Northwestern University Postdoctoral Association

April Bell

Position applying for: Social & Wellness Sub-committee Chair

I have been a postdoc at Northwestern for nearly a year, after receiving my PhD from the Feinberg Driskill Graduate Program. During my PhD, I was a student member of the Cancer Biology Cluster, organizing events and speakers for students, and I was a member of a student mentoring committee which has since been absorbed by the Driskill Graduate Program’s student council. I was also the social chair for my college dorm’s student council. I enjoy bringing people together and have years of experience planning and executing community building events. I am eager to contribute to building a strong and vibrant postdoc community, a component of my graduate experience which I have missed since beginning my postdoc.

Sebahat Gok

Position applying for:  Administrative Coordinator

I have been a postdoc at Learning Sciences for over a year. I would like to help postdoc community and connect with other postdocs. I have done coordinating and external communication (e.g., announcements) duties as a graduate student at Associate Dean’s office, and I enjoyed the process.

Shareni Jeyamogan

Position applying for: External Communications Coordinator

In my role as a postdoctoral research fellow at Northwestern University’s Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, I am actively engaged in research focused on developing strategies to promote immune tolerance in transplant recipients. My current work investigates the therapeutic promise of immunomodulatory agents such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and exosomes. My positive experience as a new postdoc with NUPA has inspired me to seek a position on the Executive Committee. I am particularly motivated to support fellow postdocs by providing guidance and answering their questions, while also leveraging this platform to further develop my leadership skills.

Throughout my academic and professional career, I have actively sought leadership opportunities, including my role as the External Communications Coordinator for NUPA (2024-2025) and a Professional Development sub-committee member within NUPA. These experiences complement my earlier leadership positions as a Trainee Advisory Board Member for the Northwestern University’s Center for Human Immunobiology and student ambassador for my university during my graduate and postgraduate studies.

As an individual who is committed, meticulous, and organized, I possess the essential qualities for effectively managing the responsibilities of the External Communications Coordinator. My passion for design will directly benefit newsletter creation, and I am dedicated to actively promoting NUPA to enhance postdoc engagement. Moreover, I am motivated to contribute my skills and further develop my leadership abilities through this role.

Young Ju Yun

Position applying for: Evanston Co-Chair
My name is Young Ju Yun, a postdoc fellow in Kalow lab. I am excited to apply to be a member of the NUPA Executive Committee. I received my PhD in Chemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in 2022, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of polycyclic aromatic organic triplet chromophores for light harvesting and photonic applications. Although I have not yet joined NUPA, I would like to contribute to its mission and grow within the organization. Through my experience mentoring graduate students, hosting academic seminars, and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, I believe I have the organizational skills and inclusive mindset needed for this role. I am truly looking forward to the opportunity to work with others and make a meaningful impact!

Chris Lane

Position applying for: Professional Development Sub-committee Chair

I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. I’m a physical therapist by training and completed my PhD and DPT at UNC Chapel Hill. My research interests include access to healthcare services and disparities in healthcare access and clinical outcomes in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. I am interested in running for an executive committee position as I have been highly involved in NUPA since I started my postdoc position last fall. I am a member of the Professional Development Subcommittee and have set up and moderated two sessions: panel on writing K99/R00 grants and presentation on postdoc grant writing groups. This experience in reaching out to potential speakers, managing meeting logistics, and moderating sessions has prepared me well to serve in an executive position. I also have leadership experience as a member of the Engagement Committee of Osteoarthritis Research Society International, an international organization for osteoarthritis research, and a member of diversity and inclusion committees during my doctoral training. My NUPA experience is directly related to Professional Development Subcommittee Chair, as I am confident that I can continue setting up events and proposing others. I have been consistently active during the subcommittee’s meetings. Similarly, I also believe I am well prepared to serve as the Chicago campus Co-Chair. In addition to my professional development experience, I have attended several NUPA social events based in Chicago. I enjoy connecting with others and regularly attend professional development and fellowship events in several departments across the Chicago campus. I am happy to help foster interactions and potential collaborations among postdocs from different departments.