Weekly MIT-PDA newsletter - October 1, 2017
Sabrina Huber
smhuber at mit.edu
Sun Oct 1 10:00:38 EDT 2017
[cid:ii_j7yiar640_15eb317236967934]
Dear MIT Postdocs,
A big thank you to Meghan Huber for all her great work as Corresponding Secretary throughout the last year!
The new MIT-PDA officers have officially taken over and are looking forward to supporting and guiding you during the 2017/2018 academic year.
Please not that the MIT-PDA Corresponding Secretary and Orientation Committee Chair positions are still open. Elections for these positions will happen at the next PDA general meeting in November. Contact pda-board at mit.edu<mailto:pda-board at mit.edu> if interested, we are excited to have you join our team! In addition, the Professional Development Committee is recruiting a co-chair. Interested postdocs should contact pda-professional at mit.edu<mailto:professional at mit.edu>.
Have a good week!
Cheers,
Sabrina
------
Dr. Sabrina Huber
Recording 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
Monday, October 2, 2017
12:00 pm
Rm E25-401
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
A Postdoc Conversation with the MIT TLO and the COI
Hosted by MIT-PDA
The Postdoctoral Association is pleased to host representatives from the MIT Technology Licensing Office (TLO) and Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to discuss issues involving MIT postdocs. The TLO will discuss procedures for protecting your intellectual property throughout your research time at MIT. The MIT COI Officer will address important questions regarding consulting privileges for postdocs, startups and adviser-trainee conflicts arising from financial and non-financial interests. Lunch will be served.
Date and Time Thursday, October 12, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location NE18-901
Registration Registration required on Google Form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3fk4QAspe6IQ563YeCAB-d0L2nzI-urBAATeLxoAMP1yt_A/viewform> (no later than Oct 9, 5.00 PM)
Elections for MIT-PDA Corresponding Secretary & Orientation Committee Chair
Hosted by MIT-PDA
We are looking for postdocs to join our team as Corresponding Secretary and Orientation Committee Chair. Interested postdocs should email pda-board at mit.edu<mailto:pda-board at mit.edu> describing their qualifications and interest in the position.
Date and Time Monday, November 13, 12:00 PM
Location TBC
Postdoc Volleyball
Hosted by MIT-PDA Sports Committee
Join us for outdoor volleyball every Thursday throughout the summer! Never played before? Don’t worry! All abilities are welcome. If you are a beginner, we encourage you to show up early to learn how to play and improve skills. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Muddy for drinks (requires ID) and occasionally pizzas. Anyone can join for the Muddy afterwards (you just need to be with someone who has MIT ID) provided you are 21 or over. Note the Muddy is cash only if you want to buy drinks. Please also add yourself to our <https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/> sports Facebook group<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/>!
Date and Time Every Thursday starting 5:15 PM til dusk
Location Sand court between Buildings 62 and 64
***For Soccer, please check PDA sports Facebook group<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/> for upcoming events.***
PDA and Strategic Games Society (SGS) Partnership
Hosted by MIT-PDA Community Building Committee
Thanks to an MIT-PDA partnership, MIT postdocs may join for free the weekly board games hosted by the MIT Strategic Games Society (MIT-SGS). Moreover, you can bring non-MIT friends for a small fee of $5 per year. SGS meets every Friday at 7PM in MIT Building 50-316 (Walker Memorial Hall, Floor 3, Room 16) for board games and card games. Gaming sessions typically go until around 12-2 AM. For more information about the board game branch of SGS, contact <mailto:sgs-officers at mit.edu> the officers<mailto:sgs-officers at mit.edu>.
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
You may register for a session via Atlas or here<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>. Orientation begins at noon (45-60 min) in the Atlas Service Center (E17) and lunch is provided. Dates for the semester are as follows (all Wednesdays): October 11, October 25, November 8, November 29, December 20.
Postdoc Jogging Club
Consider joining the Postdoc Jogging Club! Those interested in joining club can sign up for the email list here<https://mailman.mit.edu:444/mailman/listinfo/postdoc-jogging>.
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<mailto:glimpse.podcast at gmail.com>. For more information, please visit us at: http://glimpse.mit.edu/<http://glimpse.mit.edu/>
OTHER MIT AND LOCAL EVENTS
This Week
Tech Talk with the iCloud Team
Hosted by MIT CSAIL Alliances
In this talk, the Apple iCloud will be described and a detailed overview of its core infrastructure called CloudKit will be given. CloudKit is Apple's cloud backend service and application development framework that provides strongly-consistent storage for structured data and makes it easy to synchronize data across user devices or share it among multiple users. Launched more than 3 years ago, CloudKit forms the foundation for more than 40 Apple apps, including many of our most important and popular applications such as Photos, iCloud Drive, Notes, and News, as well as many third-party apps. By using CloudKit application developers are free to focus on delivering the application while relying on CloudKit for scale, consistency, durability and security. CloudKit manages petabytes of data and handles hundreds of millions of users around the world on a daily basis.
Date and Time Monday, October 2, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location 32-G499 (Kiva Room)
Questions mit at apple.com<mailto:mit at apple.com>
Registration http://bit.ly/AppleTechTalk102
Effective Communication in Your Hardest Conversations
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center, GECD & Office of Vice President for Research
Whether in the office, in the lab, or at home, we have all experienced tough conversations that have left us feeling unsatisfied, upset, or unsure of our next steps. This workshop will surface the common traps we fall into in the midst of our hardest conversations, which make them even harder to manage, and will provide tools and advice for engaging more productively with family members and co-workers.
Date and Time Tuesday, October 3, 5:30 - 7:00 PM (Dinner available at 5:00 PM)
Location 46-3002 (Singleton Auditorium)
Registration Pre-registration is requested on Eventbride<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/effective-communication-in-your-hardest-conversations-registration-36747216915>
Preparing for Your Next Job Interview
Hosted by MIT Global Education & Career Development
Learn and exercise creative ways to be a successful self-advocate in an interview. Together, we will strengthen your interview skills by exploring how to frame, illustrate, and articulate your qualifications. In addition, identify and close gaps in experiences, learn tips for assertive communication both verbal and non-verbal, and ace the nitty-gritty of making meaningful small talk. Strategies will focus on preparing for your next job interview by making the connection between having an impressive interview and being an authentic candidate.
Date and Time Tuesday, October 3, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Location E19-202
Registration Pre-registration is requested on Careerbridge<https://candidate.gradleaders.com/MITGECD/Candidates/Login.aspx?pid=3622>
The Unexpected in Interviews: Using Improv to Overcome
Hosted by MIT Global Education & Career Development
Join us for a highly interactive, 90-minute workshop to learn improvisational (improv) techniques that will assist you in improving your interviewing and communication skills. Engage with fellow attendees in a supportive and fun environment to:
* Practice using your verbal, vocal, and visual channels of communication
* Apply improve strategies to enhance communication skills
* Develop comfort in unexpected situations and awkward moments
Date and Time Thursday, October 5, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Location E19-202
Registration Pre-registration is requested on Careerbridge<https://candidate.gradleaders.com/MITGECD/Candidates/Login.aspx?pid=3622>
Presentation for International scholars on immigration options
Hosted by MIT International Scholars Office
The Khanbabai Immigration Law Firm will visit campus to make a presentation on immigration options including self-sponsored Permanent Residence (“Green Card”) for post-MIT employment. Space is limited to 99 people on a first come basis. To secure a seat, please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the session.
Date and Time Thursday, October 5, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Location 4-270
Hack Your Mind: How Does Mindfulness Meditation Change the Mind and Brain?
Hosted by Community Wellness at MIT Medical
Join us for the first program of the semester of our Hack Your Mind series with Dr. Susan Gabrieli. Gabrieli is a neuroscientist and Senior Research Scientist for the McGovern Institute for Brain Research. From Dr. Gabrieli:
"Mindfulness meditation describes a set of mental techniques to train attention and awareness. Enhancing mindfulness through meditation training is of great interest because it may promote both emotional and cognitive well-being. I will review evidence about how mindfulness meditation changes the structure and function of the adult human brain, how a school-based program changes the brains of children, and how understanding the brain basis of mindfulness can suggest treatments of brain disorders, such as schizophrenia."
Date and Time Friday, October 6, 12 PM
Location 66-144
Next Week
Choosing Quality Child Care
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
This introductory discussion is specially designed for expectant parents and those new to parenting or child care. This session addresses your different infant and toddler child care options, what child care costs, how to find and evaluate your child care choices, planning your parental leave, and the transition to parenting. Infants are welcome if alternative child care is unavailable.
Date, Time and Registration Wednesday, October 11, 12 – 1:30 PM, Register<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/choosing-quality-child-care-registration-36761794517?lang=en-us&locale=en_US&last_touch=1501866940&view=domo>
Wednesday, November 8, 12 – 1:30 PM, Register<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/choosing-quality-child-care-registration-36761795520?lang=en-us&locale=en_US&last_touch=1501866955&view=domo>
Wednesday, December 13, 12 – 1:30 PM, Register<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/choosing-quality-child-care-registration-36761796523?lang=en-us&locale=en_US&last_touch=1501866975&view=domo>
Location NE49-5000
Inside Graduate Admissions: Merit, Diversity, and Faculty Gatekeeping
Hosted by MIT Office of Graduate Education Diversity Initiatives
This book lecture by Prof Posselt on her most recent book, Inside Graduate Admissions: Merit, Diversity, and Faculty Gatekeeping, tailors a powerhouse talk to each audience, sharing firsthand observations of admission committees and interviews with faculty from 10 top-ranked doctoral programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. She provides a window into the decision makers' point of view, highlighting how disciplinary norms shape the definition of merit, how professor's good intentions around diversity often don't translate into results, and she provides concrete strategies to improve the admissions review process and promote transparency and accountability.
Date and Time Thursday, October 12, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Location W20-306
Registration Registration required on Registration required on Eventbride<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inside-graduate-admissions-merit-diversity-and-faculty-gatekeeping-with-prof-julie-posselt-tickets-38204986142>
Next Month
Fixing Our Broken Sleep
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
In this interactive seminar, attendees will learn techniques for overcoming common sleep problems; examine sleep from a scientific, historic, and traditional perspective; and learn the connections between sleep and health. This presentation has helped many people begin to get better sleep almost immediately. Some sleep concerns that will be addressed include:
* Trouble falling asleep
* Difficulty staying asleep
* Excessive thinking
* Waking too early
* Daytime sleepiness
* Sunday night insomnia
* Chronic insomnia
Date and Time Tuesday, November 7, 12 – 1:30 PM
Location 76-156
Registration Registration required on Eventbride<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fixing-our-broken-sleep-registration-36747397455>
Eating for High Energy
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
In this seminar, you will learn how your mitochondria affect your energy levels, what to eat to maintain high energy levels, and what to have on hand for a quick, healthy snack. You will also learn other tips to keep you at your best all day!
Date and Time Wednesday, November 15, 5:30 – 7:00 PM (Dinner available from 5:00 pm)
Location 46-3189
Registration Registration required on Eventbride<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eating-for-high-energy-registration-36747050417>
Raising Children Who Care About Others and Their Communities
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
This presentation will share research about children’s social, emotional, and ethical development and will describe the skills that contribute to success in relationships, in school, and in life. Strategies will be shared for building empathy and perspective taking, and for helping children to be more compassionate in their everyday interactions.
Date and Time Thursday, November 16, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location NE49-5145
Registration Registration required on Eventbride<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-children-who-care-about-others-and-their-communities-registration-36759578890>
Student Loan Repayment Strategies
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
Student loan debt has an overwhelming impact on the lives of graduates and parents alike. This workshop will examine ways in which graduates and parents can manage education debt and guide borrowers’ successful transition from college to repayment. Attendees will learn:
* How to identify repayment responsibilities for each loan
* Methods for reducing monthly payments
* Strategies for identifying cash flow that can be used to prepay education debt
* Ways to avoid becoming delinquent and defaulting on education debt, even during times of personal economic hardship
* The best resources for managing and maintaining a repayment strategy
Date and Time Tuesday, November 28, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location 76-156
Registration Registration required on Eventbride<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/student-loan-repayment-strategies-registration-36734432677>
December
Raising Bilingual Children
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
How might being bilingual benefit your child? What is the best way to go about raising a bilingual child? Whether you are anticipating or already raising a multilingual child, this workshop will help guide you through that process. The discussion will include a review of the research on the effects of bilingual experiences on children’s language development, as well as the social factors that can help children acquire and maintain fluency in more than one language.
Date and Time Tuesday, December 5, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location 76-156
Registration Registration required on Eventbride<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-bilingual-children-registration-36734319338>
Upcoming Deadlines
Postdoc Yoga
Hosted by Hadassah Segal
The next session of Postdoc Yoga begins October 11, 2017. This is an open level, gentle yoga class for postdocs and spouses/partners of postdocs. It meets Wednesdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm. Here are the dates for the next session/ 10 classes: Oct. 11 (space tba for Oct. 11, all other classes are in Marlar), Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, No class Nov. 22 before Thanksgiving, Nov. 29, Dec.6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20. The Marlar Lounge is located in Room 37-252 on Vassar Street. The rate for the 10 class session is $90/ per person (no makeups or single classes). If you are interested in joining, please email me at hadassahsegal at hotmail.com<mailto:hadassahsegal at hotmail.com> to reserve your spot!
CHECK OUT THESE SITES FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS
postdocs.mit.edu<http://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://www.massawis.org/events/category/mass-awis-events/list/>
MIT RESOURCES FOR POSTDOCS
Career Counseling Services for Postdocs
In Collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research, the GECD provides career guidance and strategies for both industry and academic tracks. You can discuss your career plans or concerns and receive support on developing your Resume, CV, Research and Teaching Statements, Cover Letters, and LinkedIn profile. 45 minute individual sessions are available and tailored to your needs. You can also conduct a mock interview to help strengthen your interview skills including the delivery of your presentation. Schedule appointments online using the CareerBridge system https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student or by phone at 617-715-5329. Appointments are held in E25-143G.
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 some FREE confidential mental health counseling sessions, as well as access to 24/7 confidential counseling services. We encourage you to learn more about the program<http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/mitmylifeservices> (including frequently asked questions), and to call MyLife Services directly at 1-844- 405-LIFE (1-844- 405-5433).
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/
MIT Spouses&Partners Connect <http://spouses.mit.edu/>
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
MBTA Access
As a reminder, all postdoctoral fellows and postdoctoral associates on MIT’s Cambridge campus are eligible for free, unrestricted subway and local bus access. MIT provides this benefit through a special MBTA* chip embedded in the MIT ID card. (*Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). Check the back of your ID card. If “Charlie INSIDE!” is written on it, you are all set. Questions? Visit the Atlas Service Center (E17-106).
OTHER RESOURCES
Free Membership for the National Postdoctoral Association
MIT is a Sustaining Member of the NPA, which means you can become an affiliate member for free. This will help you network with other postdocs across the country and gain access to members only resources that can help further your career. To join, click on this Affiliate Memberships direct link for MIT<http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/general/register_start.asp?regkey=B87D7B9B-5C95-48F6-9ECA-A5014531B05D> and follow the registration process, using your MIT email address. Once you click “submit,” the NPA will review your request and confirm your membership by email about a week later.
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