Four years ago, Hemalatha “Hema” Kilari set out to find a postdoctoral position that would elevate her work in pharmaceutical manufacturing. She chose Purdue University, eager to collaborate with a renowned researcher, Zolton Nagy, who leads in chemical engineering.
“Working in Professor Nagy’s lab has been a fantastic opportunity. Purdue’s strong support for postdoctoral researchers and its vibrant community have made my experience truly rewarding,” says Kilari, who also serves as the vice president of the Purdue Postdoctoral Association.
Kilari is one of nearly 600 postdocs at Purdue, spread across over 80 departments. These dedicated scholars are advancing research in various fields, making significant contributions that impact our world.
This week, Purdue is celebrating National Postdoc Appreciation Week, joining major research universities in recognizing the vital roles postdocs play in research and innovation. The theme this year highlights the importance of sharing scientific knowledge, acknowledging the impressive work these scholars accomplish.
“Purdue postdocs are some of the hardest-working individuals on campus. It’s an honor to show them appreciation through fun events and good food during this week,” says Rachelle Swan, director of Postdoctoral Affairs at Purdue.
The celebrations kicked off on Monday with a pizza party. Upcoming events include:
- An Ice Cream and Cookies Social, sponsored by Purdue’s College of Engineering, today from 2-4 p.m.
- Coffee, Tea & Donuts on Friday from 8-10 a.m.
Exciting prizes are also on the table, including seats at a grant writing seminar and tickets to upcoming performances.
Purdue’s College of Science is spotlighting its postdoctoral researchers via social media. For instance, Gert Vercleyen, a visiting assistant professor, is working on fusion categories and topological quantum computation, striving to make abstract mathematics more accessible to researchers. “My goal is to create user-friendly tools that simplify complex math, making research easier for others,” Vercleyen shares.
Purdue continues to invest in its Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars, enhancing support for these researchers across campus. This division empowers postdocs to grow professionally and connect with vital resources and a supportive community.
“Postdocs play a crucial role in our research efforts,” explains Ginger Bolen, associate director for the College of Engineering. “Recognizing their contributions is essential to our mission.”
Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association has organized this week to honor the crucial work of postdoctoral scholars. In 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized it, underscoring its significance in the academic community.
As we appreciate these researchers, let’s remember that their work not only drives forward knowledge but also nurtures the next generation of scientists and innovators.