Congratulations to the Spring 2023 Career Development Award winners!

Daniela Herrera Moro Chao, PhD (Department of Neuroscience)

Kelsey Johnson, PhD (Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Development)

Kyusic Park, PhD (Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics)

Shubhechchha Sharma, PhD (Department of Knowledge Initiatives)

Joshua Shutter, PhD (Department of Soil, Water, and Climate)

Jessica Stone, PhD (Department of Anthropology)

Advocacy and Event updates

Please read below for three important advocacy efforts and events that are upcoming or already underway. Consider submitting comments or attending these events. Questions, concerns, updates? Please email the UMN Postdoctoral Association at pda@umn.edu. 

1) New Proposed Fee Rule for Immigration Services

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plans to increase their fees soon. The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) recently released a statement regarding the recent proposal, which you can find here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nationalpostdoc.org/resource/resmgr/docs/USCIS_Fee_Proposal_Comments_.pdf.

You can find more information about the fee increases here: https://www.uscis.gov/proposed-fee-rule-frequently-asked-questions. Note there is still an opportunity to comment on this rule until Monday, March 13th. Submit your comments here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/04/2022-27066/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration.

2) NIH Listening Sessions on Postdoc Challenges

The National Institute of Health has created a working group of the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director focused on hearing the voices of postdoctoral trainees along with others impacted by this unique and skilled training position and in exploring ways to address some of the fundamental challenges faced by the postdoctoral trainee community.

Further information and the registration link for these sessions is here: https://nexus.od.nih.gov/all/2023/02/27/you-are-invited-nih-listening-sessions-on-the-postdoc-training-system/. Please consider tuning in and submitting feedback. The NIH has a Request for Information open until April 14, 2023 here: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-23-084.html.

3) US Immigration and Employment Options for International Postdocs and Graduate Students

March 29 at 12 pm | Zoom link on the PDA Events Calendar | Add to your calendar 

The Arkell Immigration Team at Dunn Law firm will present information about US immigration and employment options for international postdocs and graduate students.

Topics of discussion will include:

• US permanent residence (green card)

• National Interest Waivers for researchers and entrepreneurs

• Extraordinary Ability petitions

• Transitioning from F-1 OPT or J-1 status to H-1B and ‘H-1B cap’ issues

Interested in joining the PDA Leadership? Email us!

We are still seeking a Diversity representative and delegates to College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, and/or Human Development, Public Affairs, and Public Health. You can learn more about the PDA Steering Committee positions here.

PDA is electing new members on a rolling basis at Steering Committee meetings. Many positions only require a 1-2 hour per month time commitment. These are a great way to get to know other postdocs and to boost the leadership section of your CV!

Please contact pda@umn.edu if you are interesting in filling any of the open positions at any time. Candidates will be contacted prior to the meeting. This meeting is open to everyone!