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

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 is 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.

Grant Seeking 101 for Postdocs

Tuesday, March 11, 1 - 3 PM CT. Session will be on Zoom - register below to receive a link.

This event presents grant seeking strategies for domestic and international postdocs and late-stage doctoral students. Discover various funder types, funding mechanisms, and strategies to enhance your grant writing skills.

Join us at the Grant Seeking 101 webinar to learn how to:

Tailor your search based on your citizenship status, research discipline, and career stage,
Assess your fit for specific funding opportunities,
Enhance your grant writing skills, and
Start the submission process at your institution.

About the speakers: James Gentry, MA, is the director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at The Ohio State University. Prior to taking this role, James worked in research development, supporting faculty seeking extramural funding from federal agencies and private foundation, from project conception to grant submission. Kaylee Steen, PhD, is the associate director of professional development and trainee support in the University of Michigan’s Medical School and a biochemist by training. Prior to her current role, she was a University of Michigan research administration fellow, during which time she gained expertise in grant seeking and the administrative side of academic research.

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

This workshop is part of the Competitive Edge Series of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies, UW–Madison and the Big10+ Research Development Series of the Big10+ Postdoc Office Network.

Previous Events: 2024-2025

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).