SURPAS Leadership 2016-2017

The SURPAS Leadership Team

Sharon GreenblumSharon Greenblum

Co-Chair

Sharon is currently a postdoc in Dmitri Petrov’s lab in the Department of Biology. Her work focuses on understanding the genome-scale dynamics of large populations during rapid adaptation to natural environmental change. Originally from Washington DC, Sharon has a background in biomedical engineering and got her PhD in Genome Science from the University of Washington. Now, she’s moved on down the coast in search of that perfect balance of sun and science. As a SURPAS co-chair, Sharon is particularly excited about finding ways to create a stronger and more sustainable sense of postdoc community

Jesse Isaacman-BeckJesse Isaacman-Beck

Co-Chair

Jesse is currently the Arnold O. Beckman postdoctoral fellow in Tom Clandinin’s lab in the Department of Neurobiology. He is working to define the molecular mechanisms of stability and homeostatic plasticity in the brain. He got his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania in 2015 working on the molecular mechanisms that guide nerve regeneration. Throughout his time in biomedical research, Jesse has sought opportunities to enrich his educational experience (and those of my peers) by founding and leading associations for professional development. He also firmly believes that diversity is critical for any work environment and that people from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives that are creatively synergistic. To build a scientific community that reflects the broad diversity in the US, Jesse has taught and mentored people from all backgrounds and at all levels of scientific literacy.

Saumyaa SaumyaaSaumyaa Saumyaa

Secretary

Saumyaa is a postdoc in John Sunwoo’s Lab and works in the field of Immunology. Her current research interests are studying natural killer cells in tumor micro-environment and studying sex-based differences in immune cell subsets. She did her PhD in Immunology from Uniformed Services University, MD, studying T follicular helper cells. She believes that a well-connected postdoc community will lead to a more enriching postdoc experience both professionally and personally and tries to work towards this through SURPAS.

Bradley TolarBradley Tolar

Treasurer

Bradley is a postdoc in the Department of Earth System Science, working with Dr. Christopher Francis to characterize seasonal dynamics of ammonia-oxidizing Archaea in Monterey Bay and use enrichment cultures of these Archaea to further define their physiology in the laboratory.  He grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and completed his B.S. in Microbiology at Louisiana State University, and Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Georgia.  He left his southern roots (and humidity) behind to come to Stanford and is enjoying being close to the ocean once again, both for research and recreation.  Bradley has been involved previously at UGA in the Graduate Students and Postdocs in Science (GSPS) organization, and joined SURPAS to continue planning events for postdocs and providing opportunities for development and networking.  As the new SURPAS treasurer, he hopes to fund new initiatives and events to improve postdoc life on campus, including the revival of the annual Postdoc Research Symposium

Jorik van de GroepJorik van de Groep

Communicator

Jorik is a postdoc in the Brongersma lab in the department of Materials Sciences, where he is working on nanostructured surfaces for the control over light-matter interactions. He is originally from the Netherlands, where he received his PhD in Physics from FOM Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam, and his MSc from Utrecht University. Besides work, he likes hiking and traveling. Within the SURPAS leadership team, Jorik is responsible for all outgoing communications.

Abby SarkarAbby Sarkar

Advocacy Coordinator

Abby is a postdoc in Roeland Nusse’s lab in the Department of Developmental Biology. She completed her PhD at Harvard University in stem cell and regenerative biology. She is currently studying the cellular and genetic mechanisms of liver cancer with the hope of identifying new biomarkers and drug targets for this often fatal disease. On her spare time, she loves to teach, mentor and spread a love for science and community and has been involved in various related programs such as the Association for Women in Science Mentoring program, the Academy of Future Science Faculty and Harvard Students Kindling an Interest in Science. As the new SURPAS advocacy coordinator, she is excited to work on new initiatives, outreach and communication to advocate for postdocs at Stanford.

Virginie GabelVirginie Gabel

Events Coordinator

Virginie received her Master degree in Neurosciences at the University of Strasbourg (France) and her PhD in Neurosciences at the University of Basel (Switzerland). She is now a Postdoctoral fellow in Jamie Zeitzer’s lab at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Since her PhD, she conducts studies about the effect of light on human behavior and sleep. More specifically, she is now studying the use of a dawn simulation as a passive countermeasure to postural hypotension in healthy older adults. Beside her research, she likes to travel and meet new people. As the new Events Coordinator, she hopes to bring postdoc together through different events, make they meet each other and create a good atmosphere to work in.

Daniel JoyceDaniel Joyce

Social Media Chair

Daniel is passionate about the interactions between light and human health, and came to Stanford to work in Circadian Neuroscience to develop a sleep mask to counteract jetlag.  While obtaining his PhD in Vision Science from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, he held a number of positions representing the student body to Faculty and the University.  As the new SURPAS Social Media Chair, Daniel is passionate about dialoguing with postdocs to understand (and help overcome) the variety of challenges we face, as well as building a sense of community both in and out of the University setting.

Huy NguyenHuy Nguyen

Webmaster

Huy is a postdoc in Ting-Ting Huang’s lab in the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences. He got his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Iowa studying brain development. He now works on the role of oxidative stress in radiation-induced cognitive impairment and in Gulf War illness. Huy likes to draw pictures all day! As the webmaster, he works with all council members to keep the website updated and to help promote SURPAS presence on Stanford campus.