Recipients of the Excellence in Mentoring awards Dr. Frederick Maxfield (left) and Dr. Teresa Ann Milner (center), with Dean Antonio M. Gotto Jr.
Organizers from the Postdoctoral Association and Dr. Lynda Pierini, faculty director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Weill Cornell Medical College, added a new twist to this year's Annual Postdoctoral Research Day, held Dec. 3 at the Weill Greenberg Center.
Instead of handing out awards for the best poster and podium presentations, which had been the norm, this year's event offered raffled-off prizes for all the participants. The change came about at the suggestion of Eva Gonzalez, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the biochemistry department.
"We felt that, especially with the posters, it is nearly impossible to find an equitable way to judge," Dr. Pierini said. "We also wanted to emphasize that this is a collegial event."
Sandra Mai Holley, a postdoctoral associate in molecular medicine at Cornell University, discussing her research.
Building on a component that was introduced last year, 14 investigators from Cornell University in Ithaca were included in the research display. In total, dozens of postdocs contributed 16 podium and 38 poster presentations.
"It's very interesting to see what your colleagues are working on," said Alexander G. Georgiev, who arrived here from Stockholm three months ago to work in lab of Dr. Anant Menon in the biochemistry department.
"I'm looking to help us build a stronger research community," Dr. Pierini said. "Postdocs can learn who their peers are in other departments, what they do, and how they can work together to answer the more challenging research questions that we face today."
Chantal Chanel-Vos, postdoctoral associate in medicine, and Rozbeh Modarresi, postdoctoral fellow in medicine.
Postdoctoral associates work far from the spotlight that other scientists and physicians may enjoy. Their efforts are vital for a laboratory's principal investigator. As the postdocs oversee the day-to-day functions of the lab, the principals can concentrate on teaching, securing funding and representing the Medical College at scientific meetings.
Two laboratory leaders are recognized annually by the postdoctoral associates for their commitment to mentoring. This year's Excellence in Mentoring awards went to Dr. Teresa Ann Milner, professor of neuroscience, and Dr. Frederick Maxfield, chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and the Vladimir Horowitz and Wanda Toscanini Distinguished Professor of Neuroscience.
Photography by Weill Cornell Art & Photography.