Schedule
Session 1. Navigating the Transition into a Postdoc Position
Choosing to embark on a postdoc marks a significant transition in an academic career. During this session, we will explore the intricacies of this pivotal phase, and provide insights and strategies to ensure a successful transition from graduate student to becoming a postdoc.
After participating in this session, you will be able to:
- Understand the distinction between the identities of a graduate student and a postdoc
- Successfully navigate the transition from graduate school to a postdoc position
- Identify and define the expectations of your postdoctoral training, for yourself and in alignment with the expectations of your supervisor
Speakers
Alyssa Leystra, PhD, Associate Director for Skills Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison 
Sid Rao, MD, PhD, Investigator and Program Leader Stem Cell Biology, Versiti Blood Research Institute
Wesley D. Marner II, PhD, Engagement, Education, and Equity Director, Morgridge Institute for Research
Session 2. Choosing and Securing the Right Postdoc Opportunity for You
During this session you will learn how to find and successfully apply for a postdoc position, targeting your professional and personal goals. The presentation will include advice on identifying positions that match your needs, evaluating prospective research groups, navigating the application process, interviewing effectively, and negotiating a strong postdoc offer.
After participating in this session, you will be able to:
- Evaluate different postdoc opportunities and determine the best choice for your future
- Secure the position that aligns with your professional and personal goals
Speakers
Brady Krien, PhD, Associate Director for Career Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Ellen Dobson, PhD, GCDF, Postdoctoral and Graduate Program Manager, Morgridge Institute for Research
Adam S. Greenberg, PhD, Associate Dean of Postdoctoral Education; Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College Wisconsin
Session 3. Exploring the Wisconsin Postdoc Experience
This panel discussion will feature current postdocs from each of the participating institutions. Learn from panelists’ perspectives regarding their training experiences, their path to Wisconsin, and why they chose their positions.
After participating in this session, you will be able to:
- Understand the panelists’ perception of their training environments, career supports, and out-of-work environments
- Learn the panelists’ paths toward their postdocs and what landed them in Wisconsin
- Compare and contrast the postdoc experience between the two different locations in Wisconsin
Moderators and Speaker
Renee Hill, Senior Manager, Program Administration, Versiti Blood Research Institute
Imogen Hurley, PhD, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Stephanie Kellogg, PhD, Founder, Kellogg Career Coaching
Panelists
Helena Jaramillo Mesa, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Morgridge Institute for Research
Atrayee Ray, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Sridhar Rao Lab, Versiti Blood Research Institute
Aravind Parthasarathy, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin 
Nate Willis, PhD, Postdoctoral Trainee, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Session 4. Leveraging Your Postdoc Experience to Achieve Your Career Goals
During this session, you will hear first-hand accounts from former postdocs from our institutions on how they used skills gained during their postdoctoral training to enhance their competitiveness for careers in a range of employment sectors. Panelists will share experiences they benefited from during their postdoctoral training and how they leveraged them to successfully transition into their current careers.
After participating in this session, you will be able to:
- Identify opportunities within your postdoctoral training that will prepare you for a career in academia, industry, government, and/or non-profit sectors
- Leverage your postdoc experiences and skills to enhance your competitiveness in a wide range of careers
Moderators and Speaker
Melody Reichoff, Academic & International Affairs Administrator, Versiti Blood Research Institute- Wesley D. Marner II, PhD, Engagement, Education, and Equity Director, Morgridge Institute for Research
Landon Olp, PhD, Office of Technology Development, Medical College of Wisconsin
Panelists
Danielle Desa, PhD, Assistant Scientist, Morgridge Institute for Research
Christina K. Baumgartner, PhD, Senior Principal Research Scientist / Director, Oncology Discovery Research, Abbvie
Jessica Kelliher, PhD, Assistant Professor, Medical College Wisconsin 
Jennifer Stancill, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Medical University of South Carolina
Session 5. Optional Breakout Rooms with Institutional Experts
Join institutional representatives to learn more about each organization, location, and specific job and training opportunities. Bring your questions and let us share what makes our institutions great!
After participating in this session, you will be able to:
- Develop an additional understanding of our institutions, cities, and training opportunities
- Discuss your career and training goals with experts
- Assess which institutions and locations are the best fit to reach your personal and professional goals
Experts
- Melody Reichoff, Academic & International Affairs Administrator, Versiti Blood Research Institute
- Imogen Hurley, PhD, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Adam S. Greenberg, PhD, Associate Dean of Postdoctoral Education; Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College Wisconsin
- Wesley D. Marner II, PhD, Engagement, Education, and Equity Director, Morgridge Institute for Research