MSU-PDA Steering Committee

MSU-PDA Steering Committee

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

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

Professional Development Committee

Lola Camalle

Professional Development

Social Sub-Committee

Pallavi Agarwal

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

Communications & Digital Presence Sub-Committee

Praveen Kumar

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

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

Hillary Fischer

Co-Chair

Advocacy At Large

Amrita Pal

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

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.

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