San Diego.

Favorite quote: You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.” – E.O. Wilson

Yasmin Kassim, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Exposure to Industry Program

ykassim@UCSD.EDU

Department: Cell and Developmental Biology

I am very interested in strengthening the relationships between academia and industry and helping to prepare students and postdocs for successful transitions into industry roles. With two years of prior experience in the biotech industry, I hope to share practical insights and bridge knowledge gaps. I am also eager to help organize events and connect with industry leaders to provide students and postdocs with greater exposure and opportunities for professional growth.

Amit Khurana, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Exposure to Industry Program

a2khurana@ucsd.edu

Name and Position: Amit Khurana, Co-Vice Chair of Exposure to Industry Program

Department: Pediatrics

My research in 12 words or less: I use pharmacological approaches to discover therapeutics for chronic liver diseases.

Favorite thing about the PDA: Networking with fellow postdocs having unique experiences and creating awareness about personal interests, valuing diverse exposures and making informed decisions for a joyful career.  

Favorite quote: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for man". Colossians 3:23, The Holy Bible

Jonathan R. Dickey, PhD, Co-vice Chair of Inclusion and Belonging

jrdickey@UCSD.EDU

Department: 

Throughout my tenure as Vice Chair of Inclusion and Belonging, I will aim to conserve the themes, goals and initiatives of UCSD’s Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB). Here, I will focus on postdoctoral scholar priorities and work in partnership with the EDIB office and relevant campus stakeholders. I aim to work with you, our postdoctoral community, to communicate the EDIB’s goals, facilitate event planning for more inclusive spaces, and assist in teaching and outreach as opportunities arise.

Ammal Abbasi, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Co-vice Chair of Inclusion and Belonging

a1abbasi@ucsd.edu

Department: Cellular and Molecular Medicine

As an international postdoctoral fellow, I understand the vital role community plays for those far from home, whether domestic or international, in fostering connection and support. In the coming year, I aim to create inclusive events and platforms that build a strong, welcoming community where postdocs can share experiences, collaborate, and thrive.

Mark Wiley, Ph.D., Co-Vice Chair of Wellness & Sustainability

mbwiley@health.ucsd.edu

Department: Medicine

Throughout my research training career I have held several diverse positions where I was involved in student affairs, budgetary committees, and DEI activities. This will be my first opportunity to contribute to Wellness and Sustainability which I am deeply passionate about. I hope to increase wellness opportunities for postdocs at UCSD and to improve sustainable waste removal while serving as the Vice Chair of Wellness and Sustainability.

Heather Dillon, Career and Professional Development Program Manager

hadillon@ucsd.edu

Department: Office of Postdoctoral and Research Scholar Affairs

My research in 12 words or less: Develop, coordinate, and present professional development workshops, programs, and seminars for postdoctoral trainees.

Favorite thing about the PDA: Working with our talented and dedicated team to enhance the postdoctoral community at UC San Diego by provide opportunities for networking, socializing, and career development.

Favorite quote: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou

Your Name Here!

We are always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a part of the 2021-2022 Executive Board, it all starts by attending our monthly Postdoc Association Lunch. Find more about becoming a volunteer.