FAS Postdoctoral Association (FAS PDA)

Who are we?

The FAS Postdoc Association is a community by and for the postdocs of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, Cambridge campus. We work closely with the FAS Postdoctoral Office to build community among postdocs and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.

Meet the Board

	Laura Ben Driss                                                    President 2025-26 Co-president 2024-25 Social, Communications, Careers, Outreach Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (SCRB) Pronouns: she/her/hers I am a postdoctoral fellow in the R.T Lee Lab since January 2023. My research focuses on developing therapeutic approach to treat and prevent heart diseases as Atrial fibrillation.
	Kaylee Wells Treasurer, Outreach Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (SCRB) Pronouns: She/her/hers I am a postdoc in the Rubin lab within the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. My research focuses on improving our understanding of glial cells within the brain during healthy aging and neurodegeneration, with the goal of developing and informing potential therapeutics. Within my roles as Treasurer and on the Outreach Committee, I hope to support the PDA and improve our societal outreach.
	Caterina Gasperini Social Chair Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (SCRB) Pronouns: She/her/hers I am a postdoc in the Rubin lab, at the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. My research explores the mechanisms of brain aging and strategies to slow or reverse its effects. I joined the Social Committee because I enjoy bringing people together and creating opportunities for connection. It’s a great way to build community, meet new people, and make the postdoc experience more fun!
	Abhishek Sampath Kumar Communications Chair  Stem Cell and regenerative biology  Pronouns: he/him/his I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Arlotta lab in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. My research explores the limits of cellular reprogramming in the brain and how these boundaries might be established and extended. As Communications Chair, I enjoy sharing opportunities and events, highlighting the achievements of postdocs, and helping foster a more connected and supportive postdoctoral community across FAS.
	Isobel Ronai PDAs Liaison Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) Pronouns: she/her/hers I am a Postdoctoral Fellow and American Australian Association Scholar in the Extavour lab. My research focuses on ticks and tick-borne diseases of medical and veterinary importance. I am particularly interested in applying molecular technologies to fundamental research questions in tick biology. As Postdoctoral Associations Liaison I facilitate connecting the FAS-PDA with the other Harvard-affiliated postdoctoral associations and the wider community. By working together we aim to have a Harvard voice for postdocs.

We aim to fairly represent and advocate for the needs of the larger FAS postdoc community, and to enrich the postdoc experience by providing opportunities for social and professional development. This involves a wide range of topics and services that are dutifully taken care of by many volunteers. Help us to build a strong community and active association!
Former Board Members

Join one of our committees: 

Advocacy - Is advocacy your thing? Help us share more information about the rights of postdocs at Harvard. Help us ask questions, and conduct surveys to understand the current postdoc climate. Help us make lasting change by joining the Advocacy Committee! 
Careers - Do you want to build a bridge between postdocs and industry? Perhaps better prepare yourself for a career in academia? Whatever your path, this committee helps organize events that provide tools for getting your ready for the job market.  
Communications - Are you the source of news among your friends? Enjoy posting on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn? Join our communications team! Please spread the word about our amazing events! Give postdocs a voice! Help us keep our postdoc community updated with the latest opportunities.
Social - Do you like organizing scientific, social, and career events? Join our Events Committee! We organize monthly happy hours, the postdoc science café, and social outings such as Brew at the Zoo. 
Outreach - Do you want to connect Harvard postdocs with the broader community? Join the Outreach Committee! Help us organize volunteer opportunities, mentorship programs, and collaborations with local schools and organizations. Make a positive impact beyond academia while strengthening the postdoc network!

Many opportunities await you at the FAS Postdoc Association, and all kinds of contributions are welcome. We offer:
•    An open-minded environment where you can learn how to manage a team
•    Polish your organizational talent: organize workshops, panel discussions, or welcome events
•    Make new lasting friendships: get to know fellow postdocs and maybe you’ll become friends for life!
•    Take responsibility: we offer you visibility and freedom to sustain the association in many different ways
•    The place to be creative: Have you always wanted to organize a book club? Boardgame night? … we can help you do that!

Our active and fun team is looking forward to hearing from you!
Reach out to us at faspda@fas.harvard.edu and one of our board members will get in touch with you. 

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