Graduate and Postdoctoral Career Day connects students, postdocs and alumni

Graduate and Postdoctoral Career Day included a Career in Industry panel, with co-moderators Esma Yerlikaya (PhD candidate, biomedical sciences), left, and Raz Abdulqadir, MSc (PhD candidate, biomedical sciences) as well as panelists Taryn Mockus-Daehn, PhD; Bryan Tsao, PhD; Emily Brignone, PhD; Douglas Gisewhite, PhD; and Emily Schleicher, PhD.

Penn State College of Medicine hosted its 13th biennial Graduate and Postdoctoral Career Day on Oct. 24 and 25 at the University Conference Center, bringing together 13 professionals – including 12 alumni – to share career advice with more than 60 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

The two-day event helps participants explore career opportunities in biomedical and public health sciences. Career Day opened with a welcome reception featuring remarks from Leslie Parent, MD, vice dean for research and graduate studies and associate vice president for health sciences research, and graduate student co-chairs Shriya Gangakhedkar (PhD student, biomedical sciences), Pu “Ramona” Bai (DrPH student, public health) and Maryam Abdollahnia (PhD candidate, biomedical sciences).

Douglas Dluzen, PhD alumnus and founder/owner of Kyber Science Communications, LLC, delivered the keynote address, “Designing Your Career with Storytelling & Networking.” He emphasized the importance of building authentic connections and using narrative to shape professional identity.

Sessions on the second day began with breakfast and welcome remarks from Daniela Zarnescu, PhD, associate dean for graduate education and postdoctoral training, and the graduate student co-chairs. They welcomed attendees and panelists, expressed gratitude to the alumni who returned to participate, and commented on the diversity and breadth of career options for advanced degree holders.

The second day also featured three career panels on academia and government, science communication and writing, and industry. Throughout the day, attendees had many opportunities to network with panelists and peers, including during breaks and a closing lunch session.

Career Day organizers expressed gratitude to the alumni who returned to share their experiences and inspire future scientists.

The 14th biennial Graduate and Postdoctoral Career Day will be held in October 2027.

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