The National Postdoctoral Association has elected staff scientist Dr. Karen Peterson to serve a two-year term on their board of directors, beginning Jan. 1, 2007.
Peterson develops and manages projects within the Center's Interdisciplinary Research and Training Initiative. She also serves as advisor to the Center's Student-Postdoc Advisory Committee.
Through her role as the SPAC adviser, Peterson, a former postdoc at the Center, has contributed to the institution's placement for the past three years on The Scientist magazine's list of the top 10 "Best Places for Postdocs."
Center service
In addition to her advisory work, Peterson serves on the Center's Diversity Council, Research Ethics Education Committee, Minority Scientist Recruitment and Retention Group, and International Research Logistics Committee. Peterson, who holds a bachelor's degree in genetics from University of California Berkeley and a doctorate from McGill University, also serves as co-principal investigator on a National Institutes of Health-funded pilot grant to build minority research capacity in collaboration with New Mexico State University.
"My goal is to serve on the board in an idea-driven manner that will continue the excellent work already been achieved by this organization," Peterson said. "My working style is collaborative and inclusive, reflecting my belief that postdocs should be actively involved in determining their needs for their training and future. I am passionate about improving the lives of postdocs and am honored to serve as a NPA board member," she said. The NPA works to maximize the effectiveness of the research community in the United States and enhance the quality of the postdoctoral experience for all participants.
