Weekly PDA Newsletter - December 18, 2016

[Meghan Huber]

​


Dear MIT Postdocs,

As we head into the new year, please consider joining some of our
committees that need your help! Getting involved with the PDA is a great
way to meet your fellow postdocs. Here are a list of some of the committees
looking for members. Please send them an email if you are interested.

Community Building Committee

Our objective is to encourage participation and involvement of postdocs
within the MIT community. We organize various networking and social events
every month to create a welcoming and supportive environment for the
postdocs, which would lead to better community integration. We have
organized a Halloween Bash, a postdoc mixer with Sloan, a music performance
and a Christmas market trip to Maine this Fall. Upcoming events include an
ice skating event, a dancing event, a recurring board games event, a band
contest and much more.

If you want to participate in organizing and executing events, please
contact us. All help is welcome, from active organization of events,
through helping hands with the set up, clean up, during the events, and
even with promotion or small errands outside of the actual events. In
particular, we are looking for somebody to take care of the recurring board
game nights.

Email: pda-community at mit.edu

Sports Committee

The sports committee organizes events in the athletics center and outdoors
on a weekly or bi weekly basis, currently on Fridays. We also have social
events following these sports events. In the future we plan to sponsor
intramural sports and have larger physical activity based post doc events.
We are looking for 1 or 2 volunteers to help organize these, availability
is needed on certain Fridays from 7:30 to 10 pm.

Email: pda-sports at mit.edu

Professional Development Committee

The role of the professional development committee is to help all postdocs
in shaping their careers by organizing career-building workshops, research
symposiums, industry ventures, etc. We are looking for several volunteers
to help organize these professional development events and programs.

Email: pda-professional at mit.edu

Fundraising Committee

The role of the fundraising committee is to raise funds to support the
activities and services provided by the PDA. We are looking for several
volunteers to help out.

Email: pda-fundraising at mit.edu

We wish you all a happy holidays!

Cheers,

Meghan

-----

Dr. Meghan Huber

Corresponding Secretary

Postdoctoral Association of MIT (PDA)

Follow the MIT-PDA on social media!

MIT-PDA

website <http://pda.mit.edu>

Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/groups/44093460815/>

Twitter <https://twitter.com/MITPDA>

Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/mitpda/>

LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2506720/profile>

Boston-PDA

website <http://bostonpostdocs.org/>

NEXT MIT-PDA MEETING

January 9, 2017

12:00pm

Rm E25-202

Lunch will be provided!

REGISTER HERE
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-vT1gzgyik3JHFWaRgQwAVeVoiaoQFK7iP2MO4dtKwo/viewform>

Please join us for our monthly MIT-PDA meeting! Get involved with any of
the various committees (e.g., sports, advocacy, committee, community
building) and have your voice heard. This is a great opportunity meet your
fellow postdocs on campus!


MIT-PDA NEWS AND EVENTS

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 E49-5145. Lunch will be provided. The dates for the semester
are as follows: December 19, January 9, January 23, February 6, February
27, March 6, March 20, April 3, April 24, May 22. If you are interested in
participating, you can register via Atlas or here
<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>.

GLIMPSE (PDA PInG Initiative)

If you would like to be interviewed by GLIMPSE podcast or would like to
help with the podcast (music, logo, artwork), please contact us at
glimpse.podcast at gmail.com. For more information, please visit us at:
http://glimpse.mit.edu/

OTHER MIT AND LOCAL EVENTS

This Week

Goal Setting for Your Best Year Yet (Webinar)

Hosted by the MIT Work-Life Center

We all have things we say we'd like to do but, somehow, they never seem to
get done. They can range from simple to complex: reading a book, learning a
new skill, taking a vacation, or completing a project at work. Despite our
stated desire to do these things, other priorities get in the way and we
don't do them. In this webinar, you will get tools to help you identify
what's really important to you and you'll learn how to set specific,
attainable goals and develop workable plans for reaching them. Presenter –
Cindy Loughran; Professional Certified Coach and Founder, Cindy Loughran
Coaching

Date and Time Tuesday, December 20, 3:00-4:00pm

Location Lobby 10

Registration Register here
<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3504285766262605569>

Upcoming Deadlines

Yoga Classes for Postdocs

There is a regularly held yoga class series for MIT postdocs. The next
series is starting on December 7th, and will be taking place on Wednesdays,
7:30 pm on campus. A rate for postdocs and their spouses/partners is
offered for a 10 class session for $80. This is a gentle all-level relaxing
yoga class and no prior experience is required. The classes will take place
on the following 10 dates: December 7, 14, 21, Christmas/New Year's break;
January 4, 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8 and 15. If you are interested or have
questions, please reserve and/or contact the instructor, Hadassah Segal
<hadassahsegal at hotmail.com>.

NU Grant Writing Coaching Group @ Boston College

Hosted by the The National Research Mentoring Network

Both coach and mentee applications are now being accepted for the Boston
Grant Writing Coaching Group. Mentees will enhance their grant writing
skills and knowledge by working closely with successful researchers who
know what it takes to obtain NIH grant funding. Group sessions will be held
at a Boston College and online throughout the Spring 2017. Visit their
website
<https://nrmnet.net/grantwriting-coaching-groups/trainee-programs/nu-grant-writing-coaching-group-for-mentees-at-boston-college/>
for full details on the program and how to apply.

Priority deadline for applications January 17, 2017

Final deadline for applications January 30, 2017

CHECK OUT THESE SITES FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS

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/>

Boston PDA Events <http://bostonpostdocs.org/events-calendar/>

Mass-AWIS Events <http://mass-awis.org/category/events-calendar/>*

*NOTE: Association of Women in Science Massachusetts Chapter (
http://mass-awis.org/): Since MIT is a Collegiate Rep of AWIS, the MIT
community can attend Mass AWIS 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.

MIT RESOURCES FOR POSTDOCS

FREE Mindfulness and Meditation Classes from MIT Medical

Find Some Om Under the Dome

MIT Libraries is offering drop-in meditation and relaxation sessions.
Please join us for silent meditation in the Barker reading room. Sit for a
minute, or 30. Beginners welcome - no experience necessary. Every Monday at
noon in the Barker Dome of Barker Engineering Library (10-500). Please
arrive promptly. Registration is required.
<https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/mindfulness-meditation>

Meditation for your Wellbeing

Community Wellness at MIT Medical offers drop-in meditation and relaxation
sessions. Sit back and relax - no experience necessary. Please arrive
promptly. A short talk and guided meditation begins at 12:10 pm. This class
is held every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 12:10 pm-12:40 pm. Led by Seth
Monk. Registration is required.
<https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/mindfulness-meditation>

MIT Writing & Communication Center

The Center provides free professional advice about all types of writing and
speaking/oral presentations, including specialized help for non-native
English speakers. See their website for more details:
http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/


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. Postdoc Associates and Fellows are eligible for
services provided by KGA, Inc. through the MIT Work-Life Center and MyLife
Services. 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>.
For more information or to provide feedback, please contact the MIT
Work-Life Center.

MIT Spouses&Partners Connect

Offers social and career-related groups and events for your
spouse/partner/family. For more information and event listings, visit
http://spouses.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

OTHER RESOURCES

Free Membership for the National Postdoctoral Association

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a member-driven organization
that provides a unique, national voice for postdoctoral scholars. Since
2003, we have taken on the ambitious agenda to enhance the quality of the
postdoctoral experience in the United States. We have assumed a leadership
role in addressing the many issues confronting the postdoctoral community
that are national in scope and requiring action beyond the local level. Get
your free affiliate membership with the National Postdoctoral Association
here: http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/?page=individual_members
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