Syracuse Sun

The research and creative, teaching, and service contributions of Syracuse University’s postdoctoral scholars were recognized at the National Postdoctoral Association’s Postdoc Appreciation Week. The event included special awards for three postdoctoral scholars.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Graduate School co-hosted the annual appreciation dinner to celebrate the postdoctoral community. The evening featured recognition of three scholars as the first recipients of the new Vice President for Research’s Postdoctoral Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Work.

“The dinner is meant to express appreciation for and highlight the important contributions postdoctoral scholars make to Syracuse University’s research and creative activities,” said Kimberly Vanderhoef, associate director of postdoctoral affairs. “The event provides an opportunity for our postdoctoral scholars and their family, friends, mentors, and collaborators to applaud these contributions and to socialize.”

Duncan Brown, vice president for research, emphasized the essential role of postdoctoral scholars in the University’s mission. “Postdocs are critical to the success of the University. As they grow their own skills, they contribute intellectual vigor to their fields and enrich the experiences of our undergraduate and graduate students through their mentoring. As faculty, we rely on our postdocs in many ways. This event and the new awards provide a way for us to show our appreciation for people who are key members of our research teams.”

The recipients were chosen based on the quality and impact of their work. Winners received $750 awards and presented summaries of their research.

Kyung Eun Kim from the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences predicts biological tissue structure using computational modeling techniques. Her work has applications in developmental biology, cancer research, and tissue engineering.

David Fastovich from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences studies past climate changes with Tripti Bhattacharya. His work helps understand how climate affects ecosystems over time.

Dustin Hill from the Department of Public Health studies environmental inequality with David Larsen since 2021. He uses wastewater data to predict disease spread based on social equity factors.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs was formed last fall as part of Syracuse University's commitment to supporting postdoctoral scholars’ professional development while advancing its research mission.

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