Kavya Katugam-Dechene is a biomechanist whose research examines how aging, injury, and disease affect movement and balance. A Venture Catalyst Fellow, she gained experience in research commercialization and now plans to pursue a career in industry, where she can continue advancing science through real-world applications.
Kylie Seltzer is an art and architectural historian whose research explores how 19th-century Parisian architecture reinforced ideas of race and white supremacy in public exhibitions. She also serves as Vice Chair of the National Postdoc Association’s Advocacy Committee, where she works to strengthen policies and practices that support postdocs and highlight the impact of their work.
Dre’Von Dobson is a postdoctoral researcher studying the effects of inhaled toxicants on cardiovascular health. Alongside his biomedical research, he completed an internship with UNC’s Office of Technology Commercialization, where he gained hands-on experience in intellectual property, patent strategy, and bringing scientific innovations from the lab to market.
Marisé García-Batlle is a materials scientist whose research focuses on modeling 3D semiconductor-based cathodes to drive CO₂ reduction into solar fuels. Having worked across diverse fields from radiopharmaceuticals to photovoltaics, she thrives on adapting to new challenges and is also navigating the rewarding balance of postdoc life and new parenthood.
Jasmine Edwards is a postdoctoral researcher in Microbiology and Immunology, focusing on women’s health and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. She co-chairs the Postdoctoral Association’s BIPOC Alliance, building community and support for underrepresented postdocs, and recently spent a month in Zambia as part of a global health research fellowship.
Margeaux Wetendorf-Marbrey was a researcher at UNC’s Department of Cell Biology & Physiology. During a successful 5-year postdoc at UNC, Margeaux secured a prestigious K99/R00 award and is now a faculty member at Duke University.
David Probst is a postdoctoral researcher in Biomedical Engineering, developing electrochemical biosensors with a focus on diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Driven by his own experience as a Type 1 diabetic, he is working to commercialize his research and bring innovative technology to market.