Moffitt Postdoctoral Association News Recap
The mission of the Moffitt Postdoctoral Association (MPDA) is to foster the academic, professional and social lives of junior scientists at Moffitt Cancer Center. This is done through the planning and executing of a variety of events designed to promote the professional and personal growth of postdocs, graduate students, and research scientists at Moffitt. Events range from science retreats to networking events, to fundraising, each one sparking deeper connections among Moffitt junior scientists. Keep reading to find out more about their recent events!
In September, the MPDA worked with the Cancer Biology Student Organization to host the 2023 Junior Scientist Retreat (JSR). With this year's theme being Sustainability in Science Careers, the event focused on providing opportunities to network and explore diverse career pathways. Stephanie Millar of My Green Lab, a nonprofit organization that works with scientists to make research more sustainable, was featured as the keynote speaker. The various panels and presentations involving medical liaisons, industry researchers, legal specialists, and other professionals, informed Moffitt graduate students, postdocs, and research scientists about topics such as “The Future of Computational Biology,” “Sustainability at the Bench" and "Navigating Career Options for International Trainees." In addition to the panel presentations, attendees took part in a networking and career fair featuring employers such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Merck, Nanostring.
2023 Distinguished Lecturer Symposium
In June, the MPDA was pleased to present the 2023 Distinguished Lecturer Symposium (DLS). Each year MPDA members vote and select a prominent cancer researcher to invite to Moffitt to deliver a keynote address, participate in networking activities with Moffitt trainees, and judge a postdoctoral abstract presentation competition. The 2023 DLS featured Dr. Robert A. Weinberg from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. During his visit, Dr. Weinberg met with Dr. Hwu and Dr. Cleveland, enjoyed a networking breakfast with Moffitt trainees, delivered his talk titled "Awakening of Lung-metastatic Dormant Cancer Cells" to the Moffitt research community, had lunch with the DLS organizing committee headed by Dr. Renata Rossetti, and helped select the abstract presentation competition winner, Dr. Alyssa Shepard.
Networking Events
The MPDA organizes regular events to build community and provide important professional experiences such as group hikes, beach days, and scientific seminars. During the 2024 fiscal year, Dr. Constanza Savid-Frontera has overseen the planning of MPDA social and networking events.
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- In October, the MPDA invited guest speaker Dr. Isaiah Hankel to present a talk on "Interviewing, from Phone Screen to Site Visit." This lecture helped prepare Moffitt trainees to succeed when taking the next step in their careers and gave insight into the interview process for those seeking a transition to an industry career. The seminar was well-attended by trainees at all levels, and attendees had the opportunity to converse with Dr. Hankel after the presentation to receive additional tips for success.
- In January, the MPDA hosted a Gasparilla lunch to celebrate the new year and immerse Moffitt trainees in the local Gasparilla Pirate Festival cultural event. Moffitt postdocs, graduate students, and research scientists came together to participate in games and activities that promoted important peer networking. A popular activity was selecting a science-themed pirate name!
- In February, the MPDA introduced a new peer networking event called the MPDA Networking Café. This event provides an opportunity for Moffitt junior scientists to practice the art of light professional conversation so they are more comfortable engaging in conversation when attending conferences or professional events. They will hold their next Networking Café event in April!
- In March, the MPDA hosted a gathering at the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen to recruit for their Executive Committee ahead of the next general election. The current postdocs serving on the Executive Committee talked to the attendees about their responsibilities and the most important professional development their position has provided.
Moffitt Day
On January 24, 2024, MPDA participated in the Moffitt Day held in Tallahassee, FL. Moffitt Day is a day designed to highlight Moffitt’s lifesaving mission and advocate for continued state support.
A group of Moffitt individuals, including leaders, physicians, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, patients, and survivors all come together for this event. It is a powerful day that embodies the definition of teamwork.
Dr. Eleonora Pelle and Dr. Yaakov Stern, pictured at right, represented the postdoc community and shared their working/research experience at Moffitt with the legislators.
Miles for Moffitt Team: Tumor Busters
The MPDA participates in the annual Moffitt research fundraising run/walk, Miles for Moffitt, with their team the Tumor Busters. In 2023, the team consisted of more than 60 members, including Moffitt PhD students, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Scientists representing diverse areas of cancer research as well as their families and friends.
Led by team captain and co-captain, Drs. Estefania Julia and Angimar Uriepero Palma, the team had a record number of members and raised over $4,000.
A highlight of their fundraising activities was their Bingo Night at Black Sheep American Pub! More than 40 Moffitt scientists, their friends and family members and members of the community attended and raised $400.
Moffitt Symposium MPDA Travel Award
Attending conferences is a crucial aspect of the postdoctoral training and the MPDA wants to promote it by giving a travel award to the best poster presented by a postdoc at the Moffitt Scientific Symposium, being held May 7-8, 2024. All postdocs presenting a poster are eligible to participate and one winner will be selected by a panel of postdoc judges to receive a $1,000 travel award.
Monthly Meetings & Coffee with a Scientist
- Every month the MPDA hosts a general meeting to share important updates and information for Moffitt postdocs and research scientists. In addition to sharing news and upcoming events, the meetings often feature guest speakers. Recent featured guests include Dr. Ken Wright, Associate Center Director of Research Education & Training, and Nina Naas, Director of Non-Therapeutic Research Operations.
- After the monthly meetings conclude, the MPDA hosts its Coffee with a Scientist event, organized by Dr. Tracess Smalley. For each event, the MPDA invites a Moffitt faculty member or senior scientist to have coffee with Moffitt students, postdocs, and research scientists and engage in informal conversations about the realities of pursuing a career in science research. Recent guests at Coffee with a Scientist have included Dr. Patrick Hwu, Dr. Matthew Schabath, Dr. Shari Pilon-Thomas, Dr. John Mullinax, and more!
The MPDA committee is continually planning more activities to promote engagement and this coming year is nothing short of that. Be sure to keep an eye out for a postdoc welcoming café and the Junior Scientist Retreat 2024!
For more information about Moffitt’s Postdoctoral Association, contact MPDA@moffitt.org.