Their role is an important one. Postdoctoral scholars are critical to the research engine of a university. Their hard work, fresh ideas, and breakthroughs drive progress. However, often, their hard work is overlooked. Postdocs play a crucial role not only in conducting ongoing research but also in training our future scholars and opening new pathways of knowledge. They bring diversity in backgrounds, thought, and experience that spans the globe. Sometimes, postdocs navigate this new and sometimes difficult journey alone, and at other times, with families in tow. Though their time with us may be brief, their imprint on our university is profound. During Postdoc Appreciation Week, the Graduate School and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs celebrate our Notre Dame postdocs, their invaluable contributions, and the lasting impact they have on our drive to be a force for good in the world.
Most in academia understand what a postdoctoral researcher, commonly called a postdoc, is. Outside the university setting, many are unsure. Mary Ann McDowell, the associate dean for professional development at the Graduate School, and a professor of biological sciences, compares the postdoctoral experience to that of a medical resident. She explains, “It is similar to what one might expect from a physician’s residency program. After completing medical school, you undergo a residency, which provides additional training in your chosen area of expertise.” Postdocs have earned a Ph.D. and are engaged in research-intensive work. Unlike graduate students, postdocs are not required to attend classes; some work in laboratories. Others, like nearly all postdocs in the College of Arts & Letters, are working on their own independent research projects. During their time at the University, postdocs focus on developing their research portfolios, seek to publish their findings, and work on manuscripts for books as they prepare for careers in industry or academia. Additionally, they serve as valuable role models and mentors for graduate and undergraduate students. “They are hands-on, working side-by-side with their mentees often daily, and I really appreciate that,” McDowell says. “As faculty members, we often do not have time to be as hands-on as we would like, and postdocs are able to give individual attention to their trainees.”
While the scope of activities for postdocs ranges from those who focus primarily on teaching to those who spend almost all of their time focused on research, advancing research in one way or another is a primary element of the postdoctoral experience. This focus and dedication, in turn, have a significant impact on their discoveries. “I think it’s important to point out that most major discoveries were based on research that stemmed from a university lab,” McDowell points out. “It’s under attack right now, but higher education is really the innovation engine of our country. Universities are places where diverse perspectives come together and have the ability to think outside the box and weigh options in an environment without outside pressure. In this sense, we really become the conscience of the world. Coming up with new ideas—especially here at Notre Dame, where we emphasize our Catholic mission and ethics—can really make a difference. Our postdocs leave with that ethical foundation, and when they go out into other universities or industry, they’re ready to make a real impact and be a force for good.”
Universities engage in independent research that is often both time-consuming and costly, factors that often deter industries from pursuing such projects. And that further highlights the critical role universities play in advancing discovery. That is why the University of Notre Dame has more than 300 postdocs and is prioritizing growing that number as part of the University’s Strategic Framework. Dean of the Graduate School, Mike Hildreth, explains, “Postdocs are widely recognized as the best way to turbo-charge research. Their expertise and extensive training allow them to jump into research projects and make rapid progress, dramatically accelerating our research enterprise. Enlarging our postdoctoral community and developing excellent career paths for them is a key ingredient for the University as we look to elevate our standing and increase our impact on the world. We are already seeing this play out in the dramatic rise in postdoctoral appointments associated with the new strategic initiatives, with more to come!”
To understand the full scope of the talented postdocs that Notre Dame has attracted and the research they are conducting, meet three of them.
Si Chen—College of Engineering postdoc
Si Chen joined Notre Dame as a postdoctoral fellow in October 2024, holding a joint appointment between the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Science and ND Learning. As a cross-disciplinary postdoc, Chen receives mentorship from faculty in the College of Engineering and researches how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts education and learning. She poses important questions: “How can we design AI to improve teaching and learning? And how can we create governance or policies to ensure that AI and other recent technologies benefit students and teachers at Notre Dame?”
Originally from China, Chen completed her undergraduate studies there before earning her Ph.D. in information science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her coursework focused on how humans interact with technology and how technology can be designed and utilized responsibly and beneficially, which aligns well with her research at Notre Dame. Chen speaks enthusiastically about her role and its impact, saying, “I am very excited about the topic and how technology can be used positively. I truly enjoy this position because it allows me to engage closely with users to understand their needs.”
She appreciates the mentorship she receives from Nitesh Chawla, the Frank M. Freimann professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Notre Dame, who has extensive knowledge of AI, and Notre Dame vice president and associate provost for teaching and learning, Ron Metoyer, who is familiar with the challenges of that subject area. Coming from the same academic community, specifically human-computer interaction, as Metoyer, Chen says he has been wonderful to collaborate with. In conversations with her, it is evident that Chen has discovered her passion. She mentions that this postdoctoral position has been crucial for her career, stating, “After this postdoc appointment, I believe I will be more recognized as an independent researcher in AI, and I truly appreciate that.”
However, life as a postdoc is not without its challenges. The hours can be long and often require after-hours work. “When we collaborate with colleagues in Europe, China, or even on the West Coast, some meetings can extend late into the evening—7 p.m., 8 p.m., or even 9 p.m.,” Chen explains. She also wishes she could find more time to exercise.
The end of the year can be stressful and time consuming for postdocs. Every year, they must navigate the uncertainty of contract renewals and often start searching for jobs during this waiting period. Chen notes that applying for jobs adds to the already busy workload, as these applications are not part of her daytime responsibilities. International postdocs like Chen also face visa-related challenges. The unpredictability of their lives can also affect their personal relationships. Chen and her partner, who have been together since their undergraduate studies, spent two years apart while attending different schools. She says he has been very supportive, but having him with her in Granger as he completes his postdoc remotely has been a positive change for both of them.
After completing her postdoctoral work, Chen hopes to secure an academic job. She will be at Notre Dame until at least next August. She feels positive about her research and the profile she is building, and is optimistic about her future. “AI will change not just how people interact with technology; it is fundamentally altering how individual students are supported. It will transform the methods of teaching and learning, as well as the overall functioning of the education system. Perhaps 100 years from now, people will learn in completely different ways than we do today.”
Manolis Ulbricht—College of Arts & Letters postdoc
Manolis Ulbricht is a well-traveled postdoctoral scholar in Byzantine studies and has been at the University of Notre Dame since the fall of 2023 as a recipient of a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship. His research explores how early Christians and Muslims interacted—primarily through Greek translations of the Qur’an and other writings from the 7th to 13th centuries. Before coming to Notre Dame, he lived and worked in places such as Berlin, Athens, Damascus, Munich, and Göttingen, and has conducted research in Lebanon, in Sinai, and on Mount Athos. He has also held postdoctoral appointments at various institutions throughout Europe.
Ulbricht was drawn to the United States and Notre Dame as a postdoc for several reasons. “First, I wanted to come to Notre Dame because it was in the US—a place where I had not lived before, a place I had not studied or worked. Secondly, academically,” he said, “I was curious to learn how an American university might differ from the European and Eastern Mediterranean approaches to research, as well as the teaching and the whole academic system. And, finally, I was drawn to Notre Dame because of its renowned Medieval Institute, particularly due to Professor Thomas Burman, who is working on Latin translations of the Qur’an from a later period.”
Ulbricht shares that he began his postdoctoral journey in the US and at Notre Dame alongside his wife. He describes the experience as challenging but ultimately they enjoyed this new step in their lives. “I think South Bend is a great place to live as a family. We appreciate the small-town atmosphere, the friendliness of the people, the academic community, and the activities on campus.”
For postdocs like Ulbricht, it is important to note that moving internationally presents numerous challenges. He mentioned that the lack of adequate public transportation created some difficulties, especially for everyday life, so they decided buying a car seemed to be the best solution. Additionally, relocating from another country means grappling with issues like navigating a different healthcare system, understanding tax laws, lacking a credit score, and being taken aback by the prices of groceries, cars, and insurance.
Professionally, the transition was easier. Ulbricht says Burman, a professor in the Medieval Institute, has a similar methodological approach to his, working on Latin translations of the Qur’an from another period, which appealed to him. And he says he found an “inspiring academic environment.” “I did not know how great this place is,” Ulbricht said. “I was amazed by the resources, the people, the environment, the whole approach, the University’s mission—and even the football.”
Despite his extensive experience and international background, he says that doing a postdoc in the US opened up a whole new world for him. “The last two years have been a real booster for me to learn so much more. I had a lot of experience in different cultures, areas, and academic environments. But the US culture offered me an entirely new perspective—the way of approaching research, the way of supervising students including undergraduates, graduates, or postdocs, and even the way of writing an article and presenting my research to a broader academic community.”
Ulbricht particularly enjoys the independence that comes with being a postdoctoral researcher. “I love academic life. I enjoy the freedom to explore whatever interests me and the opportunity to travel frequently, expand my network, and study manuscripts at remote locations such as monasteries or medieval archives” he said. Like many postdocs, he has aspirations of becoming a professor. “Research is fantastic; I truly enjoy it. However, I want to be part of an institution where I can take on responsibilities and serve the university community and its students. I want to teach them valuable skills and contribute to their growth as individuals, students, and professionals, becoming a part of their educational journey and their future careers.”
Annyesha Biswas—College of Science postdoc
Annyesha Biswas arrived at Notre Dame from India in June 2024, bringing an impressive background in nucleic acid chemistry. She completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in India before earning her doctoral degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. During her academic journey, she closely followed the work of Notre Dame Assistant Professor Saurja DasGupta. She began tracking his publications while he was a graduate student and later as a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he focused on understanding the origins of life. DasGupta also served as a guest speaker at her school. When he became a faculty member at Notre Dame and began searching for a postdoctoral fellow, Biswas eagerly applied. She quickly developed a strong interest in the new DasGupta Lab in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the research he aimed to pursue. That led her to accept a postdoctoral position in his lab.
In the lab, she works on two significant areas of research. One key focus is to understand the fundamentals of origins of life, specifically the question, “How did life originate on Earth?” They are studying RNA, a nucleic acid similar to DNA, that plays several crucial roles in storage of genetic information and functions as enzymes (RNA enzymes or Ribozymes). The ultimate goal of their lab is to place ribozymes inside vesicles to create a simple model of how the first cells might have formed. If successful, they could answer this age-old question and demonstrate that life may have evolved from simple biochemical reactions.
Biswas is also currently researching RNA biosensors for detecting heavy metals. Lead contamination is a serious problem in the US, and her research team is working to create a better, more effective sensor to detect it.
“Our goal is to create an affordable and accessible sensor that anyone can use. Currently, testing requires a professional and also laboratory services which are not available to everyone,” Biswas explained. They have developed a highly sensitive RNA-based sensor, capable of detecting lead at concentrations as low as one part per billion, and are now focusing on transforming this technology into affordable test strips that everyone can utilize. This way, residents could quickly determine whether the drinking water in their homes contains lead.
A significant portion of Biswas’s work includes mentoring the graduate students and undergrads in her new lab, which she genuinely enjoys. “I think it is the best part of postdoc research. You get to interact with the young minds, and you can see how the generation is developing, and you get to teach them and train them. That, I feel, is the best part of mentoring,” Biswas states. However, her role goes beyond just mentoring. Postdocs like Biswas are crucial in training students in the lab and passing on valuable knowledge.
The repetitive nature of research and its many failures is not for the faint of heart; it is a significant aspect of research. “There are also hardships. If you go and ask any postdoc, person, or scientist doing scientific research, they will have many stories about failure to tell and a very short story about the success,” Biswas admits. She emphasizes that you need to get up again the next day with the same enthusiasm and work your way through the challenges. “For several years, you have been doing the same thing. You are just doing experiments. They are not working, and then you come up with different ideas and make them work. So that is a long period of determination and perseverance.”
Biswas left her family in India and came alone to the US and Notre Dame. She says she has created a family here and is very happy. “Notre Dame is a very good place to be. I feel it is small and has a very close-knit community. You make friends very fast here, which is also nice. I feel I have grown a lot. I have quite a lot of friends, and of course, our lab environment is so good; it is also kind of like a family,” she states.
After her time as a postdoc, the scholar says she loves research so much that she plans to pursue a career in the research and development sector within an industry. For now, however, she hopes to continue her postdoc journey at Notre Dame. “So, standing where I am today, I would say for now, I am quite happy in this space,” Biswas concludes.
Originally posted at graduateschool.nd.edu by Traci DuVal on September 18, 2025.