Research Development Series
The Big10+ Research Development Series provides domestic and international postdocs and graduate students across disciplines with webinars related to grant seeking and writing skills.
The series is coordinated by a research development committee within the Big10+ postdoc office network that includes 18 large research-intensive institutions across the mid-Atlantic, mid-west, and Great Lakes. Committee members include:
- Jennifer Aumiller, MEd, Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars and Director of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Career and Professional Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Blessing Enekwe, PhD, Program Director in the Graduate School at the University of Maryland
- James Gentry, MA, Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at The Ohio State University
- Alyssa Leystra, PhD, Associate Director for Skills Development in the Office of Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Kaylee Steen, PhD, Associate Director of Professional Development and Trainee Support in the University of Michigan’s Medical School
Do you have suggestions for future Big10+ Research Development Series topics? Let us know.
Questions? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu).
Upcoming Events
Getting Personal in Your Grant and Fellowship Applications
Wednesday, July 16, 1 - 3 PM CT. Session will be on Zoom - register below to receive a link.
Most researchers find it easier to talk about their research than themselves but grant and fellowship applications often require a strong personal statement. During this session, we will examine examples of the genre and share strategies for crafting an effective personal statement that supports your research proposal. Whether you’re applying for a standard research grant, a fellowship, or other postdoc opportunities, the best practices we cover will help you stand out.
About the speaker: This workshop will be presented by Dr. Linda Macri, Director of Academic and Professional Development and the Center for Writing and Oral Communication in the University of Maryland College Park’s Graduate School.
Register here.
Questions? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu).
Writing Confidently: Strategies for Success
Tuesday, August 12, 1 - 3 PM CT. Session will be on Zoom - register below to receive a link.
Are you struggling to finish a writing project? Although writing is a fundamental part of the research process, researchers at all levels struggle to carve out time and space for effective writing. Grounded in academic writing scholarship, this event offers practical approaches to help you shift your perspective and approach writing with renewed confidence. Join us in this workshop to:
- Embrace your identity as a writer to strengthen your self-assurance
- Discover how understanding your audience can make your writing more impactful
- Reflect on what to adjust or refine in your personal writing habits
- Explore proven strategies to overcome procrastination and build momentum
About the speaker: This workshop will be presented by Emily Sferra Kapela, MA, Program Specialist for Career & Professional Development at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Register here.
Questions? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu).
Previous Events
Grant Seeking 101 for Postdocs
Tuesday, March 11, 1 - 3 PM CT. Session will be on Zoom.
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.
Want a copy of the materials from the webinar? Contact Alyssa Leystra, PhD (aleystra@wisc.edu).