Annual Postdoc Symposium

Friday, March 28, 2025

8:30am – 5:30pm

Farrell Learning and Teaching Center (FLTC)

Keynote Address

Alison L. Antes, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of General Medicine & Geriatrics

9:30-10:15am | Connor Auditorium

Aphorisms and advice for navigating a successful career in research

Dr. Antes will share key lessons for navigating a career in research, drawing from important aphorisms and advice she has received from mentors, peers, and experienced researchers throughout her career. These memorable insights cover a range of topics, including workplace relationships, productivity, funding, and perseverance.

Morning Concurrent Session 1

10:30-11:45am | Connor Auditorium

Leading Through Change

Molly Grisham, M.A.
Molly Grisham, Influence LLC

In this session, participants will explore the principles of adaptive leadership. We will learn the importance of leading with both a map—a clear plan—and a compass—the ability to adjust and stay aligned with core values when the path forward is unclear. Attendees will examine how individuals and teams often respond to change, including common patterns of resistance. This session is designed to remind us that effective change leadership requires both direction and adaptability—and a deep understanding of how people experience change.

Morning Concurrent Session 2

10:30-11:45am | FLTC 303

Exploring the Art of Improv in Our Teaching Practices

Denise Leonard, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Graduate Student and Postdoc Programs
The Center for Teaching and Learning

How can the art of improv support your teaching activities and bring more joy into the classroom? Traditional approaches to teaching in the college classroom can often be stilted and scripted. Yet, in order to respond to our students’ needs and draw them into the learning process deeply we need to be present, flexible, and responsive as instructors. Improv is a great theatrical tool to improve public speaking and listening skills as well as helping one think quickly on their feet. Improv skills also help our students to build strong collaboration skills and encourages them to take risks in the classroom. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to incorporate improv principles into both our teaching and our students’ learning. Be prepared to try out simple, fun activities – zero acting skills or experience required!

Afternoon Concurrent Session 1

1:00-2:15pm | Connor Auditorium

Navigating Negotiation: Essential Strategies for Making the Ask

Thi Nguyen, Ph.D.
Nguyen Education & Workforce Consulting

Negotiation is a key professional skill that extends beyond salary discussions—it’s about understanding interests, communicating effectively, and advocating for the best possible terms for your career. In this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of negotiation, including when and how to initiate a negotiation request, what candidates can negotiate for, and strategies for framing requests. The workshop will also cover negotiation specific to job offers, including negotiation during the interview process and common elements of job offers. You will also learn how to navigate common challenges, such as handling a “no,” signaling a negotiation conversation via email, and maintaining professionalism if negotiations don’t go as planned. Additionally, we will examine considerations for international scholars. By the end of this session, you will have practical tools to advocate for yourself confidently in the job market.

Afternoon Concurrent Session 2

1:00-2:15pm | FLTC 303

Once Upon a Presentation: Using Storytelling and Performativity to Deliver a Winning Job Talk

Cindy Reed, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

The job talk can often feel like a humdrum process. However, sharing your ideas and research should be exciting for you and your audience. This workshop demonstrates how to make a positive, memorable impression on prospective colleagues by elevating the job talk from simply sharing scholarship to storytelling, from reading a paper to delivering a performance.