National Postdoc Appreciation Week September 21-25, 2026
Join us as we celebrate National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (NPAW), a dedicated time to recognize the extraordinary dedication, expertise, and impact of our postdoctoral scholars. Whether you're advancing groundbreaking research, mentoring students, exploring new career paths, or contributing to academic excellence in countless ways, this week is all about celebrating YOU.
At Emory, we’re proud to host a week filled with exciting events designed to foster community, support your professional growth, and promote your well-being. From networking socials and career development workshops to wellness activities, there’s something for everyone.
Not only do we have events happening at Emory, but the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) also maintains a national calendar of NPAW events—many of which are open to all postdocs. The NPA is a leading organization that advocates for postdoctoral scholars nationwide, offering valuable resources, career development opportunities, and a strong national voice to advance the postdoc experience and promote equitable practices across institutions. We encourage all postdocs to become a member of the NPA to take full advantage of its offerings and connect with a broader network of peers and advocates.
Celebrate. Connect. Recharge.
This is your week—let’s make it memorable together!
Registration is required for all events and open exclusively to postdocs.
Monday, September 21
AI-Aided Communication: AI as Aid, Not Authority: 1:00PM - 2:00PM (Virtual)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we write, present, collaborate, and communicate. When used mindfully, AI can enhance productivity, improve clarity, and reduce cognitive workload. When relied on uncritically, however, it can undermine authenticity, accuracy, and professional credibility.
This interactive one-hour virtual workshop introduces participants to practical, ethical strategies for using AI as a communication partner rather than a replacement for human expertise. We will discuss how to leverage AI-powered tools to strengthen scientific writing, presentations, and professional communication while maintaining your own voice, critical thinking, and subject-matter expertise. Designed specifically for researchers, this session provides practical examples, live demonstrations, and actionable prompting strategies that participants can immediately apply in their work.
Participants will learn how to:
- Use generative AI tools to improve clarity, organization, and efficiency in professional communication.
- Write more effective prompts to generate higher-quality outputs.
- Strengthen emails, abstracts, presentations, and other professional communication using AI.
- Identify common limitations, biases, and hallucinations in AI-generated content.
- Critically evaluate and refine AI-generated text while preserving your own voice and expertise.
- Apply ethical and responsible AI practices in research and professional communication.
Participants will leave with practical AI prompting techniques, evaluation strategies, and a framework for using AI thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively in their professional communication.
REGISTER
Professional Headshots: 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Location: Emory Center for Ethics, 1462 Clifton Road NE, Room 302
Enhance your professional presence with a polished headshot! Whether you're updating your CV, LinkedIn, or other professional profiles, a high-quality photo can help you stand out.
- 36 slots available – confirmed on a first come, first served basis
- You’ll receive an email confirming your time slot or waitlist status
Tuesday, September 22
Successful Communication Pathways: From Networking to the Podium, 10:30AM - 12:30PM
Location: James B Williams Medical Bldg., 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, Seminar Room P178
Strong communication opens doors – whether you're introducing yourself to a potential
collaborator, building your professional network, or presenting your research to an international
audience.
This interactive workshop helps scholars develop practical communication skills that support every
stage of their professional journey. Participants will begin by strengthening their networking skills,
learning how to introduce themselves with confidence, communicate their research clearly through
an effective elevator pitch, and build authentic professional relationships. Building on these
foundational skills, the workshop expands to public speaking strategies that help participants
organize ideas, communicate with clarity, and deliver engaging presentations. Special attention
will be given to communicating with culturally and linguistically diverse audiences, including
techniques for increasing clarity, reducing unnecessary complexity, and adapting communication
for global scientific collaboration.
Participants will learn how to:
- Build meaningful professional connections through effective networking.
- Craft and deliver a compelling elevator pitch.
- Communicate research with clarity and confidence.
- Engage audiences more effectively during presentations.
- Adapt communication strategies for multilingual and multicultural audiences.
- Apply practical techniques that strengthen communication in academic and professional settings.
Through discussion, guided activities, and opportunities for practice and feedback, participants
will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply at conferences, research meetings,
interviews, and professional presentations.
How to Prevent a Large, Unexpected Tax Bill on Your Fellowship Income: 2:00PM - 4:00PM (Virtual)
Facilitated by: Dr. Emily Roberts, Founder of Personal Finance for PhD
Don’t let your dream turn into a nightmare next tax season; too many fellowship recipients are surprised by a multi-thousand-dollar tax bill stacked with penalties and interest. When you aren’t having income tax withheld from your fellowship paychecks, it becomes your responsibility to manually pay your income tax bill up to four times per year. During this workshop, you will determine if you are required to make estimated tax payments and calculate your total tax liability for the year. Furthermore, you will learn the best practices for saving those payments and which tax software is most amenable to fellowship income. This workshop is specifically for postdocs who are US citizens/residents and are not having income tax withheld from their paychecks.
Dr. Emily Roberts is a personal finance educator specializing in early-career PhDs. Through her business, Personal Finance for PhDs, she equips graduate students and postdocs to make the most of their money. She gives seminars at universities and associations; interviews graduate students and PhDs on her podcast; and creates courses and workshops on taxes, investing, and more. Emily holds a PhD in biomedical engineering from Duke University and lives in San Diego with her husband and two children.
Pre-Work: Please complete the action items prior to the workshop so that you can receive the full benefits of the workshop.
Wednesday, September 23
Navigating U.S. Immigration: 11:00PM - 12:00PM (Virtual)
This session will provide valuable insights into U.S. immigration policy, visa options, and legal considerations relevant to international scholars and professionals. Whether you're navigating your own immigration path or simply want to better understand the current landscape, this workshop offers an opportunity to learn from one of the top immigration attorneys in the world.
Presenter: Charles H. (“Chuck”) Kuck is the Managing Attorney of Kuck Baxter LLC in Atlanta, and Adjunct Professor at Emory School of Law. Chuck served as the National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association from 2008-2009. He also served as President of the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers from 2010-2014, and has been an Adjunct Professor of Law for more than 20 years, currently at Emory Law School. He was named one of the top 5 immigration attorneys in the world by Chambers & Partners again in 2022, the “Best Lawyer-Immigration” in Georgia by Best Lawyers in 2022 and was previously named one of the “100 Most Influential Georgians” by Georgia Trend magazine. He has practiced immigration law for over 33 years, has litigated against the immigration agencies in more than 250 cases, has spoken at numerous legal and business conferences on all types of immigration related topics, has testified in Congress on various aspects of Immigration Law and Immigration Reform, is frequently quoted in the national press, appears regularly on national and local television and cable news outlet, and is fierce advocate for immigrants.
Career Journey from Emory University to Industry Jobs: 1:00PM - 2:00PM (Virtual)
Join Clotilde (Clo) Huyghues-Despointes, PhD, an Emory alumna, as she shares her professional journey from academia to industry. She will discuss the essential skills needed to succeed in industry, identify transferable skills that can strengthen career opportunities, and share insights on how to develop the skills and leadership experience needed to advance into senior leadership roles.
Thursday, September 24
Relax & Unwind 15-minute Massage: 9:30AM - 11:30AM
Location: Emory Center for Ethics, 1462 Clifton Road NE, Room 302
It’s Time to Relax and Recharge! A professional massage therapist will provide 16 complimentary 15-minute massages. Massage sessions will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis.
Postdoctoral Appreciation and Publication Awards Reception: 12:00PM-2:00PM
Location: Woodruff Health Sciences Center Administration Building (WHSCAB) Plaza, 1440 Clifton Road NE
A celebration of postdoctoral scholars and the important contributions you make to research and the postdoctoral community. This special event provides an opportunity to recognize and express our appreciation for the dedication, expertise, and impact of postdocs across our institution. In addition to celebrating postdocs, the reception will honor this year’s Publication Award recipients, recognizing their outstanding scholarly achievements and contributions to their fields. Join us as we celebrate our postdoctoral community, recognize exceptional accomplishments, and highlight the important role postdoctoral scholars play in advancing research and innovation.
REGISTER by Friday, September 11
Friday, September 25
Healthy Emory Booth: 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Location: WHSCAB Plaza, 1440 Clifton Road, Atlanta
Healthy Emory is the university’s initiative to support employee and community well-being. Representatives will be on hand to share information about health and wellness resources, including your Emory benefits and services available to postdocs. Stop by to learn more.
EU-PDA Town Hall Meeting: 12:00PM - 1:30PM
Location: WHSCAB Plaza, 1440 Clifton Road, Atlanta
Join the Emory University Postdoctoral Association (EU-PDA) Townhall as we launch the 2026–2027 academic year! All postdoctoral fellows and scholars are invited to connect with the EU-PDA board, learn about upcoming initiatives, and share your voice.This is your chance to:
- Collaborate on building a stronger postdoc community at Emory
- Offer feedback
- Share ideas
Lunch will be served, so come hungry—and bring your ideas!