Moffitt Postdoctoral Association Hosts 2025 Junior Scientist Retreat
The Moffitt Postdoctoral Association (MPDA) hosted the annual Junior Scientist Retreat (JSR), a full-day career and networking event held at Hunter’s Green Country Club, on Oct. 30, 2025.
The retreat is designed for Moffitt postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and research scientists. The theme was “Communication and Scientific Careers.” The program featured presentations and discussions on personal branding, science communication, and effective networking strategies for advancing careers in science.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Korie Grayson, who emphasized the importance of building a cohesive and authentic professional brand — both online and offline. She encouraged attendees to invest in their personal branding as a strategic tool for career growth.
Participants also engaged in two dynamic panel discussions and heard an insightful talk from Dr. Joanne Kamens. Dr. Kamens highlighted the value of a well-crafted LinkedIn profile and shared practical advice on navigating job applications and hiring processes across nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
Dr. Brook Nipon-Sixt, a Moffitt postdoc alum, credited the JSR as a pivotal resource in shaping his career, describing it as “instrumental in guiding my path.”
In the afternoon, attendees participated in mock interviews with professionals from a diverse range of career backgrounds, providing valuable experience and personalized feedback to help refine their interview skills.
“The JSR provides trainees the invaluable opportunity to network with their own Moffitt peers and colleagues. For example, this year an idea for a collaboration sprouted from a conversation I had with a PI during the lunch break,” said Dr. Kennady Bullock, a postdoc in the Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Immuno-Oncology Program. “Opportunities to step out of our own laboratory environments and get to know other researchers help build the collaborative culture of Moffitt.”
The 2025 Junior Scientist Retreat equipped Moffitt trainees with practical tools for career advancement, from personal branding to networking and interview skills. By fostering collaboration and professional growth, the event continues to strengthen Moffitt’s vibrant research community.