NC State Postdoctoral Association

The NC State University PDA promotes the building of community among postdoctoral scholars at North Carolina State University and serves as the voice for postdocs across campus. The PDA also works with and supports the endeavors of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA), and both entities strive to create an environment where postdoctoral scholars have an enriching and rewarding experience during their tenure at the university. More information about the PDA, its structure and its function can be found in the bylaws.

We currently have 5 committees for current postdocs to get involved in.

National Postdoc Appreciation Week

National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) is an annual week-long celebration to recognize the contributions of our postdocs and house officers to our institution.

2026 PDA Officers and Committees

Dr. Nikhil Bardeskar, President
Department: Plant and Microbial Biology
Email: [email protected]

VACANT, Vice President

Dr. Jacob Brown, Treasurer
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Henry Kitiabi, Secretary
Department: Population Health & Pathobiology
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Estefanny Quispe Cardenas, Co-Chair, International Postdoc Advocacy Committee
Department: Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Megan Harris, Co-Chair, Communications Committee
Department: Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Dibyangana Parbat, Co-Chair, Communications Committee
Department: Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Humphrey Lotana, Co-Chair, Career & Professional Development Committee
Department: Molecular Biomedical Sciences
Email: [email protected]

VACANT, Co- Chair, Social Committee

Dr. Elisa Bergas Masso, College of Sciences Liaison
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Namita Jaiswal , College of Engineering Liaison
Email: [email protected]

Outreach Committee

The Outreach committee seeks to facilitate opportunities for NC State postdocs to connect with organizations and opportunities beyond campus. This includes coordinating joint events with other Triangle Area postdocs as well as engaging with the Raleigh-Durham community on a variety of fronts.

Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee will advocate for change that addresses postdoctoral scholar concerns unrelated to their research or work that arise from employer policy. We will listen to postdoc concerns, work with the existing institutions that can help alleviate these concerns, including understanding their role in supporting postdocs, and submit proposals to address these concerns. We will promote an open environment through town halls to stay engaged with the current postdoc population.

Social Activities

From happy hours to international lunches and weekend events, the PDA works hard to build a sense of community for NC State postdocs.

Stay in the loop regarding on and off campus social and professional development events with our NC State Postdoc Events Google Calendar.