FSU highlights cutting edge research at 14th annual Postdoctoral Symposium

By: Logan Lowery | Published: | 9:22 am | SHARE: Share on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare on X

A man speaks on a stage in front of a red curtain and a large screen while the audience watches from auditorium seating.
A postdoctoral scholar delivers a fast-paced presentation during the 5-Minute Research Competition at Florida State University's Postdoctoral Research Symposium. (Isa Velazquez/Florida State University)

Key Points

  • The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs event showcased how early-career researchers advance innovation and communicate complex science at the 14th annual Postdoctoral Symposium.
  • The event highlighted an interactive poster session and ten postdoc presentations in the Five Minute Research (5MR) Competition.

From building quantum computers with molecular magnets to using artificial intelligence to better predict storm surges, Florida State University’s early-career scholars took center stage as the university hosted its 14th annual Postdoctoral Symposium.

Hosted by the FSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPDA), the event highlighted the research, mentorship and real-world discoveries driven by FSU’s postdoctoral scholars across fields spanning physics, chemistry, medicine, environmental sciences and public policy.

“Postdoctoral scholars play a vital role in advancing the research mission at FSU,” said Gregory Bell, dean of the Graduate School. “Through their expertise, creativity and mentorship, postdocs contribute to high scholarship, enhance productivity and help train the next generation of researchers.”

 

A researcher discusses her work with an attendee during the poster presentation portion of Florida State University's Postdoctoral Research Symposium. (Logan Lowery/Florida State University)
A researcher points out findings while discussing his work with an attendee during the poster presentation portion of Florida State University's Postdoctoral Research Symposium. (Logan Lowery/Florida State University)

The afternoon opened at the FSU College of Medicine Atrium with an interactive poster session displaying ongoing campus research. The session allowed visitors to chat directly with scholars and explore new cross-disciplinary collaborations.

The highlight of the event was the Five Minute Research (5MR) Competition. Ten postdocs were challenged to break down their complex, cutting-edge work for a general audience in just five minutes.

“The competition not only provides our postdocs a chance to develop their communication skills, but it also gives the wider community an opportunity to hear about the high-impact work of FSU Postdoctoral Scholars,” Bell said.

 

A postdoctoral scholar delivers his pitch on stage during the 5-Minute Research Competition at Florida State University's Postdoctoral Research Symposium. (Isa Velazquez/Florida State University)
Abhinanda Roy accepts her award for winning first place in the 5-Minute Research Competition during Florida State University's Postdoctoral Research Symposium. (Isa Velazquez/Florida State University)
Gregory Bell, dean of the Graduate School addresses attendees after announcing the competition winners at Florida State University's Postdoctoral Research Symposium. (Isa Velazquez/Florida State University)
A postdoctoral scholar presents her research on stage during the 5-Minute Research Competition at Florida State University's Postdoctoral Research Symposium. (Isa Velazquez/Florida State University)

Judges evaluated each presentation based on comprehension, clarity, engagement, overall impact and creativity. Audience members also cast their votes online to determine the People’s Choice award.

“The five-minute format challenges postdocs to distill what matters most in their research — the problem, their approach and its significance,” said Keith McCall, assistant director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards. “This year’s participants excelled at highlighting why their work matters while delivering engaging and memorable presentations.”

The symposium concluded with an evening reception sponsored by FSU President Richard McCullough, where attendees gathered over food and conversation as the competition winners were formally announced.

AWARD WINNERS

Five Minute Research (5MR) Competition Winners:

  • 1st Place ($1,000) and People’s Choice Award ($250): Abhinanda Roy, Civil and Environmental Engineering — “When Every Inch Matters: Bridging Physics and AI for Storm Surge Prediction”
  • 2nd Place / Runner Up ($750): Kavipriya Thangavel, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory — “Molecular Qubits: Tiny Magnets for the Quantum Future”
  • 3rd Place ($500): Hannie Du, Florida Center for Reading Research/Dept. of Psychology — “Does Place Matter? Mapping Genetic and Environmental Influences on Children’s COVID-19 Experiences”

For more information about postdoctoral programs, upcoming events, and professional development opportunities at Florida State University, visit opda.fsu.edu.