LINK to Success: Symposium Celebrates Stony Brook Postdocs

The Postdoc LINK Research Symposium, presented by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, celebrated Stony Brook's postdoctoral scholars across disciplines. Photos by John Griffin.

Leadership, innovation, networking and knowledge - LINK - are the core values reflected in Stony Brook's postdoctoral experience and in the contributions postdocs make to the university's research community.

On September 17, the Postdoc LINK Research Symposium, presented by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, celebrated the work, ideas and impact of postdoctoral scholars across disciplines with an event in the Stony Brook Union ballroom.

The symposium brought together postdocs, faculty, campus partners and university leaders for a day of research presentations, interdisciplinary exchange, professional connection and recognition of postdoctoral achievement.

Mason Youngblood delivers an innovation showcase presentation at Postdoc LINK.

"One of the things that I find so interesting every time I meet a postdoc is to learn about their journey to their current position and the kind of work they're doing in that postdoctoral position," said Celia Marshik, dean of The Graduate School. "Today we will all get to share their journey."

Mónica Bugallo, interim vice president for research and innovation, shared her own personal experience as an international scholar.

"My first opportunity in this country was through a postdoc experience and I was incredibly excited for many reasons - a new scientific challenge, the experience of living abroad, and the many possibilities that were ahead," Bugallo said. "But looking back, I wish I had an opportunity like LINK to be able to connect with other scholars like myself. I hope you take advantage of this amazing opportunity to connect with each other and create the support network you will need in the years ahead."

International scientist and author Sonali Majumdar delivered a timely keynote speech offering ways international scholars can build career agency despite the immigration, financial and structural barriers that exist in the United States and around the world. She highlighted the rise of international scholars in America the past 50 years.

"Looking at NSF (National Science Foundation) data, about 42 percent of PhD students in science and engineering, and 35 percent broadly in all fields, were visa holders in 2023, and almost 58 percent of postdocs in the United States are visa holders," said Majumdar. "For doctorates, 35 percent of PhD recipients in 2023 across all fields, including the humanities, were visa holders. When we look at the historical data, only 11 percent of PhD grads in 1977 were visa holders. We've seen a fascinating growth over time, and in the last two decades or so, much of the growth of the PhD population can be drawn from the growth in the international population. There is a workforce development implication here that if we don't support the international community, we are also harming the economy."

She also encouraged postdocs to think globally.

"Many countries today are recruiting PhDs," she said. "Whatever field you're in, see which countries are investing in that field, and think about which countries align with your values."

LINK Innovation Award winner Jaclyn Mauro delivers an innovation showcase presentation at Postdoc LINK.

The event included LINK Lightning Talks in which postdocs presented their research in 10-minute presentations, a lunch-hour poster presentation and an Innovation Showcase. The day concluded with an awards presentation, sponsored by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, that recognized outstanding postdoctoral achievement in research communication, innovation, poster presentation, leadership and mentorship.

"The postdoc can sometimes feel a little bit like a 'no man's land'; you're not a graduate student, and you're not a faculty member," said Marshik. "But it's the postdocs that drive research at Stony Brook. With this event we wanted to give you all a day to focus on your work, to highlight that work, and to network with one another, because you will be each other's network when you move on after you leave Stony Brook. Today the rest of the campus can see the incredible work that you're doing."

Campus partners for the event included the Career Center, Center for Inclusive Education (CIE), The Graduate School, Office of the President, Office for Research and Innovation, Office of Global Affairs, DI3, Department of Chemistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Renaissance School of Medicine and the Postdoc Pack Seawolf Resource Group.

- Robert Emproto

2026 Postdoc LINK Award Winners

LINK Lightning Award
Presented to the postdoctoral scholar who delivers the most outstanding lightning talk, demonstrating excellence in communicating the significance, innovation and impact of their research to an interdisciplinary audience.
WINNER: Samantha Cobos, Neurology and Behavior
"Cogs in the Machine: How Throwing a Wrench in Gene Silencing Machinery Alters TDP-43-based Neurodegeneration in Drosphila Melanogaster"

Best Faculty Member of a Postdoc
Presented to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in mentoring postdoctoral scholars through support, encouragement and promotion of their research training, professional and personal development, and career goals.
WINNER: Jessica Seeliger, assistant professor, Department of Pharmacological Sciences

LINK Innovation Award
Presented to the postdoctoral scholar who demonstrates a clear vision for implementing innovative technology, new technology development, or the application of technologies to new areas to advance research, scholarship, or creative activity, or to conduct entrepreneurial activities including product development, startup, technology, policy solution or other form of societal impact. The award recognizes innovation, feasibility, market of community relevance and effective communication to a broad audience.
WINNER: Jaclyn Mauro, Chemistry
"Catch-and-Release Radiolabeling: A Novel Strategy for PET Tracer Development"

LINK Poster Presentation
Presented to the postdoctoral scholar whose poster most effectively communicates the significance, rigor and impact of their research through outstanding visual design, clear presentation and engaging discussion with attendees.
WINNER: Alix de Jersey, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
"From Discovery to Cross-Species Validation: A Pathway-level Biomarker of Plastic Exposure in Seabirds"

Postdoc LINK Leadership Award
Presented to a postdoctoral scholar who has demonstrated exceptional achievement across research, leadership and community engagement. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify the values of Leadership, Innovation, Networking and Knowledge through scholarly productivity, service to the academic community, and contributions that strengthen the postdoctoral experience and institutional mission.
WINNER: Jonathan Plessis-Belair, Neuroscience