2026 North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium

Panoramic photo of South Building on UNCสผs campus, Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill

2026 North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium

Event Photos

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Digital Abstract Book

Click Here to Access the 2026 Digital Abstract Book

2026 Award Winners | Excellence in Research Communication

Flash Talk Awards

  • Jorge Galeano-Cabral (North Carolina State University) โ€” Audience Winner
    From ice-cold to red-hot: designing materials for extreme environments
  • Aparajita Mazumdar (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) โ€” Judgeโ€™s First Choice
    What can germanium detectors reveal about the origins of matter?
  • Brean Prefontaine (Duke University) โ€” Judgeโ€™s Second Choice
    Quantum Explorer Packs: Bringing quantum education to Kโ€“12 classrooms across the U.S.

Poster Session A | Outstanding Poster Presentation Awardees

  • Malik Areej (North Carolina State University)
    Butyrate synergizes with glucose to promote anaerobic growth of Staphylococcus aureus via anaplerotic metabolism and stress response pathways
  • Andrei Badilla-Aguilar (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
    In situ detection of Naegleria fowleri in recreational waters: opportunities and challenges
  • Luke Tucker (North Carolina State University)
    Reprogramming the clot: antimicrobial platelet-mimetic platforms for infection mitigation

Poster Session B | Outstanding Poster Presentation Awardees

  • Shilpi Bhatia (North Carolina A&T State University)
    Physicochemical interventions for shaping microbial communities in built environments
  • Nina Heilmann (Wake Forest University)
    Effects of weight loss and exercise on muscle mass using D3-creatine dilution in older adults
  • Alejandro Valdes (North Carolina State University)
    Next-generation antifungals: a novel platform for black shank control

Original Event Info

We are excited to announce the third annual North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium, a statewide event that brings together postdoctoral scholars from institutions across North Carolina to share research, build connections, and explore career opportunities. The symposium will be held June 12, 2026, at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and is expected to bring together 150+ postdoctoral scholars, faculty mentors, and research professionals from across the state.

This interdisciplinary event highlights the innovative research conducted by postdoctoral scholars throughout North Carolina. The program will feature poster presentations, flash talks, career panels, networking opportunities, and a keynote address. Postdocs are encouraged to present their research, exchange ideas, and engage with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines and institutions. Awards will be presented for the top poster and flash talk presentations.

Registration is required and includes a $25 fee covering lunch. Postdocs interested in presenting a poster or flash talk are invited to submit an abstract using the submission portals below.

Whether you are at the beginning of your postdoctoral training or approaching your next career step, the symposium offers an opportunity to showcase your work, strengthen communication skills, and expand your professional network. The event is open to postdoctoral scholars, faculty mentors, and others interested in supporting postdoctoral research and career development. Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.

The symposium is organized by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs as part of its efforts to support postdoctoral professional development and strengthen connections across North Carolinaโ€™s research community. This event is kindly sponsored by Burroughs Wellcome Fund, UNC Research, UNC System, and NC Biotechnology Center. Participating institutions include UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, Duke University, NC A&T, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University (ECU), UNC-Wilmington, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Appalachian State, UNC Greensboro, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Event Details

Agenda

Schedule for the Postdoc Research Symposium: Registration and poster setup from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.; welcome remarks from 9:30 to 9:45; postdoctoral scholar flash presentations from 9:45 to 11:00; break from 11:00 to 11:15; Poster Session A from 11:15 to 12:00; lunch and networking from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.; Poster Session B from 1:00 to 1:45; concurrent panel session from 1:45 to 2:45; break from 2:45 to 3:00; keynote address from 3:00 to 3:45; and final remarks and prize announcements from 3:45 to 4:00 p.m.

Questions

If you have any questions about the event, please email UNCโ€™s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at [email protected].

The 2024 North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium showcases research from postdoctoral scholars across the state, including UNC-CH, NC State, NC A&T, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University, and UNC-Wilmington. The multidisciplinary event features a poster session, flash talks, lunch and networking session, and a keynote address. (Megan Mendenhall / Office of Research Communications)

The 2024 North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium showcases research from postdoctoral scholars across the state, including UNC-CH, NC State, NC A&T, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University, and UNC-Wilmington. The multidisciplinary event features a poster session, flash talks, lunch and networking session, and a keynote address. (Megan Mendenhall / Office of Research Communications)
The 2025 North Carolina Postdoc Research Symposium showcases research from postdoctoral scholars across the state, including UNC-CH, NC State, NC A&T, UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University, and UNC-Wilmington.

Sponsors

The UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs are grateful to the following for their support and sponsorship for this event:

Friday, June 12th, 2026
North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Durham

Previous Symposia