Event highlights the unheralded yet important work conducted by UConn postdoctoral researchers
Postgrad Research Day rewarded top presentations on Thursday, Dec. 11. Contributed photo.
UConn celebrated the critical work of its postdoctoral scholars on Dec. 11, with a day of presentations and insights into the unsung heroes of research.
Held in the Student Union Theater, Postdoc Research Day provided an opportunity for dozens of scholars to not only showcase their work, but to win funds to support their progress. The event featured projects across five UConn schools and colleges, as well as four centers and institutes.
The Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) team within The Graduate School presented the program. GPSA strives to help graduate students and postdoctoral scholars across the University achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals during their time.
The University employs almost 300 postdoctoral scholars across all regional campuses, including UConn Health. Postdocs conduct critical research and work that can lead to opportunities for them in a wide range of careers. Postdoctoral training is mutually beneficial for the scholars as well as their mentors or managers.
However, since they aren't faculty members or students, the contributions of postdocs can go unnoticed and "fall through the cracks." UConn Graduate School Dean Leslie Shor and her fellow leaders sought to change that at the event.
"You are essential members of our community, pushing forward our research enterprise, which is the reason that we exist as a university," Shor said.
A total of 27 postdocs presented during the afternoon, with 19 giving three-minute presentations highlighting the importance and methodology of their research and an additional eight displaying posters. There was significant diversity of expertise: postdocs presented topics ranging from improving fertility programs to how black holes and stellar winds work to regulate the growth of galaxies.
A panel of judges selected the two top presentations, awarding the top prize of $2,000 to Cao Thuy Giang Nguyen for her research into material platforms for precision treatments of brain tumors and other neurological disorders. Second prize of $500 was awarded to Shadi Izadidehkordi of the Allied Health Department for her research into cost effectiveness of HIV prevention programs in high-risk environments, such as methadone clinics.
A third award was selected by the audience, which went to Hoang Quan Truong for research into novel lipid-based nanoparticles and their biomedical applications. Hoang Quan Truong and Cao Thuy Giang Nguyen are both members of Thanh Nguyen's Research Group. Dr. Nguyen is an associate professor in the College of Engineering's School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering.
The afternoon also included an expert career panel and networking opportunities for attendees.
