Scott Allen is a postdoctoral researcher and RNA biologist focused on expanding the therapeutic potential of RNA through innovative, translation-minded research. As the inaugural postdoc in the AGILE program, he engages in projects designed to move scientific ideas toward social and commercial impact, shaped by continuous feedback from diverse collaborators and stakeholders. With a strong belief that innovation is as much about identifying the right opportunity as inventing something new, Scott emphasizes curiosity, interdisciplinary exchange, and iterative progress in driving meaningful impact.

The UNC Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is a postdoc-led organization that represents and advocates for postdoctoral scholars across campus while fostering a strong sense of community. In this interview, PDA leaders discuss the benefits of being a postdoc at UNC, highlight challenges such as job uncertainty, compensation, and work-life balance, and share thoughtful advice for new postdocs on building support networks, advocating for themselves, and making the most of their time at UNC.

Marta Overchuk is a postdoctoral researcher in the Rizvi Lab, where she develops light-activated strategies to selectively destroy cancer cells. Originally from Ukraine, she is also a leading science communicator with a large Instagram following, sharing practical advice to help young researchers navigate academia. A recent K99 awardee and UNC PARE Award recipient, Marta helped launch graphmatik.io, a free data-visualization platform used worldwide, and is passionate about making science and research skills more accessible to trainees everywhere.

Marcello DeLuca is a biomedical AI researcher in UNC’s Molecular Modeling Lab, where he develops artificial intelligence tools to accelerate drug discovery and repurposing. Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, he is using his postdoc to learn new skills in AI—an area he had no experience in just two years ago. He now encourages other postdocs to explore AI and shares practical tips for getting started in this rapidly evolving field.

Ismael Gomez is a postdoctoral researcher at UNC’s Bioinformatics and Analytics Research Collaborative (BARC), a UNC Core Facility, where he provides bioinformatics support across academic and industry projects. He chose this path to develop his expertise in bioinformatics, having completed his PhD in Cell Biology and Physiology, and through this work has gained a unique perspective on connecting data across labs and solving complex research problems.

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.