Postdoctoral Events

Postdoctoral Coffee Hour with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA): To learn about the programs, services, and offerings from OPA, and to hear from Lamont postdocs about their needs and the ways that OPA can support them. Date: Sep 14, 2020

DUE TO COVID-19 WE DID NOT HOLD ANY POSTDOCTORAL EVENTS AT LAMONT IN THE SPRING OR SUMMER OF 2020

Lamont Postdoctoral Symposium, Fall 2019: An all-day event showcasing the scientific research carried out by postdoctoral scientists and fellows from Lamont, Earth Institute, and International Research Institute. Date: Sep 11, 2019 

Postdoctoral Lunch: Held jointly with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and the Office of Academic Affairs & Diversity, to learn about the programs and services provided by OPA. The OPA would like to use this lunch as a sounding board to hear from Lamont-based postdocs on ways OPA can best support them. Date: Sep 16, 2019

Dessert and Coffee Hour: A gathering to discuss various topics relating to postdoctoral life at Lamont and Columbia. A presentation by Alexandra Karambelas, Columbia University Postdoctoral Society (CUPS) President. Discussion with Ericka Peterson, Director Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA).  Date: March 20, 2019

Writing a Diversity Statement: A workshop on how to write a Diversity Statement for job applications, presented by Kuheli Dutt, Asst. Director, Academic Affairs & Diversity.  Date: Feb 13, 2019

How to Write a Grant Proposal: A proposal writing workshop with Ajit Subramaniam (Lamont Research Professor, BPE), Marco Tedesco (Lamont Research Professor, MG&G), Mary-Elena Carr (Columbia Climate Center) and Maribel Respo (Lamont Contracts & Grants). Date: October 22, 2018

Non-Academic Careers in the Geosciences: A presentation by Cassaundra Rose, Manager, Policy and Critical Issues Programs at the American Geosciences Institute on non-academic careers in the geosciences. Date: November 28, 2018

Postdoc Town Hall: A town hall meeting for postdocs and graduate students to discuss mentoring and other related topics. Jointly hosted by DEES and LDEO. Date: September 26, 2018.

Lamont Postdoc Lunch: In honor of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, join the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and the Office of Academic Affairs & Diversity for a postdoc appreciation lunch. Over lunch, hear about the programs and services provided by OPA. The OPA would like to use this lunch as a sounding board to hear from Lamont-based postdocs on ways OPA can best support them, so if you are a Lamont-based postdoc, try to stop by and join the discussion. Date: September 17, 2018; Time: 12:00-1:30 PM; Room: Monell 205. Register here!

Postdoc Lunch: Developing a Mentor-Mentee Agreement: A lunch with Art Lerner-Lam (Deputy Director) and Kuheli Dutt (Asst. Director, Academic Affairs & Diversity) to discuss career tracks at Lamont and also provide input for developing a mentor-mentee agreement for postdocs and their mentors.  Date: Apr 19, 2018. Time: 12:30-2:00p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar 1st flr

Information Session: Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL): An information session on CU Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Learn about the resources that CTL offers for students and postdocs, presented by Ian Althouse, Asst. Director, Graduate Student Programs. Date: Jan 31, 2018. Time: 12:30-2:00p.m. Venue: 205 Monell

How to Write a Diversity Statement: A workshop on how to write a Diversity Statement for job applications, presented by Kuheli Dutt, Asst. Director, Academic Affairs & Diversity.  Date: Oct 31, 2017. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: 205 Monell

Postdoc Appreciation Lunch: A lunchtime gathering with Ericka Peterson, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) to discuss the activities of OPA and the resources available to postdocs across Columbia. Date: Sep 18, 2017. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: 209 Monell

LDEO Postdoctoral Symposium, Spring 2017: An all-day event showcasing the scientific research carried out by LDEO postdoctoral scientists and fellows.  Date: April 12, 2017. Time: 10:00-4:30p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Room 1st Floor

Proposal Writing Workshop: A proposal writing workshop with Lisa Clough, Head of the Ocean Section for the Ocean Sciences at NSF; Ajit Subramaniam, Lamont Research Professor and former Program Director, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and former Program Manager, Biological Sciences at NSF; and Maribel Respo, Manager, Contracts and Grants/ Program Officer for Sponsored Projects at Lamont. Date: Feb 13, 2017. Time: 10:00-12:00p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Rm.

Postdoctoral appreciation lunch: with Rory Flinn, Director, OPA: A postdoc appreciation lunch, with Rory Flinn, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, giving an overview of postdoc programs at Columbia. Date: Sept 27, 2016. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: 205 Monell.

Academic CV Workshop: with Rory Flinn, Director, OPA: A workshop on how to build an academic CV. Presented by Rory Flinn, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Date: June 15, 2016. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: 205 Monell.

Networking/LinkedIn Workshop: Strategies for Building a Professional Network: with Rory Flinn, Director, OPA: A workshop on how to build professional networks. Presented by Rory Flinn, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Date: May 18, 2016. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: 205 Monell.

Academic Interviewing Workshop: with Rory Flinn, Director, OPA: A workshop on how to prepare for academic interviews. Presented by Rory Flinn, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Date: Jan 27, 2016. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: 205 Monell.

Peer Mentoring: Workshop and Discussion with Rory Flinn, Director, OPA: A workshop on peer mentoring programs and networks. Presented by Rory Flinn, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Date: Sept 22, 2015. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: 209 Monell.

LDEO Postdoctoral Symposium, Spring 2015: An all-day event showcasing the scientific research carried out by the LDEO postdoctoral scientists and fellows. Date: April 8, 2015. Time: 10:00-4:30p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Room

Teaching Methods and Strategies Workshop: Organized by C-MORE, University of Hawaii, this workshop will discuss teaching strategies and tools to optimize student engagement and learning in the classroom. The workshop will also include a discussion panel. Via videoconference. Speakers include Dr. Deborah Mowshowitz (Columbia U.);  Dr. Grieg Steward (U. Hawaii); and the panel discussion will be led by Dr. Craig Nelson (U. Hawaii). Date: Jan 15, 2015. Time: 3:00-5:30p.m. Venue: 438 Comer.

Peer Mentoring Discussion Group for Postdocs: with Rory Flinn, Director, OPA: A peer mentoring group session with Rory Flinn, Director OPA. Date: Nov 5, 2014. Time: 2:00-3:30p.m. Venue: Seismology Meeting Rm.

Meeting with Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs(OPA), Columbia Univ: An afternoon session over coffee and cookies where the LDEO postdocs meet the Director of OPA, Rory Flinn, to discuss opportunities for Lamont postdocs to be involved in OPA activities. Date: Oct 2, 2014. Time: 2:00-3:30p.m. Venue: Lamont Hall, Worzel Room.

Mentoring Workshop: “How is a Great Scientist Born?” Organized by C-MORE, University of Hawaii, this workshop will discuss the following topics: structure of a mentoring relationship; effective communication tools; establishing roles and expectations; creating a safe atmosphere; and additional training for mentors. Via videoconference. Speakers include Dr. Sallie (Penny) Chisolm (MIT);  Dr. Shimi Rii (U. Hawaii); Dr. Don Young (U. Hawaii). Date: July 15, 2014. Time: 3:00-5:30p.m. Venue: 438 Comer.

Postdoctoral Luncheon with the Director, LDEO, Spring 2014: LDEO postdoctoral scholars have lunch with the Director, LDEO. In this particular session Director Sean Solomon offered postdocs insights and guidance on writing good teaching and research statements. Date: Feb 4, 2014, Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m. Venue: Lamont Hall, Worzel Room

Career Development Workshops Presentation, Fall 2013: Over an informal lunchtime session, come listen to our postdocs present on recent career advancement workshops attended. Presenters: i) Kevin Uno and Heather Ford: "Preparing for an Academic Career in the Geosciences: Workshop for Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows", Univ. of Colorado, Boulder; ii) Bess Koffman: "Early Career Investigators Meeting", West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide Ice Core Meeting, Scripps Institute of Oceanography; iii) Emilie Dassie: "Pattullo Conference, MPOWIR: Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention". Date: Oct 24, 2013. Time: 12:00-1:30p.m. Venue: Seismology Seminar Room.

LDEO Postdoctoral Symposium, Fall 2013: An all-day event showcasing the scientific research carried out by LDEO postdoctoral scientists and fellows. Date: Sep 18, 2013. Time: 9:45-4:30p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Room 1st Flr.

Postdoctoral Luncheon with the Director, LDEO, Fall 2012: LDEO postdoctoral scholars have lunch with the Sean Solomon, Director, LDEO and discuss any issues/concerns in an informal setting. Date: Sep 10, 2012, Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m. Venue: Lamont Hall, Worzel Room

LDEO Postdoctoral Symposium, Spring 2012: An all-day event showcasing the scientific research carried out by the LDEP postdoctoral scholars.  Date: April 5, 2012. Time: 10:00-4:30p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Room 1st Flr

Navigating the NSF System Workshop, Spring 2012: A workshop by Jennifer Wade, Program Director at the National Science Foundation and co-manager for the Petrology & Geochemistry and GeoPRISMS programs. This workshop is focused on how to write a NSF-savvy proposal and to identify funding opportunities within NSF.  Date: March 15, 2012. Time:11:00-12:30p.m. Venue:Comer Seminar Room

Postdoctoral Luncheon with the Director, LDEO, Fall 2011: Following the success of the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 Postdoctoral Luncheon this event was held again in Sep 2011. At these events postdoctoral researchers have lunch with the Director, LDEO and discuss any issues/concerns in an informal setting. Date: Sep 15, 2011, Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m. Venue: Seismology Conference Room 1st Flr

Talking to the Media: A Workshop for Scientists. Richard Hayes, author of “A Scientist’s Guide to Talking with the Media” and Deputy Director of Communications at the Union of Concerned Scientists, presented a workshop providing concrete tips and hands-on activities to promote accurate and timely coverage of scientific research. Before joining the Union of Concerned Scientists in 1993, he covered environmental issues as a reporter for a bicameral caucus in the U.S. Congress. He also coordinated a task force on climate science chaired by Senator John McCain and then-Senator Al Gore. All participants received a copy of Richard Hayes’ book. Date: Jan 25, 2011; Time: 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Room

Proposal Writing for NSF: Former Lamonter Candace Major gave a talk on proposal writing for NSF. Dr. Major is currently the Program Director for Marine Geology & Geophysics at NSF.  She was an NSF International Research Fellow at the Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement in Paris, France and then a Comer Postdoctoral Fellow / Visiting Scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution before joining the NSF Marine Geology and Geophysics Program as a Program Director in 2008. Her scientific background is in marine geology and paleoceanography. Date: Sept 30, 2010; Time:12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Room

Careers in Climate Policy: Former Lamonter Brenda Ekwurzel gave a talk on careers in science policy. Dr. Ekwurzel is a climate scientist at UCS and is leading their education work aimed at strengthening support for sound US climate policies. A widely quoted expert on climate change, Dr. Ekwurzel has appeared on ABC News, Good Morning America, CNN, the Fox News Channel, and the Colbert Report, and has been cited by the Washington Post, USA Today, the Associated Press, and Reuters. Date: Sept 23, 2010; Time: 12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.; Venue: Comer Seminar Rm

LRP Information Session for Postdoctoral Scientists and Fellows: This meeting is aimed at providing postdocs with information on the newly implemented Lamont research professor positions, especially in the context of postdocs applying to these positions. Current Lamont assistant research professors who were former LDEO postdocs share their experiences and provide helpful tips to those considering applying for promotion. Date: September 16, 2010; Time: 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Venue: 205 Monell.

Women Scientists’ Networking Lunch: A lunch to facilitate networking among LDEO and non-LDEO women scientists. The goal of this lunch is to enable junior scientists  at LDEO (postdoctoral scholars and graduate students) to make contacts/connections with women scientists outside of their immediate group at LDEO. Date:  April 30, 2010; Time: 11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Venue: Lamont Hall.

Postdoctoral Luncheon with the Director, LDEO: Description: Following the success of the Fall 2009 Postdoctoral Luncheon  come join us for the 2010 lunch with the Director, where postdocs discuss their issues/ concerns with the Director in an informal one-on-one setting. Date: May 13, 2010; Venue: Lamont Hall

Postdoctoral Luncheon with the Director, LDEO, Fall 2009: A lunch event where postdoctoral researchers have lunch with the Director, LDEO and discuss their issues/concerns in an informal setting. Date:  October 29, 2009 from 12:00-2:00. Venue: Lamont Hall

Proposal Writing Workshop for Beginners, Summer 2009: Bruce Shaw (Senior scientist, SGT) and Sally Odland (Division Administrator, MG&G) provide useful tips and guidelines to those who are new to proposal writing. Date: July 9, 2009 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Venue:  Comer Bldg. Videoconference Room

Leadership Workshops: A Discussion: Suzana Camargo (Doherty Research Scientist) and Tim Crone (MG&G) talk about recent leadership workshops they attended - the Earth Science  Women’s Network or ESWN workshop Dec ’08; and the Ocean Leadership Symposium Mar ’09. Date:  June 4, 2009 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Venue: Comer Seminar Room

Summer Research Life Series

(Update: Given the year round programming and workshops for our postdoctoral and junior scientists, the Summer Research Life Series is no longer held as a separate entity.)

The Director’s Summer Research Life Series is a series of informal in-house workshops and panel meetings aimed at providing career guidance to our postdoctoral and junior scientists. Workshops and sessions have included:

Transition from Postdoc to Independent Scientist: Senior scientist and Lamont Research Professor Bruce Shaw talks about making the transition from the postdoctoral stage to that of an independent scientist.

Career Advancement within Lamont: Deputy Director Art Lerner-Lam and Asst. Director for Academic Affairs & Diversity Kuheli Dutt talk about options for career advancement within Lamont.

Lamont Research Professors: LDEO Director G. Michael Purdy spoke about the newly implemented Lamont Research Professorships that are comparable to faculty positions at peer institutions.

Grant Proposal Administration: Edie Miller (Assistant Director for Finance & Administration) and Sally Odland (Division Administrator, Marine Geology & Geophysics) shared insights on managing grant proposals.

Federal Funding Agencies: G. Michael Purdy, Director, LDEO; and Ajit Subramaniam, former Associate Program Director for Biological Oceanography, National Science Foundation and current Lamont research professor provided insights into the workings of certain federal funding agencies.

Lamont Research Professors: LDEO Director G. Michael Purdy spoke about the Lamont Research Professor Initiative, aimed at creating research professor positions at Lamont that are comparable to faculty positions at peer institutions.

Career Advancement: LDEO Senior scientists Robin Bell and Kim Kastens, and Chair of the  Promotions & Careers Subcommittee Mingfang Ting provide valuable insights on career advancement for junior scientists. This session will include tips for career advancement within Lamont as well as outside.

Getting & Managing Stimulus Funds: Edie Miller, Assistant Director of Finance & Administration, LDEO and Sally Odland, Division Administrator Marine Geology & Geophysics will provide insights on how to receive and manage stimulus funds

Talking to the Media: Tools for Scientists & Engineers: This workshop is on effective communication with the wider public, including media and policy makers, and features instruction and hands-on activities designed to help you engage with the press, and practice with public presentations and interviews. Free materials provided. Presenter: Tiffany Lohwater, Public Engagement Manager, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Federal Funding Agencies and Proposals: G. Michael Purdy, Director, LDEO; Arnold Gordon, Associate Director, Ocean & Climate Physics; and Ajit Subramaniam, Associate Program Director for Biological Oceanography, National Science Foundation provided insights into the workings of certain key federal funding agencies.