Weekly PDA Newsletter - June 26, 2016
Kathrin Graetz
graetz at mit.edu
Sun Jun 26 15:22:06 EDT 2016
[cid:image003.png at 01D114AE.CBB7CB20]
Dear MIT Postdocs,
We have a new event for you! This Thursday, we will launch a monthly Postdoc Coffee Hour to give you an opportunity to mingle and informally discuss postdoc life at MIT.
And we still need your help and participation!
The application is still open for interim positions in the PDA (until September). This could be a great opportunity to get to know the PDA structure without having to commit for a year.
And please participate in the National Postdoc Survey until Thursday! Your 15 minutes of invested time can help us to advocate for better salaries and benefits for all of us! Only 300 out of 1500 postdocs at MIT have participated so far. So just follow the link<https://redcap.uchicago.edu/surveys/?s=W87XWMKHWE>, increase the number and enable us to advocate for you!
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: July 11, 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 on Thursday, 4pm New
o Outdoor Volleyball, Soccer and Pizza @ Muddy's on Thursday, 5:30pm
* From the PDA Committees
o Call for Recording Secretary
o Call for Community Building Committee Co-Chair
o Call for IT Support Committee Chair
o MyLife Services
o National Postdoc Survey
* Postdoc Orientation Sessions
* From the PDA PInG Initiatives
o Zumba
o Yoga
o Glimpse
* Other Events at MIT
o BPDA Networking Pub Night (Wednesday, 6pm)
o Boston / Cambridge events New
Upcoming PDA Events:
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 first monthly postdoc coffee hour! We will have fresh coffee, fruit, and sweets for you to enjoy!
Date and Time: Thursday, June 30th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Building 56, 3rd floor Kitchenette
Sports & Pizza Thursday - Outdoor
[cid:image010.png at 01D1CFAB.81B84730][cid:image015.png at 01D1CFAB.81B84730]PDA weekly sports event continues with 2 games this week! And we are moving outdoors so let's hope for great weather this Thursday. Join us for a friendly game of volleyball and/or soccer followed by pizza at Muddy's. Please, bring a valid ID.
Date, Time and Location: Thursday, June 30th
Sand volleyball: 5:30 - 7:00 pm, sand pit between Buildings 62 and 64 (https://whereis.mit.edu/?go=62)
Outdoor soccer: 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Briggs Field (http://whereis.mit.edu/?go=G15)
Pizza at Muddy's: 8:30 pm MIT Building 50, 142 Memorial Drive, Cambridge (http://whereis.mit.edu/?go=50)
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:
Call for an Interim Recording Secretary
The MIT Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is seeking for nominations for the Recording Secretary to serve in the 2016 term (until the end of September).
The Recording Secretary is in charge of record keeping for the PDA. This involves taking detailed minutes at monthly meetings and maintaining all online documents up to date. The Recording Secretary is part of the Board of Directors, meaning you are involved in important decision-making for the PDA. Getting elected for this interim appointment is a great way for getting involved in the PDA and learning how the organization functions.
If you are interested, or have further questions, please contact our current recording secretary Augusto (atentori at mit.edu<mailto:atentori at mit.edu>). The nominations close on July 6th and we will vote on the candidates during our next PDA monthly meeting (July 11, 12-2pm, E25-202).
Call for Interim Community Building Committee Co-Chair
The MIT Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is seeking for nominations for an interim Co-Chair for the Community Building Committee to serve in the 2016 term (until the end of September).
If you enjoy organizing social events and being involved in the PDA's future, please consider serving as a CBC Co-Chair. You will have opportunities to:
- Co-organize upcoming PDA barbecue and sunset cruise events to gain leadership experience
- Familiarize yourself with the PDA structure and get prepared for the upcoming election in September
- Initiate other networking and social events for postdocs
Please get in touch with Min (dingmin at mit.edu<mailto:dingmin at mit.edu>) or Farrokh (farrokh at mit.edu<mailto:farrokh at mit.edu>) if you are interested in the transient co-chair position or need more details. The nominations close on July 6th and we will vote on the candidates during our next PDA monthly meeting (July 11, 12-2pm, E25-202).
Call for IT Support Committee Chair
The MIT Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is seeking for nominations for an interim Chair for the IT Support Committee to serve in the 2016 term (until the end of September).
The IT Officer is in charge of all activities concerning communication and publicity systems. You responsibilities include:
- Set up efficient communication and publicity systems (i.e. Email Listserv, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups, etc.)
- Maintain an up-to-date internet site of resources and information
- Establish consistency and continuity in the mission, organization, and conduct of the PDA
If you are interested, or have further questions, please contact our current IT officer Dennis (denn at mit.edu<mailto:denn at mit.edu>). The nominations close on July 6th and we will vote on the candidates during our next PDA monthly meeting (July 11, 12-2pm, E25-202).
Human Affairs Committee: 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>.
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: June 27, July 18, August 1, 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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>From the PDA PInG Initiatives:
Postdoc Zumba
This summer the Postdoctoral Association (PDA) will be offering 10-weeks of Zumba classes for Postdocs on Tuesdays from 6:15 - 7:15 PM (June 28- August 30) in Building 66-201. Classes are for up to 40 postdocs and funded by a Postdoc Initiatives Grant (PInG). Please plan on attending the majority of classes if you register as slots are limited. No previous experience is required. Please wear comfortable clothing and sport shoes. You must register to attend classes.
Please register here: https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/zumba .
If you have any questions please contact Maria Patsyuk (mpatsyuk at mit.edu<mailto:mpatsyuk at mit.edu>).
[cid:95222B00-F045-414B-A096-7C6A941BCEDB]Yoga Classes for Postdocs
We are conducting yoga class series regularly and the next one is starting on July 6, and will be taking place on Wednesdays, 7:30 pm on campus (building 10 or building 16). 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: July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and Sep 7
If you are interested, please reserve your spots by contacting Sarah Safieddine<mailto:sarahsaf at mit.edu> or the instructor <mailto:hadassahsegal at hotmail.com> Hadassah Segal<mailto:hadassahsegal at hotmail.com> directly.
Thank you!
[[GLIMPSE logo]]Glimpse
Episode 11: Dr. Madeleine Oudin is a postdoc in Prof. Frank Gertler's group. We discuss cannabinoids, stem cell migration, cancer cell migration, extracellular matrix and Taylor Swift!
This is the final of a our three-episode series highlighting research at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.
Join us in two week for our season finale!
For more information please visit: http://web.mit.edu/gertlerlab/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Madeleine_Oudin/ https://twitter.com/MadeleineOudin
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<mailto:glimpse.podcast at gmail.com>. For more information, please visit us at: http://glimpse.mit.edu/
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Other Events at MIT:
This Week:
BPDA Networking Pub Night (organized by Boston PDA)
Meet your fellow postdocs and rub elbows with industry professionals from local Biotech and Pharma companies. We'll have lots of excellent hors d'ouvres and our space will be staffed by bartenders eager to serve your favorite adult beverage from our cash bar.
Bring your friends, your business cards and make some new friends and contacts! Availability is first come, first served and is filling up quickly. Postdocs from all institutions and Industry professionals are welcome.
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 29th, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Asgard Irish Pub and Restaurant (350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA)
Register here<http://bpdacareer-asgard.eventbrite.com/>
[cid:1500f229-9a6f-af8b-e65a-1149d141f163]
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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Writing & Communication Center (MIT)
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.)
Note from the Center: MIT's Writing and Communication Center's (WCC) scheduler for July is now open. [Once you have registered for an account ] Go to our scheduler, move it forward to July 6, and you can sign up for appointments. The WCC is only open for the month of July.
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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