Interested PDA Position: Research Day Chair
Mahdi Eskandarian Boroujeni
Tell us about yourself.
I am a postdoc in the Department of Neurobiology studying neuroinflammatory mechanisms associated with addiction.
What is your vision for the PDA?
My vision for the PDA is to build a more connected and supportive community where postdocs across UAB can learn from one another and feel that their voices are represented. I would like to create more opportunities for scientific exchange, networking, mentorship, and professional development. That would bring together postdocs from different departments and disciplines. I also believe major events such as Postdoc Research Day should not only showcase research, but also help postdocs build meaningful connections with faculty and potential collaborators. Ultimately, I hope to help make the PDA a strong platform for both professional growth and a greater sense of community at UAB.
Describe your leadership experience, service activities, and involvement with associations like the PDA.
My leadership and service experience include serving as Mentorship Taskforce Chair for the UAB Black Postdoctoral Association, where I support mentorship and community-building initiatives for postdocs. I have also co-founded and led a start-up, mentored Ph.D. and Master’s students, and organized scientific workshops and training sessions. In the past, I contributed to organizing weekly institute seminars and coordinated with invited scientists from diverse research backgrounds.
If elected to your chosen position, what initiatives or activities would you like to implement?
If elected as Research Day Chair, I would focus on making Postdoc Research Day an engaging event that highlights the diversity of research across UAB while creating meaningful opportunities for connection. I would like to strengthen the program through a balanced mix of research presentations, poster sessions, networking opportunities, and interactions with administrators and invited speakers. I would also encourage participation from postdocs across different departments and career stages and use attendee feedback to continuously improve the event. My goal would be to make Research Day not only a showcase of science, but also a platform for collaboration and professional growth.