September 18, 2009
New Purdue Postdoc Association to hold callout
The recently formed Purdue Postdoc Association will provide information on its goals at a callout on Sept. 24.
The callout, which is open to Purdue students, faculty and staff, will be held at 8 p.m. at the International Center, 523 Russell St. Founding members of PPDA will discuss a work plan for the next year as well as take feedback on the proposed efforts. Refreshments will be provided.
The PPDA aims to provide the following to Purdue postdocs:
* A platform to connect to and interact with other Purdue postdocs on both professional and social levels.
* A representative body to speak and communicate on behalf of Purdue's postdocs.
* Training on tasks that are typically new to postdocs, such as educative tasks, research project writing, applying for research grants and soliciting for faculty positions.
* Information to make postdoctoral life easier, ranging from topics such as filling tax forms to making health care choices.
* Create awareness of the existence of postdocs, their problems and the contributions of postdocs to the educational and research achievements of Purdue as well as the scientific body in general.
The PPDA has received the support of the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Graduate School administration and will work closely with these bodies. Peter Dunn, associate vice president for research, and Jon Story, associate dean of Purdue's Graduate School and professor in the Department of Foods and Nutrition, will be the faculty co-advisors for PPDA.
The callout is being held on National Postdoc Appreciation Day. Those interested in attending should either subscribe on the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120790574480 or send an e-mail with "Callout subscription" in the subject line to kvillez@purdue.edu.
PPDA is looking for volunteers to assist with the callout as well as for those interested in serving as officers for the group. E-mail Valentina at vtrinetta@purdue.edu or Kris at kvillez@purdue.edu for details.
For more information, join the PPDA e-mail list at https://lists.purdue.edu/mailman/listinfo/ppda or visit the PPDA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106553804317.