Weekly PDA Newsletter - August 14, 2016

Sun Aug 14 18:51:58 EDT 2016

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Dear MIT Postdocs,

What a great week we just had!!!
Our soccer team won the MIT Summer Soccer Intramural Tournament! Congratulations!!! (Picture of our great team at the end of the mail)
And we had a great Postdoc BBQ! I hope you all had a wonderful time and met a lot of new and old faces!

Also, I have one other thing: Please participate in the national postdoc survey from the university of Chicago! Only 231 out of around 1500 postdocs have participated so far. Due to the low numbers nationwide, the deadline has been extended to August 31st.

Wish you all a great week!

Best,
Kathrin

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Dr.-Ing. Kathrin Graetz
Corresponding Secretary
Postdoctoral Association of MIT (PDA)
pda.mit.edu<http://pda.mit.edu/>                Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/groups/44093460815/>                Twitter (@MITPDA)<https://twitter.com/MITPDA>              Instagram (@mitpda)<https://www.instagram.com/mitpda/>                   LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/grps/MIT-Postdoc-2506720/about?>

Boston PDA: http://bostonpostdocs.org/             and               https://www.facebook.com/groups/1969262336632168/\<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1969262336632168/%5C>

Next PDA meeting:  September , 12pm @E25-202            register here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-vT1gzgyik3JHFWaRgQwAVeVoiaoQFK7iP2MO4dtKwo/viewform>          Lunch will be provided!

This Week's Topics:

*       Upcoming PDA Events

o   PDA General Elections

o   Outdoor Volleyball and Soccer on Thursdays

*       From the PDA Committees:

o   National Postdoc Survey

*       Postdoc Orientation Sessions

*       Other Events at MIT

o   MIT Tango Bootcamp  New

o   Advocating for Science Symposium  New

o   The Art of Talking Science

o   Boston / Cambridge events

Upcoming PDA Events:

PDA General Election
We would like to invite you all to the MIT Postdoctoral Association (PDA) General Elections 2016-2017. General elections will be held on Friday September 16, 2016 from 12-2 pm in E25-401. Lunch will be served.

The MIT PDA (http://pda.mit.edu<http://pda.mit.edu/>) is a postdoc-led organization with the goal of providing support for over 1500 postdoctoral scholars appointed in 50 departments at MIT. Nominations are now open for: (please click here<http://pda.mit.edu/about/bylaws/> to see the responsibilities for each position)
PDA Board of Directors
- President
- Vice President
- Corresponding Secretary
- Recording Secretary
- Treasurer

PDA Committee Chairs
- Advocacy Committee
- Alumni Committee
- Community Building and Outreach Committee
- Human Affairs Committee
- Information Flow & IT Support Committee
- Orientation Committee
- Postdoc Initiative Grant Committee
- Professional Development Committee
- Sports Committee
- Fundraising Committee
To apply for a position, click here<https://form.jotform.com/62177028423958>

All positions are open and postdocs currently serving are also encouraged to run again for the same position. This is a great chance to take on a leadership role, interact with other postdocs and the MIT administration and help shape the postdoctoral experience at MIT!

NOTE: Candidates are required to be present on the 16th of September during the elections and pitch to the postdoc electorate. MIT postdocs must also be present to vote at the elections.
Important dates :
August 8, 2016 - Applications open
September 8, 2016 - Applications close
September 9, 2016 - September 14, 2016 - Verify candidature, meet candidates, and release the slate with proposed candidature list
September 16, 2016 - General Elections in E25-401 at 12-2 pm. Open to all MIT Postdocs.

Sports Thursday - Outdoors

Although there is no official PDA sports event this week, postdoc community is very active and there will be spontaneous pick up games. Please check and/or post news and events in our Facebook group Sports activities for MIT postdocs. Link is below:

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472?ref=bookmarks

For all questions regarding the events, email the Sports Committee of PDA at jelenas at mit.edu<mailto:jelenas at mit.edu>
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Sport%20Activities%20for%20MIT%20Postdocs

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>From the PDA Committees:

Advocacy Committee: National Postdoc Survey
What are your thoughts and opinions on your postdoc experience so far? An unprecedented nationwide postdoc survey is currently underway to collect data on postdoc issues across the country. The results will be analyzed and compiled into a journal article by University of Chicago researchers later this year. They have asked for MIT postdocs to participate in the survey. Here is a link to the survey:
https://redcap.uchicago.edu/surveys/?s=W87XWMKHWE

This survey will take no longer than 15-20 minutes of your time and results will be completely anonymous.
Best of all: Enter into a drawing for $200 travel awards to a scientific meeting of your choice! Additionally, one participant from MIT will randomly be selected for a $50 Amazon gift card.

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Postdoc Orientation Sessions:

The PDA offers Postdoc Orientation Sessions open to all postdocs at MIT. Topics covered include:
*       Data on postdoc population at MIT

  *   MIT oversight of postdocs
  *   Defining postdoc expectations
  *   Differences between fellows and associates
  *   PDA structure and initiatives
*       How to get involved
The sessions will be typically the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 12pm (45-60min) in E19-306. Lunch will be provided.
The dates for the next six months are as follows: August 15, August 29, September 19

If you are interested in participating, you can register via Atlas or using this link<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>.

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Other Events at MIT:

MIT Tango Bootcamp
Ever wanted to learn tango? This is your chance! Join the MIT tango club for our two-day 2016 bootcamp. Come learn tango in a comfortable, relaxed, and open environment!  Experience two days of fun, dancing, and snacks. www.tango.mit.edu<http://www.tango.mit.edu>
No experience or partner required. Space is limited. The bootcamps have been wildly popular in the past so be sure to sign up now!
Dates: September 3rd, 2pm - 5:30pm ; September 4th, 1:30pm - 5pm
Tickets: http://mit.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event.aspx?id=526&cid=35&p=1

Advocating for Science Symposium
Please join us <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocating-for-science-forafsmit-gsc-2016-symposium-registration-26685644481> for the "Advocating for Science" Symposium and Workshop, which will take place at MIT September 16-17, 2016. Organized by Future of Research<http://futureofresearch.org/> (FoR), Academics for the Future of Science<http://blog.save-science.org> (AFS) and the MIT Graduate Student Council<http://gsc.mit.edu/> (GSC), this meeting will be an opportunity for those with a passion for advocating for science to develop their advocacy skills, meet like-minded scientists and develop focused efforts together to effect positive change.
The Advocating for Science Symposium on Friday 16th September 4pm-8pm will discuss ongoing advocacy efforts to promote systemic changes within the scientific enterprise and how it is funded. Rush Holt, former congressman and CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, will present the Keynote address. A reception and networking event will follow. There is no charge to attend the Symposium.
On Saturday 17th September 9am - 6pm, we will build on this with the Advocating for Science Workshop: an intense advocacy "boot camp" for a focused group of participants who want to gain practical skills in advocacy. The program will progress through the many aspects of effectively advocating for change: from leading and inspiring a group of likeminded individuals to collecting and using effective data, creating an overall message, and communicating that message to the appropriate audiences. Workshops will be run by experts in their respective fields. There is a small fee for Workshop registration. Spaces are limited for the workshop and accordingly we ask that all participants attend the entire day, along with the Friday Symposium.
For registration for either the Symposium or the Symposium + Workshop please go to the following link<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocating-for-science-forafsmit-gsc-2016-symposium-registration-26685644481>.

The Art of Talking Science (organized by MGH Research Institute)
Are you ready for our communicating science challenge? One of the biggest challenges that scientists face today is communicating their science effectively to a lay audience. On Monday, Sept. 26, from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Paul S. Russell Museum of Medical History, the Mass General Research Institute & HUBweek will present "The Art of Talking Science," a fun, interactive event that will give eight local researchers a chance to present their science to a diverse panel of judges and a live audience.
The event will be open to all academic biomedical researchers in the Boston/Cambridge community.
Register here<https://www.massgeneral.org/research/forms/HUBweek-entry.aspx>

Events in Cambridge/Boston:

Kendall Square Concert Series in Partnership with Boston Properties
Passim Presents Concerts at Kendall Center from June to September. Enjoy having your lunch and listening live music at Kendall Square. Concert calendar is available at their website<http://passim.org/club/passim-presents-concerts-kendall-center-12>. Free Concerts. All Summer Long. All Ages. All Over Cambridge!
Dates: Tuesdays, June 7th - September 6th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Kendall Center, near Kendall Square Station
Info: link<http://passim.org/club/passim-presents-concerts-kendall-center-12>

Free Fun Fridays in Boston
Our Free Fun Fridays offer visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. This program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free. We reach out to schools, veterans groups, libraries, seniors' centers, and many other community organizations to ensure that everyone knows that they are also welcome.
Dates: June 24th - August 26th
Info: link<http://highlandstreet.org/programs/free-fun-fridays>

Boston Public Library Concerts in the Courtyard
The courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square, one of Boston's most beautiful spaces, is filled with music during free, one-hour concerts throughout the summer. The courtyard hosts music that ranges from jazz to classical and from world to folk. Concerts are moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.
Dates: Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 7:00pm; Fridays, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St.
Info: link<http://www.bpl.org/programs/concerts.htm>

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Free affiliate membership with the National Postdoctoral Association: http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/?page=individual_members

*NOTE: MIT is a Collegiate Rep of AWIS, so the MIT community can attend Mass AWIS (http://mass-awis.org/) events at the member price.
First, apply for your free membership through the national AWIS website http://www.awis.org/ as a Collegiate Rep and select the Massachusetts Chapter. Do this prior to registering for any events.

Other helpful sites:
postdocs.mit.edu (Office VPR)
MIT GECD Events<https://gecd.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT Spouses&Partners Events<http://spouses.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT Events<http://events.mit.edu/>

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MIT Writing & Communication Center
The WCC and its Online Consultant will be closed starting Friday, July 29. It will reopen the first day of classes, Wednesday, September 7. The online scheduler will be open the last week in August so you can start making appointments. We look forward to working with you then.
Schedule one-on-one consulting sessions with professional writers<http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/>. The Center provides free professional advice from communication experts about all types of writing and speaking/oral presentations. Specialized help is available to non-native English speakers. It closes for part of the summer and reopens in the fall; see the note below. (Eligible: MIT undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, lecturers and staff members.)

MyLife Services
Postdoc Associates and Fellows are eligible for services provided by KGA, Inc. through the Work-Life Center and MyLife Services.
MyLife Services<http://o6os.mj.am/link/o6os/xlkt8jnnqpg8/1/-kBne3WjUT8Ww6LEA98gxw/aHR0cDovL2hyd2ViLm1pdC5lZHUvd29ya2xpZmUvbWl0bXlsaWZlc2VydmljZXM> is a free, confidential, 24/7 counseling, consultation, and work-life referral service provided by KGA, Inc., a trusted external provider of employee assistance programs. You can now access a network of experts who can help with the challenges of life and work, such as:
Financial planning, debt management, and legal issues
Personal and work relationships
Sleep and nutrition
Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional concerns
Child and elder care
This includes 5 FREE confidential mental health counseling sessions, as well as access to 24/7 confidential counseling services.
We encourage you to learn more about MyLife Services by calling 1-844-405-LIFE (1-844-405-5433) or going online<http://o6os.mj.am/link/o6os/xlkt8jnnqpg8/2/y46EmaQ0aMF6d85vixaLTg/aHR0cDovL2hyd2ViLm1pdC5lZHUvd29ya2xpZmUvbWl0bXlsaWZlc2VydmljZXM>. You will hear more about MyLife Services later in the summer and early fall, and a postcard with additional details will be in your campus mailbox in the coming days. For more information or to provide feedback, please contact the MIT Work-Life Center<mailto:worklife at mit.edu>.

MIT Employee Resource Groups
Join an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at MIT!
ERGs are employee-led groups formed around common interests, issues and/or a common bond or background. ERGs host activities such as lectures, socials, dinners, etc. Both Postdoctoral Fellows and Associates are invited to join.
Current ERGs include:
African, Black, American, Caribbean @MIT (ABAC at MIT) ERG
Asian Pacific American ERG
Latino ERG,
Lesbian, Gay, ,Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) ERG
Millennials ERG
Women in IT ERG
Check out the link for more information and upcoming events: http://hrweb.mit.edu/diversity/ergs/current

MIT+K12 Videos
MIT+K12 Videos<http://www.k12videos.mit.edu/> is an educational outreach media program. We produce original web series like Science Out Loud<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzMhsCgGKd1hoofiKuifwy6qRXZs7NG6a> and #askMIT<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzMhsCgGKd1j87LQK6UHs_YGiurvnvwXG> to spark curiosity about STEM among middle-high schoolers by showcasing the research and people of MIT. We are always looking for post-docs (of all disciplines) to be filmed for #askMIT (a video pen-pal/Q&A series), show visiting middle schoolers around labs, or serve as script content reviewers.
Please contact Elizabeth Choe (echoe) for more information or if you're interested in getting involved.

[cid:3EBF0234-8914-458A-B02B-6442DD6CB77E]MIT Sailing
Are you interested in sailing? The MIT sailing program offers you both dinghy sailing on the Charles, as well as bluewater sailing on X-Dimension, a 43-foot ocean racer-cruiser. X-Dimension offers trips to everyone in the MIT community (meaning you), including day trips around Boston harbor and longer trips to Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, and summer cruises in Maine. No experience necessary, just an interest and the ability to swim. For more information visit http://sailing.mit.edu/bluewater/ and sign up for the mailing list at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/bluewater.

The postdoc soccer team
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