Second USM Postdoctoral Research Symposium 2025
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in The Graduate School at the University of Maryland is excited to host the Second USM Postdoctoral Research Symposium on Friday, September 26, as the culmination of our activities during National Postdoctoral Appreciation Month.
The symposium will feature a traditional Poster Presentation session and a Flash Talk session, providing a dynamic platform for postdocs to present their work and network with peers, faculty, and staff! There will also be various workshops focused on science advocacy, science communication, and wellness.
A Tradition of Connection
Last year, we brought our postdoctoral community together from across the entire University System of Maryland for the first time—and the energy was incredible!
We're excited to build on that success and continue this new tradition. This year's symposium is all about creating more of those valuable connections, celebrating the innovative work happening system-wide, and strengthening the bonds within our vibrant community.
Symposium Goals
- To recognize and showcase the cutting-edge research conducted by postdocs at the University of Maryland.
- To provide opportunities for postdocs to develop their presentation skills through Flash Talk.
- To foster networking and interaction among postdocs, as well as with faculty and staff from across campus.
Event Highlights
Poster Presentation
A tradition that highlights the research undertaken by our postdoctoral community.
Flash Talk Session
A new addition where postdocs present their research in dynamic, concise talks.
Lunch & Panel Discussion
Featuring early-career faculty members, offering insights and advice on academic career progression.
Ice Cream Social
Concluding the event with a fun and refreshing ice cream social, perfect for mingling and networking!
Event Details
- Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
- Time: Registration begins at 9:00 am, and the event concludes at 4:00 pm
- Location: Stamp Student Union, Colony Ballroom
8:45 am - Registration and Breakfast (Colony Ballroom)
9:15 am - Opening Remarks (Colony Ballroom)
- Blessing Enekwe, Program Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
- Alison Wrynn, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs
- Stephen Roth, Associate Provost and Dean of The Graduate School
9:30 am - Keynote (Colony Ballroom)
Speaker
10:20 am - Session 1 (Two Concurrent Workshops)
Workshop 1: Restorative Rest Practices (Charles Carroll Room A)
Restorative rest practices are vital to lessening stress, avoiding burnout and aiding individuals and being able to be fully present in various roles. This session will review the most recent information available as it relates to benefits of restorative rest. Additionally, attendees will practice various restorative practices and reflect on their experience. Lastly, a resource guide will be provided to assist with continuing restorative practices.
Workshop 2: Science Communication & Advocacy (Charles Carroll Room B)
Great research needs communication and advocacy to make an impact. In this workshop, we’ll talk about ways to communicate your research to broader audiences and ways to engage in advocacy for impact.
11:30am - Flash Talks I (Colony Ballroom)
12:10am - Flash Talks II (Colony Ballroom)
12:45pm - Lunch | Announcement of Mentor of the Year Award Winners & Award Nominees
1:30pm - Session 2 (Two Concurrent Workshops)
Workshop 1: Generative AI: Things one needs to know (Charles Carroll Room A)
In this facilitated interactive conversation, we will focus on: What are the essential things one needs to be aware of in using AI for professional purposes, e.g., writing, research, data analysis, ethics, attribution.
Workshop 2: Mentoring Up (Charles Carroll Room B)
Postdocs are often both mentoring students and peers, while helping to shape their mentoring relationships with their mentors. This session will help postdocs better understand their needs in order to more effectively navigate their relationships to fit their varying contexts overtime.
2:15pm Poster Session (Colony Ballroom)
3:30pm Ice Cream Social and Closing Remarks (Colony Ballroom)
In addition to our month-long celebration, we strongly encourage you to explore the resources and program offered by the National Postdoctoral Association for their Appreciation Week between September 15 and 19.
2025 Postdoctoral Symposium Planning Committee Members
Blessing Enekwe, Program Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (Symposium Co-Chair)
Jennifer Aumiller, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Scholars, and Director of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Career and Professional Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Spencer Benson, Graduate School Consultant, Retired UMD CMBG faculty member, Former director of UMD’s Teaching and Learning Center
Sumana Bhowmick, Post-Doctoral Associate, Veterinary Medicine
Kevin Bradley, Director of Graduate Professional Development, Morgan State University
Jonathan Brower, Postdoctoral Associate, Latin American and Caribbean Studies Center & The Graduate School
LaKeisha Harris, Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Linda Macri, Director, Academic and Professional Development
Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg, (former) Postdoctoral Associate for Academic Support
Thiago Pezzuto, (former) Graduate Assistant, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Meenakshi Tanwar, Postdoctoral Associate, Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics
Taj Kumari Yeruva, Postdoctoral Associate, Fischell Department of Bioengineering