An association run by postdocs for postdocs with the overall goal to promote the professional development and well-being of the postdoctoral community at Wayne State University.

The PDA aims to:

• Optimize the professional development of postdoctoral scholars at WSU to facilitate their successful transition to a professional career (e.g., academia, industry, policy/public sector, etc.).
• Promote social interactions between its members by creating a forum for social gathering and discussion of issues related to the postdoctoral experience at WSU.
• Recognize outstanding postdoctoral scholars at WSU, highlight the impact of postdoctoral research within WSU and connect WSU postdoctoral scholars to regional and national postdoctoral organizations.
• Organize community outreach efforts by the postdoctoral scholars of WSU.

WSU postdocs can sign up for Affiliate Membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). The NPA hosts several different professional development webinars. Learn more about the NPA membership.

Join the PDA Microsoft Teams Group to stay up-to-date on postdoctoral resources and events.

Upcoming events

Check back later for future events. 

Leadership committee

The PDA is run by a board of a dedicated team of postdocs from various departments across the WSU campus. The advisor for the PDA is Associate Dean of Postdoctoral Affairs Angulique Outlaw, Ph.D.

Sneha Singh, Ph.D. – Chair
gq8860@wayne.edu

Meet Sneha, a dedicated postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Ophthalmology, Anatomy, and Visual Sciences in the School of Medicine (SOM) since 2018. Collaborating with Ashok Kumar, M.S., Ph.D., at Kresge Eye Institute. Sneha specializes in researching host-virus interactions and developing innovative antiviral therapies for severe ocular infections. Her impactful work is supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. 

As the PDA chair, she oversees and guides all WSU-PDA activities, focusing on advocacy, representation, collaboration with other university PDA members, policy development, and addressing challenges within the WSU postdoctoral community. Particularly passionate about equality, fair compensation, respect, and job security, she strives to create a supportive environment for incoming international students. Sneha's multifaceted dedication extends beyond academia; she finds joy in walking, listening to music, baking, and cherishing quality time with friends and family. 

Pankaj Bhatia, Ph.D. – Industrial Liaison
pankaj.bhatia@wayne.edu

Pankaj has been a dynamic postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Environmental Health Sciences since 2022. He is interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of environmental toxicants, such as noise and lead, on hearing loss. His participation in a groundbreaking project, funded by the Department of Defense, in the lab of Dr. Samson Jamesdaniel demonstrates his dedication to innovative science in the field of Otolaryngology. His published work on lead-induced cochlear synaptopathy has highlighted the significance of the basal turn of the cochlea as a target in lead-induced ototoxicity. 

Beyond his research, Pankaj serves as the Industrial Liaison for the Wayne State University Postdoctoral Association, where he leads initiatives to bridge the gap between academic research and industry opportunities. His efforts mainly focus on organizing and leading networking workshops and community-building activities that support his peers and foster a stronger professional network within the postdoctoral community. In his spare time, Pankaj enjoys playing the guitar and exploring creative pursuits.

WSU-PDA Alumni

• Tasnim Arroum, Ph.D. – Media Lead, 2024
• Clara G. Zundel, Ph.D. – Administrator, 2024
• Roxanne Bérubé, Ph.D. – Treasurer, 2024
• Susmita Das, Ph.D. – Media Lead, 2024