Weekly PDA Newsletter - August 21, 2016
Kathrin Graetz
graetz at mit.edu
Sun Aug 21 18:38:00 EDT 2016
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Dear MIT Postdocs,
Thursday is our next PDA coffee hour! Come and enjoy coffee and sweets, meet other postdocs, and learn about the PDA...in case you want to apply for one of the positions for the next term ;)
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 Postdoc Coffee Hour (Thursday @ 4pm)
o PDA General Elections
* From the PDA Committees:
o National Postdoc Survey
* Postdoc Orientation Sessions
* Other Events at MIT
o MIT Tango Bootcamp
o Advocating for Science Symposium
o MIT Blossoms: Create an Educational Video for High School Students! New
o The Art of Talking Science
o Effectively Communicating Research New
o Boston / Cambridge events
Upcoming PDA Events:
[cid:image005.jpg at 01D1FBDB.23867900]Postdoc Coffee Hour
Do you have questions about life as a postdoc at MIT? Would you like to meet other postdocs over a cup of coffee? Would you like to learn more about what the PDA can do for you?
If so, please join us for the monthly postdoc coffee hour!
Date and Time: Thursday, August 25, 4-6 pm
Location: One Community Room (8-219)
We will have fresh coffee, fruit, and snacks for you to enjoy!
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
The Vice President assists and works closely with the President of the PDA. The VP is in charge of chairing meetings and assuming other responsibilities of the President when the president is absent (which is not uncommon given the short appointments and busy schedules of Postdocs). The VP can also assist with the management of Committees, interactions with Institute representatives, and the carrying out of PDA aims.
* Corresponding Secretary
The corresponding secretary is in charge of the PDA's correspondence, which involves answering and forwarding all emails and keeping the postdoc community informed about events through the weekly newsletter.
* Recording Secretary
The recording secretory is a member of the PDA board of directors who actively participate in PDA decision making. Primary responsibilities of the recording secretary include keeping the detailed minutes of PDA meetings and maintaining all the PDA records in a timely and orderly fashion.
* Treasurer
The treasurer's primary duty is to maintain accurate accounting of the PDA's various committees and funds in order to help establish a budget for each committee and to keep the PDA financially viable.
PDA Committee Chairs
* Advocacy Committee
The advocacy committee advocates for the rights and benefits of all postdocs at MIT. The chair should be available and contactable to listen and respond to postdocs on advocacy issues that are important to them. They should communicate with the key MIT administration nodes of MIT including, the office of the vice president for research (VPR), central HR, departmental HR, MIT work-life center, International scholars office (ISCHo), Benefits office, Payroll office, and relevant Faculty. Where possible PDA advocacy efforts also seek to integrate with the wider strategies of the Boston PDA (BPDA).
* Alumni Committee
The alumni committee contributes to the effort to streamline MIT Alumni Association's Infinite Connection (IC) sign up, and then to promote it widely. Its purpose is to build the whole area of postdoc alumni, create communications and events in these areas, and maximize the IC resource for postdocs.
* Community Building and Outreach Committee
The objective of the community building community is to ensure active participation and involvement of all the postdocs with rest of the MIT community and beyond. We organize several events throughout the calendar year to facilitate an environment where postdocs can come out of their regular work schedules and get to know their fellow postdocs.
* Human Affairs Committee
The Human Affairs Chair promotes inclusion, respect, and fair treatment of all postdocs within the MIT community. This is achieved by organizing community-building events, such as the monthly coffee hour, and representing the postdoctoral community as a member of the MIT Committee on Race and Diversity. The HA Chair participates in and promotes health and wellness programs, advertises these resources to postdocs, and works with the administration to improve current programs.
* Information Flow & IT Support Committee
The IT committee sets up efficient communication and publicity systems (i.e. Email Listserv, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups, etc.), maintains and up-to-date internet site of resources and information, and establish consistency and continuity in the mission, organization, and conduct of the PDA.
* Orientation Committee
The orientation committee chair has two main responsibilities, which are maintaining an up-to-date version of the slides for the postdoc orientation and organizing volunteer presenters from active members of the PDA. Additional duties include collecting survey results to better understand the concerns of incoming postdocs and providing feedback to the PDA and HR about any such concerns.
* Postdoc Initiative Grant Committee
The Postdoc Initiatives Grant (PInG) Committee oversees the solicitation and selection of awards to seed the funding of new initiatives to benefit the postdoc community. The PInG Committee Chair is also responsible for being the point person for all ongoing and new PInG initiatives. Previous initiatives include: Postdoc Organization for Women Engaged in Research (POWER), Postdoc Yoga, Glimpse: the postdoc podcast, Postdoc Zumba, and Postdoc Running Group.
* Professional Development Committee
* Sports Committee
The Sports Committee of the PDA is building a vibrant, welcoming community for MIT postdocs through sports and social events. We organize pick-up games (volleyball, soccer, basketball...) open to anyone, regardless of their skill level, followed by socials that usually involve free food. Over last year, the Sports Committee organized weekly Sports & Pizza Thursdays that consisted of afternoon outdoor volleyball and soccer games followed by PDA sponsored pizza at Muddy's. The events were very popular, consistently attracting between 20 and 50+ postdocs every week. These events bring together postdocs from across MIT and lead to community and new friendships that would not have been otherwise established. As a Sports Committee chair, we hope you will continue the tradition of Sports Thursdays and come up with new events that will keep us all active and happy.
* 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.
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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.
PDA Sports
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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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 29, September 19, October 3, October 17, November 7, November 21, December 5, December 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>.
MIT Blossoms: Create an Educational Video for High School Students!
The MIT BLOSSOMS Program http://blossoms.mit.edu invites you to create an interactive video lesson for high school classes in science, math or engineering. BLOSSOMS lessons are used by teachers in classrooms not only across the U.S., but also around the world. The program has 10 country partners, with lessons in 11 languages.
Each BLOSSOMS lesson presents a challenging phenomenon to the class that requires their active intellectual engagement. A lesson is made up of 5 to 7 short video segments, and after each segment, the video is paused and the classroom teacher takes over - coaching students to respond to an in-class BLOSSOMS challenge. Once the learning objective is achieved, the teacher turns the video back ON, and the next segment is presented - with a new challenge. BLOSSOMS lessons are NOT lectures. Instead, they are student-centered, active learning experiences.
(1) Key Student Objectives: (a) Developing their critical thinking skills, moving away from rote memorization; (b) Developing active interest in STEM careers; (c) Seeing relevance of STEM to everyday life; (d) Creating an awareness of and appreciation for different cultures.
(2) Why make a BLOSSOMS lesson? You are contributing to an Open Source worldwide education effort. Your lesson posted on the MIT BLOSSOMS web site will showcase your super teaching skills! Great for your resume!
(3) Easy Step 1: By September 15, just email us at blossoms at mit.edu<mailto:blossoms at mit.edu>, expressing your tentative interest. (No firm commitment) We will hold an informational meeting about this initiative in early October, scheduled to maximize attendance for all who express interest.
(4) Reward: You earn a $1,000 honorarium for your effort!
POSTDOCS - PLEASE SEE THE NOTE BELOW
(5) How do I learn more? Simply visit the BLOSSOMS web site and sample several video lessons. Here is a short introductory video: http://blossoms.mit.edu/about_us/video_introduction_blossoms
Hope to see you in September! And please feel free to email any one of us ahead of time with your questions.
PI: Richard C. Larson, Mitsui Professor of Data, Systems, and Society rclarson at mit.edu<mailto:rclarson at mit.edu>
Co-PI: Daniel Frey, Professor of Mechanical Engineering danfrey at mit.edu<mailto:danfrey at mit.edu>
BLOSSOMS Project Manager, M. Elizabeth Murray emurray at mit.edu<mailto:emurray at mit.edu>
NOTE: Postdocs who are considering applying should be sure the terms of their appointment, and fellowship, if applicable, allow for this activity and honorarium. Speak with your faculty supervisor and administrative contact<http://postdocs.mit.edu/postdocs-and-office-vpr/key-administrative-contacts-postdocs>. In addition, International Scholars: Please note that depending on your immigration status, you may or may not qualify to receive an honorarium or any other type of compensation. Please contact the International Scholars Office (ISchO<http://web.mit.edu/scholars/>) to discuss this issue before making a commitment to the MIT BLOSSOMS Program.
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>
Effectively Communicating Research (organized by Harvard Catalyst)
A two-day course designed to provide fellows and junior faculty with the skills necessary to express their science clearly to diverse audiences; to prepare abstracts, manuscripts, and posters; and to speak effectively. http://catalyst.harvard.edu/services/ecr/
Date: November 29-30
Application due August 26th
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.
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