Executive Council Members

I am a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of endocrinology, and my research focus is to explore how diabetes alters bone metabolism, structure and healing. During my PhD, I investigated the interactions between biomechanical factors and inflammatory mediators in cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis pathology at Quaid-i-Azam University (Pakistan) and University of Aberdeen, (Scotland). When I am not working, I enjoy exploring new places and restaurants, scenic walks, long drives and reading. I love working in multicultural environments and learning about different cultures.

As Vice president of WUPS, I am proud to be a part of a community that champions the brilliance and resilience of postdoctoral scholars. And my aim is to improve the lives of fellow postdocs by fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.

Born and raised in Brazil, I completed my graduate training in Physiological Sciences with a focus on bone biology and am now a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at WashU Medicine. My research focuses on the role and translational potential of microRNAs in orthopaedic disorders, particularly trauma-induced heterotopic ossification.

I’m committed to strengthening the postdoc community, fostering networking and collaboration, and supporting initiatives that advance career development.

I am a Translational Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Education. My work focuses on bridging the gap between research and practice to inform the design and implementation of learning opportunities and policies in various educational contexts.

I joined WUPS to be part of the WashU postdoc community, but also to actively contribute to the community through various committees.

I am also a yoga practitioner, contemplative gardener, and amateur artist!

I hail from Nepal and working in the division of Oncology since 2023. My research study focuses on the understanding of the complexity of cancer biology and related therapeutic approaches using various spatial techniques and preclinical models. I will be working with the networking and wellness team in EC

Liam did his PhD with Ruth Ley at the Max Planck Institute for Biology, where he studied humans’ coevolution with their gut microbes. He is now a postdoc in Jeff Gordon’s Lab at the WashU Medical School developing gut microbiome-based therapies for childhood malnutrition.

He advocates for postdocs at the policy level, and also volunteers for WashU’s “Empower” program for refugees.

Andrea is an astrophysicist who graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany) in 2022. Currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher in the physics department, Andrea’s research focuses on unraveling the mysteries of active galaxies, which are celestial objects fueled by supermassive black holes. Andrea employs a comprehensive approach to study these fascinating phenomena by utilizing various telescopes that cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum. In addition to her academic pursuits, she actively engages in public outreach, sharing her enthusiasm for astronomy with others and fostering a love for the subject among the wider community.

My research focuses on fatty acid metabolism in kidney injury. I earned my PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Arizona.

My goal as a WUPS member is to incentivise postdoc well-being and camaraderie at WashU.

Toshiaki Kanai is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Florida State University in 2023. His research focuses on quantum fluids and quantum information.

I am a PostDoc at the Gutmann Laboratory, and my work is focused on modeling NF1 malignant brain tumor to test pre-clinical drugs.

Burke is a neuroscientist studying cortical homologies between human and non-human primates with structural and functional neuroimaging. His research seeks to improve the common spatial framework used to map findings between species and better understand the recent evolution of the hominid cortex. Burke received his Ph.D. in Computational Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego in 2023, where he studied human corticocortical structural connectivity as well as spontaneous intra- and extracranial electrophysiological correlativity. As Chair of the WUPS Policy committee, he coordinates discussions, research, and advocacy to improve the personal wellbeing and professional standing of WashU Postdocs.