Julie Fabsik-Swarts

I have recently had the opportunity to visit with some institutional members of the NPA. It has been a wonderful and revitalizing experience. Getting to see postdoctoral leadership in action and learning about the great work they are doing for their postdocs is exciting and motivating. Additionally, getting to meet postdocs in their element crystallizes why the staff works hard to accomplish the mission of the NPA.

My travels have taken me to NYU, where I met with Arthee Jahangir, PhD, the assistant director of the program. NYU is a premier postdoc organization. I next stopped in Philadelphia where I met with Mary Anne Timmins, M.Ed., and her team. Mary Anne is an experienced professional in the postdoc field and learning what the University of Pennsylvania is doing to serve their postdocs is quite exciting. Later I met with Lisa Koslowski, PhD, and her team at Thomas Jefferson University. It was very interesting to speak with postdocs from around the country and hear about their triumphs and challenges.

Recently I met with Patricia Bond, PhD, and a group of postdocs at new NPA institutional member, the University of Kentucky. I greatly enjoyed meeting with them as they learn how to utilize the many resources the NPA has to support them. Last my travels took me to Wisconsin where at first, I met Imogen Hurley, PhD, and the PDA leaders at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and then Julie Tetzlaff, PhD, and her team at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In each case I was privileged to speak with exciting leaders from the PDA and learn what innovative programs are occurring on each campus.

April also brings our spring fundraising campaign. We are building on our theme of “Postdocs of the future are counting on you!” Would you consider giving up one Starbucks to support the NPA? The impact of thousands of postdocs just giving $5 is amazing! Those who gave last year helped fund the monthly newsletter (the one you are reading), monthly webinars for both postdocs and postdoc leaders, and surveys in policy, parenting and soon to release, sexual harassment.

But we can’t do it without your help. For the cost of a personal pizza or half a dozen wings, the NPA can grow and support more postdoctoral resources, more advocacy and more programs. Please click here to show how much this means to you. Thank you on behalf of your fellow postdocs, the volunteers, Board and staff at the NPA.

As I write this we are rapidly approaching the 16^th Annual Conference of the NPA in Cleveland. I am looking forward to seeing the postdoctoral community in person. A special thanks to Diana Fox at Case Western Reserve and all the folks in the Cleveland area who have worked so hard to make this conference a success. Next year we are off to Orlando where we will have a “host committee” of local NPA members help with the conference. And in 2020, we are proud to announce that we will be taking the NPA Conference to the beautiful city of San Diego. Both future locations look to be exciting with outstanding NPA membership in the area and incredible local attractions from beaches to Disney World, to amazing restaurants with opportunities to build lifelong relationships.

And finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that National Volunteer Week is April 15-21, 2018. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all the amazing volunteers that work to make the NPA achieve. With only a staff of three, the NPA would not be the growing, relevant and impactful organization it is if it wasn’t for each of you. So, from the heart of Kryste, Amy and I-THANK YOU!

And if you are not a volunteer yet, we have a spot for you! Complete the volunteer form on our website and get involved! It is an opportunity that will fulfill you professionally and personally.