Rachel L. Harris
Co-president 2023-24
Treasurer, Advocacy
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Girguis Lab, where my research explores the myriad physical and biogeochemical factors that influence microbial metabolism at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. More broadly, my work is motivated by the quest to explore the habitability constraints of the biotic fringe to consider the astrobiological potentials of Europa, Enceladus, and the Martian subsurface. I joined the FAS PDA to champion the University into greater investment into the financial health and well-being of postdoctoral scholars to 1) meet NIH recommended minimums, 2) be competitive with peer and Boston-area institutions, and 3) account for inflation and the high cost of living in greater Boston. I am particularly focused on expanding retirement benefits to offer a 401k match and commuter benefits to fully subsidize public transportation. I’m one of the folks behind Advocacy Committee updates on the FAS PDA twitter account.

Kelsey Tyssowski

Co-president 2023 - 24

Advocacy

Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)/ Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB)
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Hoekstra lab. My research focuses on the evolution of neural circuitry that enables skilled movement. In my work with the Advocacy Committee, I endeavor to make postdocs' voices and needs heard by the administration and to push for policies that ensure that all postdocs receive the support they need to be happy, healthy, and productive researchers.

Sohaib Abdul Rehman
Co-president 2023 - 24
Careers, Advocacy
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
Pronouns: he/him/his
I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Prigozhin Lab. My research focuses on developing novel optical and electron microscopy methods to study cell signalling. 

Rahel Kastli
Advocacy Chair
Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (SCRB)
Pronouns: She/her/hers
I am a postdoc in the Arlotta lab. My research focuses on understanding how brain circuits form and how this process is affected in neurodevelopmental disorders using human brain organoids. I joined the Advocacy Committee to help improve working conditions, particularly concerning salaries and benefits and make sure the postdoc community gets the support they need from the administration.

Laura Ben Driss
Social Chair 

Communications

Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (SCRB)

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am a postdoctoral fellow in the R.T Lee Lab. My research focuses on developing therapeutic approach to treat and prevent heart diseases as Atrial fibrillation.

Rohini Subrahmanyam
Communications Chair

Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Martina Righi
Careers Chair (2023-24)
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Hekstra Lab.

Isobel Ronai
Advocacy/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.

Nivedhitha Velayutham

Advocacy

Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (SCRB)

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Lee Lab at the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. My research focuses on mechanisms to improve human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte maturation in 3D culture, with an outlook towards therapeutic translation. I joined the Advocacy Committee to understand and advocate for the diverse challenges faced by Harvard postdocs, particularly issues unique to the large international scholar community.