Interested PDA Positions: Secretary, Event Coordinator, & Social Media & Communications Coordinator
Amit Chaudhary
Tell us about yourself.
I am a third-year postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (Sun Lab), who is originally from India. I have served as the PDA Social Media and Communication Coordinator (2024-2025) and as Events Coordinator (2025-2026). My experience reflects a strong commitment to the postdoctoral community through effective communication, engagement, and organizing events that foster collaboration and a sense of belonging.
What is your vision for the PDA?
My vision for the PDA is to build a more connected, supportive, and career-focused postdoctoral community at UAB. I aim to organize engaging networking, professional development, and social events that help postdocs build collaborations, develop leadership and communication skills, and explore diverse career opportunities. I also want to strengthen communication so that postdocs are well informed about available resources, funding opportunities, and campus activities. Most importantly, I will work to ensure every postdoc feels welcomed, heard, and represented throughout their time at UAB.
Describe your leadership experience, service activities, and involvement with associations like the PDA. I have actively contributed to the postdoctoral community through leadership, service, and event organization. I served as the PDA Social Media and Communication Coordinator (2024-2025) and Events Coordinator (2025-2026), where I helped improve communication, promote PDA initiatives, and organize events that support postdoctoral engagement and networking. In these roles, I coordinated professional development activities, social gatherings, and community-building events while working with fellow PDA members to address postdoc needs and enhance participation. Beyond PDA, I have experience mentoring trainees, collaborating across research teams, and contributing to academic and professional initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills, which I hope to continue applying to support the UAB postdoctoral community.
If elected to your chosen position, what initiatives or activities would you like to implement?
If elected, I would focus on strengthening communication, professional development, and community engagement among UAB postdocs. I would like to organize more career development events, networking opportunities, and workshops that support diverse career paths, including academia, industry, and other professional fields. I also aim to improve awareness and accessibility of available resources, funding opportunities, and training programs for postdocs. Additionally, I would continue promoting inclusive social and community-building activities that help postdocs connect, collaborate, and feel supported throughout their UAB journey. My goal is to create a more engaged, informed, and connected postdoctoral community where every postdoc feels valued and represented.