Competitive Edge Series

The Competitive Edge Series provides workshops that complement traditional research training by equipping postdocs with communication, leadership, and professional skills. Join us to learn from experienced mentors, expand your network, and practice in a supportive environment.

Do you have suggestions for future Competitive Edge Series topics? Let us know.

Questions? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu).

Upcoming Events

Professional Networking for Postdocs: Building Authentic Relationships

Friday, April 11, 2025. 12:00-1:30pm. Health Sciences Learning Center, room 3110A.

Would you like to learn how to build and maintain connections that can support your professional goals? While building your network does take effort, it doesn’t have to feel inauthentic or self-serving. Join us to learn about building your network in way that feels genuine and sustainable. We’ll cover how to:

Approach someone at an event or conference and confidently start a meaningful conversation
Follow up effectively to turn that conversation into a lasting connection
Leverage your network for support when you need it most

Connect with postdocs from across UW–Madison, enjoy some snacks, and practice effective networking strategies at this interactive workshop.

This workshop will be facilitated by Brady Krien, PhD, Associate Director for Career Development, and Alyssa Leystra, PhD, Associate Director for Skills Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison.

This event is part of the Competitive Edge Series of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison.

NIH F32 Postdoc Fellowship Info Session

Wednesday, April 16, 2025. 12:30pm-2:00pm. Hector F. DeLuca Biochemical Sciences Building (440 Henry Mall) room 1211.

This in-person session will provide an overview of the National Institutes of Health F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship, designed for postdocs and late-stage graduate students aiming to pursue careers in research upon completion of terminal degree.

Note that F32 eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or non-citizen nationals [born in U.S. territories]. Please review the list of participating NIH institutes and the F32 eligibility guidelines before registering to attend.

Registrants are welcome to attend either or both parts of the session described below.

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: F32 Nuts & Bolts
Speaker: Jenny Dahlberg, MS
Learn about the process for applying to the F32 at UW–Madison, including who you need to talk to, what components you need to complete, and how to plan your writing timeline.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Writing a Competitive F32
Facilitator: Alyssa Leystra, PhD
Hear from experts who have reviewed F grants and from previous awardees to get inside tips on writing a compelling F32 application. Panelists include:

William Bement, PhD, Professor, Zoology Department, and Chair of Laboratory Cell & Molecular Biology
Collin Borcik, PhD, Postdoc and F32 recipient, Rienstra Lab, Department of Biochemistry
Ariel Kuhn, PhD, Postdoc and F32 recipient, Gellman Lab, Department of Chemistry
Kylee Morrison, PhD, Postdoc and F32 recipient, Kalejta Lab, Institute of Molecular Virology and the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research
Jeremy Nance, PhD, Professor and Associate Chair for Education and Training, Cell and Regenerative Biology

This event is part of the Competitive Edge Series of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison.

Previous Events: 2024-2025

The Power of Inclusive Teams: Building a Thriving Research Group

Friday, February 7, 2025. 1:00pm-3:00pm. 115 Ingraham Hall.

Building great teams is challenging, especially when few are trained to lead effectively. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to create a safe space where diverse, multidisciplinary research teams can thrive.

Join us for this in-person workshop to:

Discuss how building diverse teams enhances research productivity
Explore strategies for fostering an inclusive research environment
Develop skills to become intentional, inclusive leaders and collaborators

By reflecting on personal team experiences, participants will gain practical insights and create concrete, actionable applications for their teams.

This workshop will be facilitated by Whitney Sweeney, PhD, Scientist with Team Science at the Institute for Clinical & Translational Research, UW–Madison.

Questions? Contact Whitney Sweeney, PhD (wasweeney@wisc.edu).

This workshop was part of the Competitive Edge Series of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison and the Team Science Workshops at the Institute for Clinical & Translational Research, UW–Madison.

Mentoring Up for Postdocs: How to Maximize the Relationship With Your Mentor

Tuesday, December 10, 2024. 10:30am-12:30pm. 122 Ingraham Hall.

An evidence-based curriculum designed to help postdocs thrive in their mentoring relationships. Join us for this in-person workshop to learn how to:

Effectively establish mutually beneficial expectations for the mentoring relationship
Communicate and align mentee and mentor expectations
Identify multiple strategies for improving communication

You will have the opportunity to discuss strategies and experiences with peers, engage in relevant case studies, and practice your skills in a safe environment.

This workshop will be facilitated by Alyssa Leystra, PhD, Associate Director for Skills Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison.

This workshop was part of the Competitive Edge Series of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison.

Want access to resources from this event? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu) or register for the next Mentoring Up session.

Managing Conflict & Difficult Conversations

Thursday, October 31, 2024. 12:00pm-1:30pm. Orchard View Room, Discovery Building.

In this workshop, you will learn how to approach conflict with confidence by reframing it as an opportunity for growth and understanding. We will provide strategies to make difficult conversations more comfortable and productive while helping you gain the skills needed to resolve conflicts constructively.

Join us for this in-person workshop to:

Develop a structured approach to handling difficult conversations and resolving conflicts
Discuss how mindfulness, self-reflection, and assuming positive intent can foster better outcomes
Gain confidence in managing conflicts with colleagues and authority figures through real-world case studies

You will have the opportunity to engage in relevant case studies and practice your skills in a safe environment. Bring your lunch and get ready to boost your confidence in handling difficult situations!

This workshop will be facilitated by Jill Walder, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, Morgridge Institute for Research, Ellen Dobson, PhD, GCDF, Postdoctoral and Graduate Program Manager, Morgridge Institute for Research, and Alyssa Leystra, PhD, Associate Director for Skills Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison.

This workshop was part of the Competitive Edge Series of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison and of the Professional Development Series of Morgridge Institute for Research.

Want access to resources from this event? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu).