Interested PDA Positions: Research Day Chair, Event Coordinator, & Social Media & Communications Coordinator
Catarina Alexandra Mendes Felgueira
Tell us about yourself.
I am a first-year postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at UAB. With ample experience in mentorship, trainee recruitment, and scientific communication, I am passionate about ensuring that postdoctoral scholars are aware of available opportunities and empowered to pursue them. Through the PDA, I hope to increase community engagement, strengthen collaboration among postdoctoral scholars, and foster a supportive environment that promotes both professional growth and personal well-being.
What is your vision for the PDA?
I envision the PDA as both a trusted resource where postdoctoral scholars can bring concerns and seek support, and a proactive organization that actively identifies, creates, and shares opportunities for professional development, career exploration, and community engagement. I believe that combining responsive support with intentional outreach is essential to fostering a positive and productive postdoctoral experience. Given the highly variable length and trajectory of postdoctoral training, preparing for the next career stage should remain a central priority. I would like to see the PDA continue to advocate for effective career development, expose postdoctoral scholars to diverse career paths, and provide resources that help them transition successfully into independent and fulfilling careers. Lastly, I strongly believe in the importance of work-life balance and recognize that it can often be lost within academia, especially during the postdoctoral years when the pressure to publish and build a competitive research portfolio is high. I believe the PDA plays an important role in supporting postdoctoral scholars who are struggling to achieve this balance while also helping clarify expectations, resources, and available options. This is particularly valuable for individuals from diverse educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds whose previous training experiences may differ significantly from those at UAB.
Describe your leadership experience, service activities, and involvement with associations like the PDA.
I earned my Ph.D. here at UAB, where I gained extensive mentoring and leadership experience throughout my graduate training. I mentored junior Ph.D. students, master's students, and post-baccalaureate trainees, supporting their research development and professional growth. Beyond the laboratory, I actively participated in UAB Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS) symposia and recruitment events, presenting my research, welcoming prospective students, and accompanying them during their campus interviews. I also served on the recruitment committee for my GBS theme, where I interviewed prospective students, evaluated applications, and participated in committee discussions to make admissions recommendations. In addition, I served as a mentor in the UAB GBS mentor-mentee program, helping incoming students transition to graduate school and adapt to the university environment. I frequently participated in my department's seminar lunches, where trainees had the opportunity to meet with invited speakers in a small-group setting and discuss their research and career experiences.
Outside of academia, I have been involved in volunteer and community-focused activities, including volunteering at a hospital during high school and at an animal shelter during my Ph.D. training. I also enjoy organizing celebrations for friends and family, such as baby showers, which often involve designing invitations, games, and other event materials. Since beginning my postdoctoral fellowship in January 2026, I have continued to seek opportunities for service and engagement. I volunteered to assist with Research Day and have had the opportunity to see a bit of the behind-the-scenes of PDA events.
If elected to your chosen position, what initiatives or activities would you like to implement?
If elected as Research Day Chair, I would build on my experience volunteering at this year's Research Day to maintain its strengths while identifying opportunities for improvement. Overall, my experience at Research Day was extremely positive. I enjoyed seeing the variety of research being conducted across UAB and was really impressed by the invited speakers and their talks. I would strive to preserve the high quality of the event while exploring new ideas and inviting equally accomplished and engaging speakers who can provide valuable perspectives for the postdoctoral community. Volunteering gave me insight into the event’s logistics and highlighted small changes that could enhance the overall experience for participants, judges, and speakers. For example, there was some confusion regarding seating assignments because table labels were not easily visible from a distance. Simple adjustments, such as using standing sign holders, could improve event flow and reduce uncertainty.
If elected as Event Coordinator, I would like to increase participation in PDA events by improving awareness and communication surrounding upcoming opportunities. One approach I would like to implement is a monthly calendar that highlights PDA events, professional development opportunities, and other relevant activities. Providing this information in advance would allow postdoctoral scholars to better plan their schedules and increase participation. This effort would be carried out in collaboration with the Social Media & Communications Coordinator, with the calendar and event announcements shared across multiple platforms. By improving visibility and advance notice of events, I hope to encourage greater engagement and foster a stronger sense of community among UAB postdoctoral scholars. Additionally, I believe it is important to highlight the success of PDA events after they take place. Sharing group photos, event highlights, and key outcomes on social media can help showcase the value of these events, celebrate participant involvement, and generate enthusiasm for future activities among the postdoctoral community.
If elected as Social Media & Communications Coordinator, I would like to increase the PDA's social media presence, particularly in promoting events, opportunities, and resources available to postdoctoral scholars. Having been at UAB for the past six years, I have observed significant improvements in the Graduate School's social media outreach and engagement strategies, and I believe the PDA could benefit from adopting similar approaches. Additionally, I strongly believe that visuals are often just as important as written communication in capturing attention and encouraging participation. With experience in graphic design and creating promotional materials, I would use those skills to develop engaging content that highlights PDA activities and increases visibility.