Postdoc Engagement Liaison Year in Review | Postdoctoral Scholars

Your Postdoc Engagement Liaisons have been working hard over the last year to improve the Waterloo postdoc experience!

Here are some highlights from 2025:

Winter

Shared feedback on postdoc orientation events offered through Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA), and suggested ideas for future programming and training (e.g., media engagement skills). This feedback is currently driving new sections coming to the Postdoctoral Scholars website.
Helped organize a drop-in board game social.
Joined the postdoc community in cheering on the Women’s Warriors hockey team as they faced the Guelph Gryphons at Columbia Icefield (CIF).

Spring

Planned and helped facilitate an ice cream social and outdoor games event.
Provided ongoing input for National Postdoc Appreciation Week planning.
Curated thoughtful questions for the Postdoc-to-Faculty panel discussion.

Fall

Reviewed and provided feedback on the Postdoctoral Scholars website.
Raised concerns about challenges facing postdocs due to budget constraints and the current job market. This insight has led to an ongoing review of resources available for postdocs.
Contributed ideas for upcoming Winter 2026 events!

The Postdoc Engagement Liaison group saw a few changes over the last year, with some members leaving the university to take on exciting new positions and the addition of new members. Postdocs who have served on the committee in 2025 include:

Abhijit Chakraborty (Quantum Computing)
Adna Bliek (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Ahmad Aminzadeh (Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering)
Amir Nazemi (Systems Design Engineering)
A-Reum Kim (Chemical Engineering)
Candice Chen (School of Planning)
Emily Shantz (Geography and Environmental Management)
Emma Brandt (Communication Arts)
Hamdi Altaheri (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Kholoud Shaban (School of Pharmacy)
Lilhac Medina (Biology)
Mohsen Rezaeian (Applied Mathematics & Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Shu-Feng Tsao (Public Health Sciences)
Thomas Kwok (Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering)

Thank you to all postdocs, past and present, who participated as liaisons this year!

Stay tuned to the postdoc e-news for future updates on the Postdoc Engagement Liaison group and upcoming events. You can also learn more about the liaison role and how to get involved on our website.