On the Horizon
The FIU Postdoctoral Scholar Services (FIU PAS) Events and Community Updates highlight the dynamic programming and growing traditions that foster connection, professional development, and research excellence across our postdoctoral community. As part of a university recognized with the highest Carnegie Classification (R1: Doctoral Institutions – Highest Research Activity), FIU is deeply committed to supporting the training and success of its postdoctoral scholars. Through signature gatherings and tabling events such as the Annual Winter and Spring Socials and the inaugural Postdoctoral Research Symposium, FIU PAS creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and interdisciplinary exchange. From informal community-building socials to research showcases featuring scholars from across FIU’s departments, these events celebrate the talent, innovation, and scholarly contributions that strengthen FIU’s vibrant research environment and reinforce its reputation as a leading research institution.
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Past Events
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Postdoc Research Speed Mixer
The first-ever Postdoc Research Speed Mixer was hosted by FIU PAS on Thursday, April 23rd at Chili’s location in GC. During this event, FIU postdocs had the opportunity to pitch their research interests and discoveries to peers and colleagues, while enjoying some light refreshments and lively music.
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Essentials About Funding Sources Workshop
The Essentials About Funding Sources Workshop was hosted by FIU PAS on Thursday, March 26 on a hybrid format. During this event, senior leadership from the FIU Office of Research Development (ORED) and the FIU Foundation provided valuable information about funding sources and opportunities.
We look forward to offering a similar workshop in semesters to come. Hope you can join (or join us) then. Stay tuned!
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FIU PAS Annual Spring Social 26’
The February 2026 postdoc social event fostered a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere where participants mingled and made meaningful connections. This social event – part of a growing tradition – celebrated both community and camaraderie, while giving participating postdocs the opportunity to share ideas, exchange stories, and spark conversations that might grow into future academic collaborations.
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FIU PAS Annual Winter Social 25’
This end-of-semester social event, held at the close of the Fall 2025 term, marked the second edition of this growing tradition, which aims to bring postdoctoral scholars together for an evening of connection and community. Building on the energy of the earlier research symposium, the gathering offered a relaxed and intimate follow-up where postdocs could reconnect, share insights, and continue conversations that began during the symposium.
Event Sponsors: NP
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FIU’s Inaugural Postdoctoral Research Symposium
Promoting Community and Professional Growth
FIU Postdoc Association (PAS) is proud to host FIU’s Inaugural Postdoctoral Research Symposium on November 19th, 2025. This event will bring together postdocs, faculty, and industry researchers to discuss career development and promote the research of current FIU postdocs. This year’s program includes short oral presentations, an informative panel discussion, and multiple opportunities for networking.
Read the FIU Postdoctoral Association – Fall 2025 Post-Symposium Report
We are thrilled to share the success of the inaugural FIU Postdoctoral Research Symposium, proudly hosted by the FIU Postdoctoral Association (FIU PAS) and sponsored by the FIU Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED), the FIU University Graduate School (UGS), and the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). This in-person event was held on November 19, 2025, and welcomed 35 attendees – including postdoctoral scholars, faculty members, and industry researchers – while showcasing the research work of 15 postdocs from 10 FIU departments. These scholars presented their innovative research through lightning talks and 10-minute oral presentations, offering us a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity, and scientific rigor that postdoctoral fellows contribute to the FIU community. The symposium also featured an interdisciplinary panel discussion with faculty members from FIU and the University of Miami (UM), as well as industry researchers, who shared their insights to help guide and inspire our postdoctoral community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the symposium and congratulate the following postdocs for their outstanding research and exceptional clarity in both visual and oral communication during the presentations:
1st Place in the 10-min. Oral Presentation Category: Ryan Cannistraci, PhD.
Presentation Title: Developmental pathways from child-directed positive talk and infant face-voice matching to speech production outcomes in toddlers.
2nd Place in the 10-min Oral Presentation Category: Patricio M. Viera Perez, PhD.
Presentation Title: Blunted-reward-related striatal activity and behavioral disinhibition as a pathway for early adolescent cannabis and e-cigarette use.
3rd Place in the 10-min Oral Presentation Category: Derrick Boakye Boadu, PhD.
Presentation Title: Citizen satisfaction and local government transparency: examining the mediating role of public trust and the moderating influence of transformational leadership.
1st Place in the Lightning Talk Category: Rosario Vidales, PhD.
Presentation Title: Intraspecific variation of Rhizophora mangle L. and the leaf economics spectrum in a scenario of mangrove encroachment.
2nd Place in the Lightning Talk Category: Patrick Joaquin Villalonga, PhD.
Presentation Title: The influence of urban design on social cohesion and political engagement.
3rd Place in the Lightning Talk Category: Shweta Chandrashekhar, PhD.
Presentation Title: Factors that shape university supervisors’ praxis.
We hope this event marks the beginning of a new tradition at FIU, one that celebrates our postdoctoral community, elevates their research, and strengthens the collaborative spirit that defines us as a preeminent institution. Again, thanks to everyone who participated and attended. Your enthusiasm and involvement made the inaugural version of the FIU Postdoctoral Research Symposium a truly memorable and important milestone. We look forward to welcoming you back next Fall for a bigger and more impactful symposium. Stay tuned!
More photos may be viewed on Instagram: @fiupas.
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FIU PAS Tabling Events – Fall 2025
A series of tabling events were organized throughout the Fall 2025 semester to boost FIU PAS’s visibility and engage directly with the FIU community – postdocs and otherwise. These outreach efforts offered an opportunity to share information about upcoming initiatives and ways to get involved. Additionally, the tabling events also served to promote FIU PAS’s biggest annual event – the FIU PAS Research Symposium.
Event Sponsors: FIU UGS/ FIU ORED
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FIU PAS Annual Spring Social 25’
This Valentine’s-themed social event, held in February 2025, invited postdocs to take a break and “find their perfect match” – whether that meant a new collaborator, mentor, or friend. With heart-shaped décor and plenty of sweet treats, the event created a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere for mingling and making connections. Celebrating both community and camaraderie, the evening encouraged postdocs to share ideas, exchange stories, and build relationships that could blossom into future academic partnerships – or simply good old friendships.
Event Sponsors: FIU UGS/ FIU ORED
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FIU PAS Annual Winter Social 24’
This end-of-semester event marked the first gathering of its kind – a brand-new tradition aimed at bringing postdocs together in the spirit of connection. This event, which was held in December 2024, brought together postdoctoral scholars from multiple departments for an evening of connection and community. The gathering provided an informal and welcoming space for postdocs to mingle, share experiences, and build new professional relationships.
Event Sponsors: FIU UGS/ FIU ORED