PDA Newsletter November 2025

Wed Nov 5 17:36:56 EST 2025

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🍕 PIZZA HOUR with the PDA!

Happy super early Thanksgiving! Last time, we managed to keep the meeting portion short, meaning more time for everyone to chat while enjoying pizza! We’ll try to keep that successful schedule going this time too. Come hang out with fellow postdocs, catch up on updates from PDA officers, and enjoy free pizza courtesy of the PDA. Register<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGPdgh08l-lNgvuh3530YjRFrGet1k1msP7YvHrNsvBB-_HA/viewform?usp=header> to help us get a headcount for pizza.

When: Tuesday, November 25th, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Where: In person @ 56-191
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGPdgh08l-lNgvuh3530YjRFrGet1k1msP7YvHrNsvBB-_HA/viewform?usp=header

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🧾 Budgeting Plan from MIT Executives

MIT executives recently shared an update on Institute-wide efforts to address ongoing budget challenges stemming from the increased endowment tax rate and anticipated reductions in federal research funding. As part of these measures, they announced that faculty and staff will forego merit-based salary increases for the upcoming calendar year, a step expected to generate approximately $30 million in annual savings. Importantly, this policy does not apply to postdoctoral researchers, whose salaries follow a separate process and timeline.

The Office of Vice President for Research (OVPR) is actively discussing with different MIT offices and Deans on postdoc salary. Key administrative contacts for postdocs can be found here: https://postdocs.mit.edu/about/key-administrative-contacts-postdocs. Please contact your local HR for further information. Additional updates and context will be discussed at the next PDA General Meeting.

If you would like the PDA to raise any specific questions with the OVPR, please contact us at contactpda at mit.edu. You can also share budget-related comments directly with MIT leadership at budgetsolutions at mit.edu<mailto:budgetsolutions at mit.edu>.

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☕ School of Science Postdoc Coffee Hour with the Dean

Please join us for a coffee hour with Dean Nergis Mavalvala on Wednesday November 12. We would love to hear from you, especially about areas where we could support postdoc community/inclusion within the school. Please RSVP to Wyoming McGinn, our program coordinator, by filling out this form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLd4pa2VO6DuMwMKk74AEhjt3nTIWHCJf4eUv73AXZ7hxDXw/viewform> and indicating any dietary restrictions/allergies as well as any questions you might have for Dean Mavalvala.

Additionally, we will have a special presentation by the president of the PDA, Yiqiao Zheng, on creating opportunities for school-wide postdoc networks and collaboration. Postdocs outside of the School of Science who are interested in developing their own school-wide postdoc network are encouraged to join too! If you are interested but cannot make the coffee hour, please reach out to Yiqiao directly at yqzheng at mit.edu<mailto:yqzheng at mit.edu>.

When: 4-5pm, Wednesday, November 12th
Where:  36-462 and 36-428 (combined Allen Room and Haus Room at Building 36<https://whereis.mit.edu/?go=36>)
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLd4pa2VO6DuMwMKk74AEhjt3nTIWHCJf4eUv73AXZ7hxDXw/viewform

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⛵️Last Sailing Event of the 2025 Season

The PDA invites you this Friday afternoon for Sailing and BBQ at the MIT Sailing Pavilion! This will be our last one of 2025. Whether you already have a sailing card or have never sailed at MIT before and want an introduction, we have you covered. After meeting at the Pavilion at 12pm this Friday, we sail in groups using Tech Dinghys, 420s, and Catboats. Join us for BBQ on the Dock afterward.

When: 12pm, Friday, November 7th (Sailing, then BBQ until 3pm)
Where: MIT Sailing Pavilion, 134 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
RSVP: https://forms.gle/iwcuefTLkUHiMp569

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🎲 November Postdoc Board Games Night

Looking for a way to make new friends in a fun and relaxed environment? Look no further than the PDA Board Games Night! Our monthly event brings together postdocs from across MIT to unwind and have some fun together. Feel free to bring as many of your own games as you’d like!

Join us for an evening of fun and games by RSVPing using the link below (so we know how much pizza to order!)

When: 6-8pm, Wednesday, November 19th
Where: 68-181
RSVP: https://forms.gle/R46y3QY9GhLEpP2B9

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🍂 Postdoc Buddy Program Fall Chapter

Our groups for the Fall 2025 postdoc buddy scheme have been drawn, and our groups have begun to meet up! For those enrolled, here is your reminder to get in touch with your postdoc buddies to either arrange your own meet-up, or join us for one of our two large meetups (sign up here: https://forms.gle/HLuGViaA86XdFmWU6).

If you missed out this time, don’t worry! Keep your eyes peeled for emails for the Winter chapter which will commence in the new year!

For questions, please reach out to pda-community at mit.edu<mailto:pda-community at mit.edu>.

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⚽ Recreational Soccer Game

The PDA invites you to a Recreational Soccer game in the Robert's field (Henry Steinbrenner Stadium & Track -MIT Sports Campus) on Sunday, November 9th! This will be a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the fall, and meet other Postdocs.

All skill levels are welcome! The plan will consist of 15-minute short games between mixed, 5-member teams that we will randomly make that day (subject to how many people sign up). After each game, we will switch teams, so all face each other. The total duration will be one hour, after which we will enjoy a brunch all together, courtesy of the PDA.

When: 9:45am, Sunday, November 9th
Where: Robert's field (Henry Steinbrenner Stadium & Track -MIT Sports Campus)
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepNut7F-9BDqvVsfNLWVi8-f-i0s4yu-pwgxFdCyiHC1pRXg/viewform?usp=dialog

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🎓 PDA Early-Career Faculty Q&A Panel

Join the PDA for an Early-Career Faculty Panel Q&A with former MIT Postdocs who have recently moved into faculty positions at various institutions on Wed., Nov. 12th, 5-6pm! This event will be hybrid.

Our panelists sharing their experiences and advice are:
• Allen Lee, University of Minnesota (Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science)
• Ben Borer, Rutgers University (Assistant Professor, Marine and Coastal Sciences)
• Rebecca Marks, Purdue University (Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Science)

When: 5-6pm, Wednesday, November 12th
Sign up link: https://mit.joinhandshake.com/events/1856384/share_preview
Submit your questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSphUSvtMDw3R2YZoERz5GRCdc7Qu36HaNf2ZjTBU4VqDblw/viewform?usp=header
Join us in person: E19-202 with pizza!
Join remotely:
https://mit.zoom.us/j/95173760972?pwd=vODLj8wead1URGaVjK4frAa5vMblp1.1
(Password: pdaalum)

For any questions, please reach out to the Alumni Committee Chair, Dani Coogan: decoogan at mit.edu<mailto:decoogan at mit.edu>.

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🫀Hands-on CPR Training Class - Fall 2025<https://forms.gle/WuD8VUuQRhewA7x56>

Want to learn how to save a life? Interested in learning how to perform CPR? MIT PDA collaborates with MIT EMS to offer hands-on training on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). It’s practical, empowering, and maybe even a little fun! We will offer 30 spots (first come, first served).

When: 3-4pm, Tuesday, November 18th
Where: TBA (on campus)
Signup link: https://forms.gle/WuD8VUuQRhewA7x56

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💡MIT PDA Professional Development Startup Workshop

Ready to turn your research into something bigger? Learn how to spin your work into a startup, find your first customers, and team up effectively with mentors. You’ll get field-tested insights, practical takeaways, and a chance to ask questions during the Q&A. Stick around to network and enjoy lunch on the PDA! Open to all MIT postdocs.

This panel features:
• Evan Zhao, Founder of Revela and Pacagen
• Omar Costilla-Reyes, Founder of an AI startup
• Christine Hsieh, MIT MTC mentor; Digital Strategy Lead, AbbVie

When: 12-2pm, Monday, December 8
Where: E19-202
Register and submit your questions here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeFyX5WiTLmKcamRikKgSorGWgGl2y-soVUegzgZfItZvV0Q/viewform?usp=header

For questions, please contact Professional Development chairs, Poornima (dubey599 at mit.edu) or Vas (vasfotop at mit.edu).

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📅 Grad Student Council (GSC) Monthly Events

The Graduate Student Council has kindly put together a monthly event announcement just for postdocs! Many of their events are open to the entire MIT community, and they’ve put a lot of effort into making us feel welcome. It’s a great opportunity to connect with grad students and share interests. Let’s show our appreciation by joining their activities and building stronger ties across our communities!

Check it out here: GSC Event Announcements<http://gsc.mit.edu/current-anno>

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 🎓 New to MIT? Join a Postdoc Orientation!

New postdocs are welcome to sign up for a <https://pda.mit.edu/pins/postdoc-orientation/> Postdoc Orientation<https://pda.mit.edu/pins/postdoc-orientation/>, hosted by the PDA in collaboration with Human Resources and Postdoctoral Services. It will be a great opportunity to meet other new postdocs, learn about postdoc-specific benefits, and ask any questions you may have about Boston MIT.

The orientation sessions are held monthly and you can sign up here<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>. Bonus: Lunch and refreshments will be provided! Hope to see you there!

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🌍 Travel Guidance

MIT has prepared travel guidance cards—one version for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and another for non-citizens and non-residents. We encourage everyone to carry the appropriate version when traveling internationally, as a precaution for the foreseeable future. The reference cards can be found here<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YUdTqEYacl5rx8z5EqYXrXGQXm8FHymx?usp=share_link>.

Other resources:
International Travel Guidance – IScho: https://ischo.mit.edu/news/update-international-travel-guidance
Legal Considerations – Office of the General Counsel:
https://ogc.mit.edu/system/files?file=documents/guid_internat_trav_law_enforc_search_leav_enter_mar-2025.pdf&check_logged_in=1
On-Campus Guidance for Interactions with Immigration and Law Enforcement:
https://ogc.mit.edu/system/files/documents/guid_immigr_law_enforc_on_campus_mar-2025_2.pdf
Loaner Laptops for International Travel – IScho:
https://ist.mit.edu/secure-devices-travel

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📢 Reach out to us through slack, email, and instagram!

💬 Join the Slack channel: mit-postdocs.slack.com<https://mit-postdocs.slack.com/>
📧 Email the PDA: contactpda at mit.edu<mailto:contactpda at mit.edu>
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @mitpda<https://www.instagram.com/mitpda/>

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