The NAPE Center holds a Professional Development Series for Undergraduates, Graduate Students, and Postdocs, managed by Dr. Lydia Joy Gordon-Fennell. Feel free to reach out to Lydia ( lgordonf@uw.edu ) if you’d like more information, for slides/past recordings, or to participate as a panelist/speaker!
Winter 2026 Professional Development Series!
Tuesdays at 3:00 PM
contact Lydia ( lgordonf@uw.edu ) for more details if you are interested in attending
January 13, 2026 Thriving in Science
group discussion
January 20, 2026 Pursuing a Non-Academic Career
Panelists: Dr. Carrie Stine and Dr. Katie Reichard
January 27, 2026 Mentorship
Panelists: Kaylin Ellioff, Lucy Tian, and Dr. Carlie Neiswanger
February 03, 2026 Effective Science Presentation Skills
Panelists/Presenters: Monica Tschang, Dr. Alex Whitebirch, and Dr. Lydia Joy Gordon-Fennell
February 10, 2026 Grant Writing
Panelists: Dr. Ben Land, Dr. Marta Soden, and Dr. Paul Phillips
February 17, 2026 Publication Preparation
Panelists: Dr. Garret Stuber, Dr. Nick Steinmetz, Dr. Kevin Coffey
March 03, 2026 Faculty Interview Process
Panelists: Dr. Sean Piantadosi, Dr. Anna Bowen, and Dr. Susan Ferguson
March 10, 2026 LinkedIn, CV/Resume, Networking, etc
Presenter: Dr. Lydia Joy Gordon-Fennell
General Schedule
Undergraduate Professional Development
When: Summer quarter
Previous Topics:
- How to prepare for Grad School
- How to apply and choose the right Grad Program for you
- How to survive and thrive while in Grad School
- How to consider your professional options once you complete your doctorate
Graduate and Postdoc Professional Development
When: Winter quarter
Previous Topics:
- Pursuing an Academic Career
- How to Make Your Research Sparkle
- Exploring Careers in Science
- Mental Health and Well-Being in Graduate School
- Barriers to Success in Graduate School and How to Circumvent Them
- Tips and Strategies for Giving a Better Science Talk
- How to Make Your Research Project Fundable
- Tips and Strategies for Improving Mentorship
- My Journey Through Science
- Academic and Industry CVs, Resumes, and Cover Letters
- Chalk Talks and Faculty Positions
- Mastering Networking & Job Search Strategies
- Professional Interviewing
- Navigating Negotiations