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Viktoria Steck, Ph.D. - Chair and Recording Secretary
vsteck@ucsd.edu
Department: Scripps Institution of Oceanography
My research in 12 words or less: I study the role of metalloenzyme transformations within the marine microbial phosphorus cycle.
Favorite thing about the PDA:Meeting new people, solving escape rooms with fellow postdocs, and creating science outreach and teaching engagement opportunities.
Favorite quote: "You can only see from where you're standing." - One of my good friends -
Eshani Hettiarachchi, Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of Marketing and Communication
Department: Chemistry and BiochemistryMy research in 12 words or less: What’s the role of dust in reactions of atmospheric gases?Favorite thing about the PDA: Science outreach opportunities and working with likeminded postdocsFavorite quote: “Even if I am dying, until I actually die, I am still living” – Paul Kalanithi, When Breath Become Air -
Tyler Bell, Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of Marketing and Communication
trbell@health.ucsd.edu
Department: Psychiatry
My research in 12 words or less: I study how chronic pain leads to cognitive decline and dementia.Favorite thing about the PDA: Great way for UC to provide a platform for professional development and community engagement for post-doctoral scholars.Favorite quote: "There will be no equity without solidarity." -
Nicholas Downes , Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of Exposure to Industry Program (EIP)
Department: Department of Medicine
My research in 12 words or less: Investigating the mechanistic link between gene expression and 3D genome structure Meeting postdocs from other disciplines and creating a supportive and fun community
Favorite thing about the PDA:
Favorite quote: “Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why” - Kurt Vonnegut -
Jelena Vivic, Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of External Relations and Finance
Department:My research in 12 words or less:Favorite thing about the PDA:Favorite quote: -
Co-Vice Chair of External Relations and Finance
OPENDepartment:My research in 12 words or less:Favorite thing about the PDA:Favorite quote: -
Michelle Bagood, Ph.D. Co-Vice Chair of Career Development
Email: mbagood@health.ucsd.edu Department: Dermatology My research in 12 words or less: Investigating cutaneous wound healing response to commensal and pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus. Favorite thing about the PDA: Variety of events offered throughout the year. Favorite poem: Desiderata by Max Ehrmann -
Julia Gauberg, Ph.D., Co-vice chair of career development programs
jgauberg@ucsd.edu
Department: Neurobiology
My research in 12 words or less: I study how spinal cord motor neurons reach their muscle targets
Favorite thing about the PDA: Connecting with and supporting other postdocs!
Favorite quote: “Time means nothing. Jeremy Bearimy, baby.” – The Good Place -
Mahta Moinpour, Ph.D. - Vice-Chair of Community Engagement
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
My research in 12 words or less: Using bottom-up biology to develop synthetic organelles
Favorite thing about the PDA: Meeting other postdocs and have an impact on my community
Favorite quote: “Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” by Omar Khayyam
moment is your life.” by Omar Khayyam -
Vice-Chair of Community Engagement
OPENDepartment:My research in 12 words or less:Favorite things about the PDA:Favorite quote: -
Taniya Mitra, PhD., Co-Vice Chair of Exposure to Industry Program (EIP)
Favorite quote: “You have to dream before your dreams can come true." – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
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Michael Levy Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of Wellness & Sustainability
Department:My research in 12 words or less:Favorite thing about the PDA:Favorite quote: -
Neha Varshney, Ph.D. Co-Vice Chair of Wellness and Sustainability
Email: nevarshney@ucsd.edu
Department: Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
My research in 12 words or less: Understanding the function and regulation of protein phosphatase 1 during cell division in C. elegans embryo.
Favorite thing about the PDA: Meeting new people and organizing interesting events
Favorite quote:“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon
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Samantha Yeager, Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
spyeager@health.ucsd.edu
Department: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health
My research in 12 words or less: My research focuses on improving medication adherence among people who inject drugs and those living with, or at risk for, HIV.
Favorite Part of the PDA: The opportunity to serve as an advocate for the postdoctoral community and connect postdoctoral fellows with diverse faculty mentors.
Favorite Quote: “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make our world.” – Siddhartha Gautama
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Silvia Vicenzi, Co-Vice Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Email: svicenzi@ucsd.edu
Department: Medicine
My research: I investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of unresolved human disorders
Favorite thing about PDA: having the opportunity to take actions and make refreshing changes to improve UCSD
Favorite Quote: Diversity is a FACT; Equity is a CHOICE; Inclusion is an ACTION; Belonging is an OUTCOME
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Ivonne González-Gamboa, Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of Science Outreach & Teaching
Department: NanoengineeringMy research in 12 words or less: Developing virus-based biomaterials for nano agricultural applications and precision farming.Favorite thing about the PDA: Being able to help improve the postdoc experience at UCSD and meet great people in the process.Favorite quote:“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince -
Jennifer Chik, Ph.D. - Co-Vice Chair of Science Outreach & Teaching
Department: Biological Sciences
My research in 12 words or less: Characterizing proteins that function in two critical pathways - metabolism and chromatin regulation.
Favorite thing about the PDA: Working with like-minded postdocs and creating opportunities to connect with the greater San Diego area.Favorite quote: "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." - Albert Einstein -
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
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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.