Message from the president, Sarah Hadyniak: “Welcome to the Duke University Postdoc Association, or DUPA! The primary mission of DUPA is to promote the interests, support the well-being, and provide for the changing needs of the postdoctoral community at Duke University. As a Duke Postdoctoral Associate or Postdoctoral Scholar, you are automatically a member of our association. We look forward to seeing you at our monthly meetings (@1pm ET, the first Wednesday of each month) and other events. To get in touch, email us at “dukepostdocassociation at gmail dot com ” via your Duke email.
The Duke University Postdoctoral Association (DUPA) was formed in 2001 to address the needs and concerns of all Duke postdocs. Various committees of DUPA are focused on specific goals to improve the postdoc experience at Duke University.
This includes six formal sub-committees as well as a seventh committee dedicated to policy matters. Details about each of the six sub-committees and their ongoing events can be found under their own sub-header: Communications; Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; International; Outreach & Service; Professional Development; and Social.
Recognizing the sense of isolation felt by many postdocs, the Social Committee facilitates social interaction among postdocs at Duke and other local universities, such as UNC. This committee hosts several events each year, including happy hours, Holiday events, and Postdoc Pubnight.
The Communications Committee facilitate communications among Duke postdocs, and keeps DUPA members informed of upcoming events, etc. This committee sets up our email distribution list.
The International Committee serves as an informational resource for international postdocs, identifies and works on issues that are important and specific to international postdocs (such as Visas and Tax returns), and works to enhance the postdoctoral experience. The committee also manages the Buddy Postdoc Program at Duke.
The Professional Development Committee provides opportunities for career development and professional interaction for postdocs at Duke University. For example, the Professional Development Committee has organized workshops on effective strategies for the academic job search, a campus-wide postdoctoral research day, and other well-received events.
The Outreach & Service Committee aims to bridge the gap between the Duke higher education community and the broader Triangle community, and to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups.
We are always looking for new postdocs, either to serve on the council to discuss new proposals, policy and events, or even to fill open positions on the board. Please speak with a DUPA member at the general body meeting to express your interest or send us an email dukepostdocassociation at gmail dot com via your Duke email