“‘How-To’ Talks by Postdocs” are a collaboration between the HSLS Molecular Biology Information Service (MBIS), the Center for Postdoctoral Affairs in the Health Sciences, and any postdoc at the University of Pittsburgh conducting biomedical research.
Modeled after the MBIS workshops, instructors teach a 1-2 hour workshop in a computer classroom located in Falk Library. The topic can be ANYTHING related to health sciences, not specifically molecular biology or bioinformatics, as long as the talk is in a “how-to” style rather than a seminar. The MBIS works with postdocs to create a workshop that is a positive teaching experience for the postdoc, as well as instructive to attendees, who range from grad students to fellow postdocs to PIs to lab techs to clinicians. Although taught by postdocs, attendance at the workshops is open to one and all.
Postdoc instructors receive feedback on their teaching, a letter of acknowledgement from the HSLS library director, and an optional digital recording of their session with the opportunity to have it posted on the Pitt HSLS YouTube Channel. Previous “‘How-To’ Talks by Postdocs” that are available for viewing on YouTube include:
- “How to Purify Recombinant Proteins” by Prerna Grover
- “How to Grow Cancer Cells as Free Floating Tumor Spheroids” by Dipanjan Basu
- “How to Use 3D Printing for Tissue Engineering” by Hang Lin
- “A ‘How-To’ Guide for Letters of Recommendation” by Gina Coudriet
- “How to Identify a Gene of Interest from Exome Sequencing Results” by Michelle Wood-Trageser
- “How to Do an ELISPOT to Detect Immune Responses In Vitro” by Tatiana Garcia-Bates
- “Ethical Considerations for Scientific Image Manipulation” by Emily Wickline
- “How to Prepare a CV (Grad Students & Postdocs)” by Emily Wickline
Postdocs–don’t miss a great chance to expand your teaching portfolio with this unique opportunity! Request a spot in the next round of “‘How-To’ Talks by Postdocs,” Winter/Spring 2016. Contact MBIS for more information.
~Carrie Iwema