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TAMU Postdoctoral Association

The TAMU Postdoctoral Association is an organization of postdocs and umbrella for other PDA Chapters. https://tx.ag/FBUsagePolicy

The Texas A&M Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is an organization of Postdoctoral Scholars (“Postdocs”) for Postdocs. The Texas A&M PDA is the umbrella organization for all other PDA Chapters, and is supported by the Division of Research (DOR). The Texas A&M PDA works closely with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA), which is housed within the Division of Research (DOR). The mission of the Texa

s A&M Postdoctoral Association (PDA) shall be to foster a sense of community among the postdoctoral scholars, promote networking, support their professional development, advocate and represent the voices of the postdoctoral scholars, and to improve the quality of the postdoctoral experience at Texas A&M. Texas A&M University Facebook Usage Policy provided in the following link.

08/21/2026

🤝🔬 Networking feel intimidating? Try approaching it like a scientist!

The National Postdoctoral Association’s next SmartSkills workshop is coming up next week:

🧪 Daunted by Networking? Try the Scientific Method
📅 Tuesday, August 25
⏰ 2:00 PM Central
💻 Online

Networking doesn’t have to mean awkward small talk or asking strangers for jobs. This workshop will reframe networking and informational interviews as career research: ask questions, gather information, learn from the results, and use what you discover to make more informed decisions about your future. 🔎💡

You’ll learn practical strategies for starting conversations, exploring different career paths, and building meaningful professional relationships—with an emphasis on making those connections before you actually begin a job search.

Whether networking comes naturally to you or makes you want to hide in the lab, this session is designed to help you approach it with greater confidence and a familiar research-minded perspective. 🧠✨

🔗 Register through the NPA website! Remember that TAMU postdocs will need to activate their NPA affiliate membership before registering.

💬 What’s your biggest networking challenge—starting the conversation, knowing what to ask, or following up afterward? Let us know in the comments!

08/19/2026

🌟 Executive Committee Spotlight 🌟

This is a series introducing the dedicated postdocs who serve on the TAMU PDA. Get to know the leaders behind our events, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and learn more about their research, career journeys, and interests outside the lab.

For our final spotlight, we're excited to feature Dr. Sirapoom Peanusaha, our Satellite Campus Officer! Dr. Peanusaha is a postdoctoral researcher in the Texas A&M University Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering at the High Plains Research & Extension Center with Texas A&M AgriLife. 🌾🛰️

💼 Why did he join the TAMU PDA Executive Committee?

Stationed in the Amarillo area, far from the main campus in College Station, Sirapoom understands firsthand the challenges faced by postdocs working at satellite campuses across Texas. He joined the Executive Committee to advocate for equitable access to TAMU resources and opportunities and to help off-campus postdocs feel more connected to the broader university community. Drawing on his previous experience as a data scientist in the tech industry, he hopes to find new ways to increase engagement and ensure postdocs across the state can benefit from the PDA's programs and resources.

🔬 What is his research about?

Sirapoom's research focuses on digital agriculture and remote sensing, using technology to help farmers monitor crops and livestock while also studying agriculture's effects on the surrounding environment. Currently, he is developing methods to detect and mitigate dust and ammonia emissions from cattle feedlots. 🌱💻

🏞️ Outside of research...

Sirapoom loves road trips into nature, visiting national parks, hiking, kayaking, and paddling. He's also a fan of strategy and city-building video games, including Civilization. He enjoyed trying to write novels when he was younger, and one item still on his bucket list is to write a World War Z-inspired story set in his home country of Thailand! 🥾🛶🎮

Thank you, Sirapoom, for your dedication to advocating for postdocs across Texas and helping ensure that distance from College Station doesn't mean distance from the Aggie postdoctoral community!

08/17/2026

🧭🔬 How can researchers protect the integrity of their work in a rapidly changing research landscape?

Join us tomorrow, August 19, for an important professional development session:

⚠️ Navigating Threats to Research Integrity
📅 August 19
⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM
🎤 Speaker: Dr. Gerianne Alexander, Associate Vice President for Research & Research Integrity Officer

The threats facing research integrity are evolving. Alongside the familiar concerns of plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification, researchers must now navigate emerging challenges such as paper mills and other unethical publication practices.

In this session, Dr. Alexander will explore both longstanding and emerging threats to research integrity, discuss common warning signs researchers should know how to recognize, and introduce practical tools available through the Texas A&M Division of Research that can help identify potential concerns before they become significant problems. 🔎📚

Research integrity is everyone's responsibility, and understanding how to recognize and respond to potential problems is an important skill at every stage of your career.

🔗 Register here: u.tamu.edu/NavigatingThreats

Please join us for this timely and informative session! We hope to see you there!

08/12/2026

🌟 Executive Committee Spotlight 🌟

This is a series introducing the dedicated postdocs who serve on the TAMU PDA. Get to know the leaders behind our events, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and learn more about their research, career journeys, and interests outside the lab.

This week, we're excited to spotlight Dr. Sam Stroupe, our Recording Secretary! Dr. Stroupe is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology within the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. 🧬🐴

💼 Why did he join the TAMU PDA Executive Committee?

Sam has benefited both professionally and personally from the PDA's events and advocacy during his time as a postdoc at TAMU. He chose to continue serving on the Executive Committee to help provide those same opportunities for other postdocs, foster a positive and supportive community, and ensure that the postdoc voice is heard across the university.

🔬 What is his research about?

Sam's primary research focus is equine genomics, using comparative and pangenomic approaches to study genome evolution and identify genetic variation associated with heritable diseases, disorders, and other traits. His collaborations also span an impressive range of species, from fish and birds to other mammals, and include conservation, population, and biomedical genomics. Ultimately, his goal is to use genomics to improve animal health and welfare as well as wildlife management. 🧬🐟🦅

🐕 Outside of research...

When he's away from the lab, Sam enjoys hiking and birdwatching with his dog, Thor, and keeping up with friends with D&D and board games. He's also an avid maker, with hobbies ranging from wood carving, painting, and sewing to occasionally refurbishing an interesting antique. 🥾🎨

Thank you, Sam, for your dedication to giving back to the postdoc community at TAMU!

08/05/2026

🌟 Executive Committee Spotlight 🌟

This is a series introducing the dedicated postdocs who serve on the TAMU PDA. Get to know the leaders behind our events, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and learn more about their research, career journeys, and interests outside the lab.

This week, we're excited to spotlight Dr. Reham Touni, our Event Coordinator! Dr. Touni is a postdoc in the Arch H. Aplin III '80 Dept. of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism within the Texas A&M University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 🎉

💼 Why did she join the TAMU PDA Executive Committee?

Dr. Touni joined the Executive Committee to give back to a community that has given her a true sense of belonging. She credits the OPA and the PDA with providing not only professional development and networking opportunities, but also a welcoming and supportive environment. As Event Coordinator, she is committed to serving the postdoctoral community with the same dedication and warmth that she has experienced herself.

🔬 What is her research about?

Dr. Touni's research focuses on hospitality marketing, with an emphasis on consumer engagement through online communities and immersive technologies such as virtual, augmented, and extended reality in tourism. Her goal is to bridge academic research and industry practice by helping hospitality and tourism organizations create engaging, technology-driven experiences. 🌍✨

🎓 Did she always know she wanted to do what she does now?

Teaching has always been at the heart of Dr. Touni's career aspirations. She is passionate about inspiring students to think critically and grow intellectually. She also enjoys event management, making her role as Event Coordinator a natural fit and another way to create meaningful experiences for others.

🌿 Outside of research...

When she's not working, Dr. Touni enjoys going to the movies, watching TV series, and taking walks in nature to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Thank you, Dr. Touni, for your enthusiasm and dedication to building a welcoming and connected postdoctoral community at Texas A&M!

08/04/2026

🎤✨ Can you explain your research in just a few minutes? ✨🎤

Whether you're preparing for a conference, job interview, or the 10th Annual TAMU Postdoctoral Research Symposium, a strong elevator pitch can help your research make a lasting impression.

Join us next Tuesday for:
🗣️ Developing Your Research Elevator Pitch for Conference Presentations
📅 Tuesday, August 11
⏰ 2:30–4:00 PM
🎤 Speaker: Dr. Morgan Schweller, Professional Development Program Manager, Graduate and Professional School at Texas A&M University

In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to develop a clear, engaging research elevator pitch that any audience can understand. Dr. Schweller will share practical tips for organizing your message, making the most of oral and poster presentations, and using your voice and body language to communicate with confidence and increase audience engagement.

Following the workshop, we'll hold a 30-minute feedback session designed especially for postdocs presenting at the 10th Annual Postdoctoral Research Symposium. Bring your presentation slide or poster and receive constructive peer feedback before the big day!

🏆 This workshop counts toward the Postdoc Success Certificate Program and is highly recommended for anyone presenting at this year's symposium.

🔗 Register here: u.tamu.edu/ElevatorPitch2026

07/29/2026

🌟 Executive Committee Spotlight 🌟

This is a series introducing the dedicated postdocs who serve on the TAMU PDA. Get to know the leaders behind our events, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and learn more about their research, career journeys, and interests outside the lab.

This week, we're excited to spotlight Dr. Md Nafiul Islam, our Treasurer! Dr. Islam is a postdoc in the Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences within the Texas A&M University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 🌾🤖

💼 Why did he join the TAMU PDA Executive Committee?

Dr. Islam joined the Executive Committee to give back to the postdoctoral community and support activities that benefit postdocs across campus. As Treasurer, he helps manage the PDA budget to ensure the organization can continue offering professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and community events that enrich the postdoctoral experience.

🔬 What is his research about?

Dr. Islam's research focuses on applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to precision agriculture. He develops data-driven tools for crop yield prediction, digital twins, and decision-support systems that help improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. 🌱💻

💡 What advice would he give to his fellow postdocs?

Dr. Islam encourages postdocs to build collaborations early, communicate their research often, and never be afraid to ask questions. He believes research is a marathon where consistency and curiosity are far more important than striving for perfection.

🌍 Outside of research...

When he's not working, Dr. Islam enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending quality time with his family.

💙 Favorite PDA memory?

Dr. Islam has enjoyed many PDA events, especially the annual picnic and the organization's professional development seminars. He's particularly looking forward to helping organize this year's Postdoctoral Research Symposium and contributing to another successful event for the TAMU postdoctoral community.

Thank you, Dr. Islam, for your dedication to supporting and strengthening the TAMU postdoctoral community!

07/24/2026

🏭🔬 Curious about postdoctoral opportunities beyond academia? 🔬🏭

Join us next Tuesday for a special multi-institutional panel discussion that explores what it means to be a postdoc in industry!

💼 Inside Industry Postdocs: A Panel Discussion
📅 Tuesday, July 28
⏰ 2:00–3:30 PM (Central)
💻 Zoom

Thinking about a career outside academia? This panel will provide an inside look at industry postdoctoral positions and the unique opportunities they offer. Hear directly from current and former industry postdocs as well as program leaders who will share their experiences, discuss application processes, and highlight the many career paths available through industry postdoctoral programs.

Whether you're actively exploring career options or simply curious about what's out there, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn from professionals who have successfully navigated the transition.

⚠️ Important: You must register using your tamu.edu email address to attend. Registered participants will receive the Zoom link a few days before the event.

🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/InsideIndustry

👉 Thinking about your next career step? Don't miss this opportunity to learn about an exciting path that many postdocs don't hear enough about. Register today, and invite a fellow postdoc who might be interested!

07/22/2026

🌟 Executive Committee Spotlight 🌟

This is a series introducing the dedicated postdocs who serve on the TAMU PDA. Get to know the leaders behind our events, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and learn more about their research, career journeys, and interests outside the lab.

This week, we're excited to spotlight Dr. Garner, our Communications Officer! Dr. Garner is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics & Astronomy (Texas A&M Physics and Astronomy) within the College of Arts & Sciences (Texas A&M Arts & Sciences). ✨🔭

💼 Why did he continue serving on the TAMU PDA Executive Committee?

Dr. Garner has continued serving on the EC because he enjoys giving back to the postdoctoral community and helping make it a more connected and supportive place. Through his role as Communications Officer, he works to keep postdocs informed, celebrate their accomplishments, and foster a sense of community across Texas A&M.

🔬 What is his research about?

Dr. Garner is an astronomer who studies how stars form throughout the universe. Massive young stars emit intense radiation that ionizes the surrounding gas, causing it to glow. By analyzing that light, he can measure the gas's density, temperature, and chemical composition, revealing clues about how galaxies have evolved over cosmic time. While much of his work focuses on nearby spiral galaxies, he has recently begun studying galaxies that existed just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. 🌌⭐

🎓 Did he always know he wanted to be a researcher?

Not quite! Growing up, Dr. Garner thought he would become a math teacher like his dad. As his interests developed, however, he discovered that while calculus was about as far as he wanted to take mathematics, physics (and eventually astronomy) was the perfect fit.

📷 Outside of research...

When he's away from the telescope and computer, Dr. Garner enjoys nature photography, especially capturing dramatic Texas skies and cloudscapes. He's also an avid reader with a collection of Star Wars novels that he enjoys revisiting. 🌤️📖

💙 Favorite PDA memory?

One of Dr. Garner's favorite events is the Postdoctoral Research Symposium. From designing promotional materials to welcoming attendees at the registration table, he enjoys helping showcase the outstanding work of Texas A&M's postdocs. If you see him at the Symposium, be sure to stop by and say hello! 👋

Thank you, Dr. Garner, for your dedication to celebrating and connecting TAMU postdocs!

07/20/2026

🤖✨ Ready to make GenAI work for you? ✨🤖

Join us this Thursday for an interactive workshop on one of the most valuable professional skills researchers can develop today:

💡 GenAI Essentials: Concepts, Capabilities, and Effective Prompting
📅 Thursday, July 23
⏰ 3:00–4:30 PM
💻 Zoom

🎤 Speaker: Dr. Ioannis Vasileios Chremos, Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, University of Michigan Medical School

Generative AI is transforming how we approach research, career development, communication, and everyday productivity. But getting useful results starts with knowing how to ask the right questions.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of GenAI, explore its strengths and limitations, and discover practical strategies for writing effective prompts. Through guided examples, you'll see how GenAI can help with career exploration, job searches, professional writing, organizing complex projects, and streamlining day-to-day tasks.

🧠 You'll leave with reusable prompts, practical techniques, and a better understanding of when to (and when to not) use GenAI as part of your professional toolkit.

🔗 Register here: u.tamu.edu/GenAI-Essentials

👉 Whether you're brand new to GenAI or already experimenting with it, this workshop will help you use these tools more effectively and confidently. We hope to see you there!

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https://u.tamu.edu/TAMU-PDA

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