Interested PDA Position: Event Coordinator
Muhammad Shahid Riaz
Tell us about yourself.
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Dentistry with a background in biomedical research, microbiology, and neuroscience. I am passionate about community building, collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for postdocs to connect and grow. With experience organizing academic events, I would be excited to contribute to the UAB Postdoctoral Association Executive Board and help organize engaging scientific, professional, and social events.
What is your vision for the PDA?
My vision for the UAB PDA is to build a stronger, more connected, and inclusive postdoctoral community. I would focus on organizing engaging scientific, professional development, networking, and social events that bring postdocs together across disciplines. I hope to create more opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and sharing experiences while making the postdoctoral journey at UAB more supportive and rewarding.
Describe your leadership experience, service activities, and involvement with associations like the PDA.
I have experience organizing and coordinating academic events, working with researchers and trainees to facilitate communication, collaboration, and professional engagement. Through these activities, I have developed strong skills in event planning, teamwork, communication, and coordination. I have also supported a collaborative research environment through mentoring, sharing scientific knowledge, and working effectively with multidisciplinary teams. I hope to bring these experiences to the UAB PDA Executive Board and contribute actively to building a stronger postdoctoral community.
If elected to your chosen position, what initiatives or activities would you like to implement?
If elected, I would like to organize more engaging scientific, professional development, networking, and social events for UAB postdocs. I would focus on creating opportunities for postdocs from different departments to connect, share experiences, and build collaborations. I would also like to support activities that promote career development, mentorship, and a stronger sense of community among postdoctoral researchers.