National Postdoc Appreciation Week was celebrated at academic institutions across the U.S. last week. For Entomology postdocs, faculty and grad students, events included a department coffee-and-snacks get-together and participation in the UMD Postdoctoral Research Symposium, where postdocs across campus presented their research. At the symposium, two members of our Department were highlighted for their contributions as postdoc researchers and mentors.
Ximena Gutierrez Ramos, Postdoctoral Associate in the Pick Lab received an honorable mention in the Postdoctoral Research Symposium Poster Competition. Her poster, “The Pax genes of Vanessa cardui, the painted lady butterfly ". Congrats Ximena! Next time you run into Ximena be sure to inquire about her work with butterfly genes and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.
Megan Fritz, Associate Professor, was awarded the 2023 Faculty Mentor of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication and commitment to mentoring the postdocs who join her lab. The nomination for this award was submitted by current and past Fritz Lab postdocs, with postdocs writing: We know that Megan is in our corner. She is our ally and advocate and her mentorship has played a significant role in our success. Congrats Megan - way to make an impact!
