Family

About Us

The unique challenges of living in the Bay Area can be amplified for those postdocs who have, or plan to have, family. The Family committee was formed to understand those challenges, with an aim to improving the lives of postdocs with dependents.

Our facebook page can be found here.

Why It Matters?

Having a family and a successful research career is difficult, but not impossible. This group ensures that the needs of postdocs with families are represented at SURPAS. The committee underpins a renewed drive by SURPAS to advocate for families to the university administration, to increase inclusivity at SURPAS events by hosting more family-friendly activities, and to raise awareness of resources available to members with family.

What are We Working on?

  • Comprehensive surveying to quantify and understand the met and unmet needs of postdocs with families
  • Work with university administration to anticipate and counteract hardships that may disproportionately affect postdocs with families
  • Strengthen sense of community amongst postdocs with children, including the formation of childcare, play, and pet-care groups. We have created a Stanford Pets facebook page to help postdocs with pets connecting and helping each others. Joint the facebook page here
  • Further develop events that are suitable for postdocs and their children to increase SURPAS inclusivity

Furbabies

Finding pet-sitters on a budget can be challenging. Check out our Stanford Pets group to connect with other pet owners and animal lovers.

SURPAS Family Committee

Co-Chairs: Lucy Xie & Kattria van der Ploeg

Currently looking for new Family Committee co-chairs! If interested, send us an email!

Upcoming Family Events