The postdoc team in Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) supports the postdoc experience through the following activities:
- Planning and running regular events for postdocs, including National Postdoc Appreciation Week and postdoc orientation events
- Recruiting for, and organizing regular meetings with, the Postdoc Engagement Liaisons
- Moderating the UWaterloo postdoc LinkedIn group
- Maintaining online information to support postdocs in navigating available campus resources
- Providing one-on-one support to postdocs who have questions or concerns about their experience at UWaterloo
GSPA's office is located on the 2nd floor of the Needles Hall building (Note: GSPA is temporarily located in East Campus 2 due to renovations). As GSPA staff work in a hybrid model, please reach out to our team to determine availability for an in-person meeting, if desired.
If you would like to connect with a member of our postdoc team, you can email us at postdocs@uwaterloo.ca, or directly contact one of our team members listed below:
GSPA postdoc team
Gitanjali Shanbhag
Manager, Postdoctoral Affairs and Programming Development
Gitanjali is a proud University of Waterloo alumnus, holding both an MASc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering. She continues her journey here as the Manager of Postdoctoral Affairs and Programming Development, where she oversees GSPA activities and programs designed to enhance the professional, academic, and personal growth of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Beyond her role at GSPA, Gitanjali is actively engaged in teaching students as a sessional instructor and advocating for staff with the UWSA.
In her spare time, Gitanjali enjoys solving puzzles, discovering new cuisines from around the world, and watching musicals.
Contact Gitanjali for:
- Postdoctoral experience and programming
- Postdoctoral affairs
Ashley Ryan
Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist
Ashley works with other team members at Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) to develop, maintain, and evaluate programming related to professional development for our graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Ashley has been a member of the University of Waterloo community since 2012 when she embarked on a journey to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies with a minor in Psychology. Afterwards, she remained on campus to pursue Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Sociology with research focused on crime and peer influence. Outside of her academics, Ashley has also served multiple years as a student wellness co-ordinator for the Graduate Student Association on campus, as a don, and lecturer. Outside of the University of Waterloo, Ashley loves to volunteer with Girl Guides of Canada, collect board games and plants, watch scary movies, and camp with her family and friends at various provincial and national parks.
- Questions related to postdoctoral programming and events
Monica Munaretto
Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist
As a Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist, Monica collaborates with team members at the GSPA to develop and implement educational programming, focusing primarily on projects and initiatives that support and promote the academic experience and professional development of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Monica has held a variety of roles supporting graduate students and postdoctoral scholars throughout her career, including time focused on career advising and graduate work integrated learning at the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Career Development. She is currently researching the impact of career uncertainty on the graduate student experience as part of her own doctoral student journey.
Outside this work, she can be found cheering on her favourite teams or enjoying the great outdoors with her young family and Newfoundland dog, Argos.
Contact Monica for:
- Information related to postdoctoral programming and events.
The GSPA postdoc team also receives oversight and support for postdoctoral affairs from:
- Justin Wan, Interim Co-Associate Vice president, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
- Marta Bailey, Associate Director, Communications and Strategic Initiatives