Universities across the United States take part in the National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) which typically falls on the third week of September. National Postdoc Appreciation Week is a time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the postdoctoral researchers who tirelessly contribute to the world of science and research. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge are essential for progress.
This week, we are particularly excited to celebrate and appreciate four of our own exceptional postdocs who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. By recognizing their efforts, we not only express our gratitude but also inspire the next generation of scientists to continue the pursuit of excellence in research. So, let’s celebrate and appreciate postdocs not just during this special week but throughout the year.
We are fortunate to have a remarkable group of postdocs who are making significant strides in their respective fields. We’ve had the privilege to learn about their experiences, advice for aspiring postdocs, and their proudest accomplishments.
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Saumya Bhagat, PhD (Mbalaviele Lab)
How long have you been at WashU as a Postdoc? “I have been a postdoc at WashU for 1 year and 9 months!“
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to become a Postdoc? “Being a postdoc is a whole new experience. It is a transition phase from Ph.D. where we are students to being research professionals. Having a “Dr.” with your name gives us a sense of extreme responsibility and pride. So, my advice to someone who wants to be a Postdoc would be to be 100% sure that this is the career path you want because this path is not an easy one, it needs a lot of resilience, patience, and hard work.”
In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of? “I am most proud of achieving my dream of completing my PhD. and coming out the other end with self-confidence, contentment, and dignity despite the multiple hardships and still standing strong!”
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Khushpreet Kaur, PhD (Mbalaviele Lab)
How long have you been at WashU as a postdoc?
“I have been at Washington University School of Medicine as a Postdoctoral Research Associate since November 2022.”
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to become a postdoc?
“The best advice I can offer is that one must clearly define one’s short-term and long-term career goals. Network actively and build a professional online presence to showcase your research and expertise. Choose your mentor and research lab wisely. Research can be challenging and may not always go as planned, so maintain a positive attitude and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Always remember that a postdoc position can be a transformative phase in your career, so make the most of it by being proactive, adaptable, and staying focused on your professional goals.”
In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
“Success is a continuous journey. So far, I am proud of earning a doctoral degree and a prestigious NIH Fogarty International Fellowship that I received during my PhD. But I consider it just as a start of my professional journey. I hope to achieve many other things in the future.
I would also like to mention a personal aspect that is significant to me. Starting my journey from a small town in India with very limited resources and reaching to a position at WashU is a source of great pride for me. It underscores the importance of resilience and the pursuit of one’s dream, no matter where you come from.”
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Mohamed G. Hassan, PhD, MSc, BDS (Scheller Lab)
How long have you been at WashU as a Postdoc?
“I joined WashU as postdoc 2 years ago (started August 2021).”
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to become a Postdoc?
“In this transitional stage, both the work environment and a supportive mentor are essential keys to success. While research interests remain important, they alone are insufficient for growth and flourishing. Think of it as a plant needing rich soil and proper nourishment to thrive.”
In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
“I am proud with my past failures, as they played a pivotal role in shaping my journey towards success. These failures have been invaluable stepping stones that have ultimately led me to where I am today. Now, I strive to share these experiences with younger students entering academia, guiding them to avoid the same mistakes.”
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Nitin Pokhrel, PhD (Veis Lab)
How long have you been at WashU?
“I have been at WashU for the last 3 years.”
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to become a Postdoc? “I think probably looking for the lab which is doing the research you want to carry forward is important.”
In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of? “For the achievement, I would say getting funded by NRF Korea when I was in my previous lab.”
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As we celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we are reminded of the dedication, resilience, and passion that our postdocs bring to the world of research. Their advice and stories serve as inspiration for those considering a career as a postdoc and as a testament to the importance of supporting and valuing the contributions of postdoctoral researchers in academia. We are proud to have such outstanding individuals driving innovation and discovery in their respective fields.