Public monthly meetings
On the last Friday of the month, from 9 am to 10 am, members of the MSU-PDA Steering Committee meeting:
- To discuss areas of concern to the MSU postdoc community
- To plan MSU-PDA events
- To provide Sub-Committee updates
- To provide information relevant and useful to the MSU postdoc community
All members of the MSU postdoc community are welcome to attend these meetings via Zoom (link here).
Meeting agendas can be found in the MSU Postdocs Teams.
The next meeting for the MSU-PDA is on Friday, May 30 at 11 am
Co-Chairs
Mehreen Z. Hassan
Co-Chair
Mehreen Z. Hassan earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science from Purdue University and is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the MSU Autism Lab. Specializing in early interventions for children with disabilities, her work primarily focuses on parent-mediated approaches that enhance social-communication skills in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research investigates how cultural factors and family dynamics affect the efficacy and reception of early intervention programs across diverse family backgrounds.
Contact Info:hassan57@msu.edu
Hillary Fischer
Co-Chair
MSU PostdocsProfessional Development Committee
Lola Camalle
Professional Development
I am Maria Dolores, known as Lola, a plant biologist originally from Ecuador and now based in Israel. My research focuses on understanding how small molecules regulate stress responses in tomato plants, with a particular interest in the proteins that enhance plant resilience. I am fascinated by how plants communicate and adapt to challenging environments through molecular and genetic mechanisms that remain largely undiscovered.
Outside the lab, I enjoy CrossFit, traveling, reading, and journaling as ways to stay inspired and reflective. I find joy in flowers, plants, and spending time with horses — always seeking new adventures and experiences that nurture curiosity and personal growth.
Contact Info: camallec@msu.edu
Social Sub-Committee
Pallavi Agarwal
Social Committe
Postdoctoral Researcher, Skirycz Lab, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department
My academic journey—from earning a Master’s in Applied Botany at IIT Kharagpur, India, to a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Potsdam, Germany, and now pursuing postdoctoral research in the US—has shaped my diverse research experience and strengthened my commitment to collaboration and community. At MSU, I study the role of small molecules, particularly dipeptides, in regulating glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, using biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
Outside the lab, I’m passionate about building inclusive spaces where people can connect, recharge, and thrive. My interests in dance and painting reflect my love for creative expression and personal growth. As a co-chair of the Social Committee, I’m excited to contribute to the MSU Postdoc Association and help cultivate a vibrant, supportive environment for all postdocs.
Contact Info: agarw175@msu.edu
Mukta Sharma
Social Committe
MSU PostdocsCommunications & Digital Presence Sub-Committee
Praveen Kumar
Chair
Dr. Praveen is a research associate in the Biomedical Engineering Department, working with Dr. Kim Taeho. He earned a PhD in organic chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and subsequently received the prestigious BK21 fellowship in South Korea, where he served as a Research Professor in the nanobiophotonics department at KU-KUIST for two years. In August 2023, Dr. Praveen joined the Biomedical Engineering Department at Michigan State University. His research focuses on advancing nanoscale inorganic materials to develop innovative contrast agents and therapeutic solutions for medical applications. With expertise in the solution-phase synthesis of inorganic and organic nanoparticles, he specializes in particle engineering to enhance targeted drug delivery, cell tracking, and molecular therapeutics for diseases such as cancer, stroke, and bacterial infections. In addition to his research, Dr. Praveen enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking.
Contact Info: pananga1@msu.edu
Advocacy and Diversity Chair
Mallet Reid
Advocacy and Diversity Chair
Name: Mallet Reid
Field: Psychology
Degree earned: Michigan State University
Research focus: Racism, cannabis, and psychedelics research
What am I excited for: I’m super excited to get to know everyone and to learn about everyone’s awesome work!
Contact Information: reidmall@msu.edu;
Ph: 575-513-5383
Advocacy At Large
Amrita Pal
Advocacy At Large
Amrita Pal, PhD MS is a Research associate at Grand Rapids location of Michigan State University in the Pediatrics and Human Development. She specializes in physiological and neural data analysis. She also dances and sings and has a spiritual practice.
Contact info: palamri2@msu.edu
Representative, College of Natural Science.
Stephen DiKerby
Representative, College of Natural Science
Stephen DiKerby (né Kerby) obtained his BS in Physics and BS in Astronomy from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 2019, and his PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the Pennsylvania State University in 2024. He was advised by Prof. Abe Falcone in his thesis "Multiwavelength Analysis and Classification of Fermi Gamma-ray Sources: Pulsars, Blazars, and More from the Unassociated List". As an X-ray astronomer, he uses space telescopes like Chandra and Swift to investigate the most energetic astrophysical systems in the universe. He is a member of the IceCube and Event Horizon Telescope Multiwavelength Followup collaborations. He also is committed to advancement in science pedagogy and undergraduate education and is active in local outreach and advocacy. Besides his science work, he enjoys playing the string bass, practicing martial arts, and reading.
