Postdoc Appreciation Day 2025
Join us, September 25, 2025, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm room B1270 in SEAS (Science and Engineering Hall) as we celebrate the vital contributions of our postdoctoral fellows at GW! Postdoc Appreciation Day is a full-day event packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired. Join us in-person, virtually, all day, or part of the day. RSVP is strongly encouraged.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Speaker — Hear from a distinguished leader who will inspire and energize our postdoc community.
- Professional Development Talks — Two expert-led presentations designed to boost your skills and career prospects.
- Lightning Talks: The 3-Slide Showdown — A fast-paced competition where postdocs present their research in 5 minutes using 3 slides, judged by a faculty/staff panel and the audience. Cash prizes awarded.
- Round Table Info Sessions — Brief, focused discussions on a variety of topics, including benefits, teaching, academic writing, and more.
- Deans' Remarks — Throughout the day, several deans from different schools will share words of encouragement and appreciation.
Networking Lunch — Enjoy a complimentary lunch with your colleagues, with accommodations for dietary restrictions.
General Schedule of Events
Date: September 25, 2025
Location: Room B1270 in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 800 22nd St. NW, Washington, DC 20052
More details to come soon!
Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30 to 9:00 | Check in, coffee, pastries, and GW Swag. |
| 9:00 to 9:10 | Welcome Address by Dr. Suresh Subramaniam, Vice Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs |
| 9:10 to 10:00 | Keynote Address |
| 10:00 to 10:45 | Professional Development Speaker |
| 10:45 to 11:30 | Professional development Speaker |
| 11:30 to 11:40 | Break |
| 11:40 to 12:40 | Postdoc Town Hall |
| 12:40 to 12:45 | Dean Remarks |
| 12:45 to 1:10 | Lunch |
| 1:10 to 2:10 | Round Table Discussions |
| 2:10 to 2:15 | Transition/Break |
| 2:15 to 2:20 | Dean remarks |
| 2:20 to 3:15 | Lightning Talks Round 1 |
| 3:15 to 3:30 | Ice Cream Break |
| 3:30 to 3:35 | Dean remarks |
| 3:35 to 4:30 | Lightning Talks Round 2 |
| 4:30 to 4:50 | People’s Choice Voting, Group photo, and Break |
| 4:50 to 4:55 | Dean’s remarks |
| 4:55 to 5:00 | Lightning Talks Awards and Closing Remarks |
Lightning Talks: The 3-Slide Showdown
Get ready for a fast-paced, high-energy research showcase! In the Lightning Talks competition, postdocs have just 5 minutes and 3 slides to clearly explain their research to a general audience. Presenters will be judged by a panel of GW faculty and staff, as well as the audience, on the following criteria:
- Clear explanation of the background and significance of the research
- Well-defined hypothesis and research strategy
- Clear description of key findings and conclusions
- Slide design and audience engagement
- Presentation delivery
- Appropriateness of language for a lay audience
Prizes:
🏆 1st Place: $500
🥈 2nd Place: $350
🥉 3rd Place: $250
🎉 People’s Choice: $250
Think you can inform, inspire, and impress in just five minutes? Step up to the mic and show us what you’ve got! Applications are due to September 5th.
Register to Attend
Please let us know if you’ll be joining us virtually, part of the day, or all day, by filling out the RSVP form:
Join us Virtually
Unable to make it in person? Please join us Virtually!
Speaker Bios
(Bios coming soon! Check back for detailed information about our keynote and professional development speakers.)