Appreciating the scientific contributions of our CFANS postdoc community
September 13, 2024
CFANS celebrates National Postdoc Appreciation Week as we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of these scientists to work happening across our College. Our postdocs' dedication, expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence are truly inspiring. The research and innovation they provide not only enhances our academic community but also pushes the boundaries of knowledge and discovery.
"We're honored to have our postdocs as part of our CFANS research community and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success."
—Milena Saqui-Salces, CFANS Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs
Expanding the reach of CFANS work across the globe
Pooja Choksi is a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Forest Resources. Her position is part of a NASA land use project to understand tree cover dynamics in South Asia, in order to answer critical questions about global ecosystems and their conservation.
As an ecologist and restoration scientist, she uses novel technologies to monitor biodiversity and interdisciplinary methods to inform environmental restoration and conservation efforts. Her work takes her across the globe, testing new methods to monitor biodiversity in forests in India.
Pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge
Postdoctoral associate Jared Brewer is working toward a better understanding of fossil fuel emissions worldwide. As lead author on a recent publication in Nature Communications, he and his group in the Department of Soil, Water and Climate used measurements from a satellite-based instrument to detect how infrared radiation emitted by the Earth travels through the atmosphere and escapes to space.
“We've known for some time that our current estimates of ethane emissions are too low, and this new tool allows us to see where on the planet those missing emissions are probably coming from,” said Brewer.
Myriad responsibilities, tangible impact
"Postdocs in my lab lead multiple research projects, present their research at conferences and to industry partners, collaborate with and train graduate students, participate in grant writing, develop new methodologies and research ideas...postdocs are always in the forefront of my lab's work," said B. Pam Ismail, professor of food science and nutrition and director of the Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC).
Serap Vatansever (left) joined PPIC as a postdoctoral researcher in August 2021. Her current research focuses on nutritional, structural, functional, and flavor characteristics of various plant proteins and their processing. She often presents during PPIC training events, leading participants through best practices in structural characterization, functionality testing, and protein isolation.
The “fungi is fun!” guy
Nick Rajtar is a recent graduate and now postdoc with the Blanchette Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology. Rajtar’s work focuses on early detection methods for invasive tree pathogens like Heterobasidion root disease and Phytophthora species. His dedication and ability to collaborate with others has led to successes like discovering new water mold species in Minnesota and developing biosurveillance practices for the state.
Collaboration is central to Rajtar’s process. He is spending his postdoc working to advance methods for the biosurveillance of invasive pathogens in woody plants, and working with another MITPPC-funded team led by Vinicius Marcilio-Silva, PhD, focused on remote sensing for oak wilt—a fungal disease affecting oak species in Minnesota.
This week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard work and achievements of our postdoc community. We hope CFANS postdocs will RSVP to join the CFANS Postdoc Board and Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs Milena Saqui-Salces at a number of events throughout the week:
CFANS Postdoc Appreciation Events
Hosted by the CFANS Postdoc Board and Associate Dean Saqui-Salces
Plant potting & CBS Conservatory Tour | September 17, 10- 11 a.m. | Plant Growth Facilities West | RSVP HERE!
CFANS Postdoc Coffee Break | September 18 @ 8:30-10 a.m. | 120 Coffey Hall
CFANS Postdoc Coffee and Carbs | September 19 @ 8:30-10 a.m. | 120 Coffey Hall
Campus Tour & Ice cream social | September 20 @ 10- 11 a.m. | Front steps of the St. Paul Student Center | RSVP HERE!
