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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 9d

To all #MSKPostdocs - THANK YOU!
Your contributions are vital to the @mskcancercenter.bsky.social research community.
We are proud to celebrate you during #NPAW2025 and every day of the year! 👏🧪💙

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 9d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Xiao Huang (@drxiaohuang.bsky.social) from the Rudensky Lab! Xiao investigates how different subsets of regulatory T (Treg) cells adapt to tissues and immune challenges to maintain immune balance in health and disease. #NPAW2025 🇨🇳

#BestPartOfScience: Learning to live with questions and walk beside uncertainty. Keep climbing toward understanding with others who are committed to the same journey, knowing that each peak is simply a place to begin again.
#BecomingASceintist: Seeing loved ones face illness made me curious about how the body defends itself. I was drawn to the immune system for its complexity, and for what it reveals about resilience, timing, and care.
#FunFuct: I spend time with my plants, watching small shifts, from a new leaf to how light shapes growth over time. They have taught me to notice patterns and respect the kind of timing that can't be forced. I also play video games, where the pace is faster, and failure is part of the process. You fall, rethink, and try again. Along the way, you meet teammates who challenge and support you. In science, I carry both rhythms with me.

Xiao Huang, PhS
Rudensky Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 9d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Agnieszka Chryplewicz (@aga-chryplewicz.bsky.social) from the @sawyerslabmskcc.bsky.social! She studies how tumor-derived factors in prostate cancer shape immune responses to promote tumor growth and limit treatment success.
#NPAW2025 🇵🇱

#KnowAboutMyScience: Tumors are complex ecosystems - not just cancer cells, but networks of interacting cell types. I study these relationships to uncover how cancer hijacks biology and help develop better therapies.
#CareerAdvice: Challenge yourself by changing environments- new institutions, cities, or countries. It's one of the best ways to grow as a scientist.
#BecomingAScientist: I once dreamed of being an investigative journalist. Now I chase mysteries at the cellular level, just as fascinating, only under a microscope.
#FunFuct: From sports to theater, my childhood was packed with activities. Each taught me something different, but together they shaped my creativity, discipline, and persistence- qualities I catty into science.

Agnieszka Chryplewicz, PhD
Sawyers Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 10d

👏 Huge congrats Jin for receiving the EIO and the MSK Society Scholarships.

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 10d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Jin Gyu Cheong from the Niec Lab! He studies how blood stem cells “remember” inflammation - shaping future immune responses and fueling diseases like Crohn’s. He’s also exploring links to colitis from cancer immunotherapy. #NPAW2025🇰🇷

#KnowAboutMyScience: Blood stem cells can “remember” past infections and inflammation, leaving behind molecular marks that shape future immune responses and even contribute to disease. My current research is focused on tissue side.

#BecomingAScientist: I have always been fascinated by how inflammatory diseases are triggered so differently in people by things like diet, stress, sleep, exercise, or aging. This
variability in the immune system and how it
shapes disease drew me to science. I started with immunology, then added epigenetics, and now study epithelial tissues like the skin and gut where inflammation often shows itself most clearly.

#FunFact: I love capturing smiles through photography. I enjoy how different colors and light create unique feelings, and that creative perspective helps me think about how to present science.

Jin Gyu Cheong, PhD
Niec Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 10d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Anju Sharma in the @johnpetrini.bsky.social Lab! She studies how innate immune signaling preserves genomic stability during DNA damage & replication stress.
#NPAW2025🇳🇵

#BecomingAScientist: It began with a simple question to my primary school teacher: “How does one part of our body communicate with another without speaking?” I have always been fascinated by how cells communicated. It's astonishing how these tiny molecular conversations ultimately shape who we are. To pursue these questions systematically, I have chosen a career in scientific research, where I can investigate the mechanisms underlying these complex biological processes.

#CareerAdvice: Most of the time, research is about how you handle your failure, which occurs far more often than success. Stay persistent and take breaks when needed.

#FunFact: Crocheting reminds me of science: even when things seem disjointed, they can come together beautifully in the end.

Anju Sharma, PhD
Petrini Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 13d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Kacper Walentynowicz (@kacperwphd.bsky.social) in the Parada Lab! He studies how brain tumors interact with the immune system, using cutting-edge tech to harness immune cells like macrophages for innovative cancer therapies 🧠🧬💥
#NPAW2025🇵🇱

#BestPartOfScience: Knowing my work could help transform how we treat cancer patients.

#BecomingAScientist: I have always loved analyzing things - from watching plants grow to exploring how our bodies work. Inspired by scientists in movies, I knew I wanted to be one.

#CareerAdvice: Focus on what you love but stay open to new opportunities and big picture.

#FunFact: Baking is my creative outlet, and it is all about strictly following the protocol! Whether it is chocolate fudge cake or Bavarian Prinzregententorte, sticking to the recipe is key to a perfect bake!

Kacper Walentynowicz, PhD
Parada Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 13d

and for submitting the winning photo for this year's #NPAW2025 📸 contest 👏

bsky.app/profile/mske...

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 24d

While our judges deliberate the top 3 winners of MSK Postdoc Slam, let’s celebrate our #NPAW2025 📸 contest champs! 🎉
🥇 @meganekelley.bsky.social – @agnelsfeir.bsky.social lab
🥈 Zhendong Cao – @sawyerslabmskcc.bsky.social
🥉 Manendra Lankadasari – Jones lab
Congrats to our amazing #MSKPostdocs! 👏📷

NPAW 2025 photo contest winners
Penni for our thoughts - Megan E. Kelley (Sfeir Lab)
May your generating station for science never stop, and may it kiss the skyline with a touch of beauty - Zhendong Cao (Sawyers Lab)
Who needs WiFi when the universe is streaming live above your tent? - Manendra Lankadasari (Jones Lab)

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 13d

Shout out to @meganekelley.bsky.social for her phenomenal research pitch and winning 2nd place at our #MSKPostdoc Slam last week! 🧠👏
bsky.app/profile/mske...

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 24d

🎉 Congratulations to our 10 MSK Postdoc Slam finalists! 👏 You were all fantastic and it was truly inspiring to learn about the incredible and diverse work happening at @mskcancercenter.bsky.social. Our #MSKPostdocs gave the judges a real challenge… choosing winners was no easy task! 🤗 #NPAW2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 13d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Megan E. Kelley (@meganekelley.bsky.social) in the @agnelsfeir.bsky.social Lab, where she studies error-prone DNA 🧬 damage repair in the context of cancer and drug resistance.
👏 Congrats to Megan on receiving both the NCI F32 and MSK Society Scholar awards!
#NPAW2025

#BecomingAScientist: Being a scientist is one of the most exciting and engaging careers that exists. It demands the work of a community of researchers to make meaningful progress and thrives on a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to solve some of the world's most complex and interesting problems. The opportunity to join this global community and contribute to our shared mission of understanding our world and benefiting humanity is a gift.

#CareerAdvice: Own your missteps and keep moving forward. Set reasonable expectations for yourself and give yourself grace when you need it. And we work better together, so accept help when you can.

Megan E. Kelley, PhD
Sfeir Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 14d

Manu's motto is “From bench to bedside, with purpose”.

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 14d

#MSKPostdoc Manu Prasad in the Morris Lab: “From bench to bedside, with purpose”. He is dedicated to outsmarting head & neck cancer by studying key genes driving this complex disease in both HPV+/- tumors. Using advanced models, he’s working to translate discoveries into new therapies. #NPAW2025 🇮🇳🇮🇱🇺🇸

#BestPartOfScience: The thrill of discovery and the hope that each finding brings us closer to easing the burden of cancer for patients everywhere.

#BecomingAScientist: My journey began in India, continued through my PhD in Israel, and now advances in the U.S. Along the way, I’ve seen how deadly head & neck cancer is worldwide - and I became a scientist to help defeat it.

#CareerAdvice: Think globally, collaborate widely, and stay resilient. Collaboration fuels creativity - every small step contributes to a much larger fight.

#FunFact: Photography and long walks help me notice small details, gain perspective, and approach challenges with fresh eyes.

Manu Prasad, PhD
Morris Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 14d

👏 Congrats @sofiatortora.bsky.social on winning Best Poster Presentation (Postdoc) at the IMP Retreat!

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 14d

Oral diseases 🦷 are linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Meet #MSKPostdoc Sofia Tortora Morel (@sofiatortora.bsky.social) in the @diehllab-mskcc.bsky.social, where she studies how oral bacteria adapt, travel to the colon, and contribute to colorectal cancer.
#NPAW2025 🇨🇱

#BecomingAScientist: As a dentist, I realized that oral health is often treated in isolation, even though it is deeply connected to systemic health. The lack of multidisciplinary communication between oral medicine and other fields inspired me to become a scientist focused on bridging these gaps.

#CareerAdvice: Build a strong network of mentors and peers, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Even conversations with experts outside your field can spark new perspectives and inspire creative directions
in research.

#FunFact: I’m currently training for my second NYC Marathon, and this process has taught me resilience, discipline, and how to keep moving forward despite setbacks, the same mindset I bring to science.

Sofia Tortora Morel, DDS, PhD
Diehl Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 17d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Alhaji Janneh in the Massagué Lab!
Alhaji is unraveling a novel mechanism of TGF-β, a key signaling molecule often disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Exciting work advancing our understanding of cancer biology!
#NPAW2025 🇸🇱

#BestPartOfScience: The excitement of being the first to uncover a complex piece of knowledge that will have a lasting benefit for humanity. I find joy in the intellectual challenges leading to discovery.

#CareerAdvice: Scientific discovery is a marathon, not a sprint. With patience and resilience, you can overcome the many setbacks and keep moving forward, turning challenges into stepping-stones for success.

#FunFact: Playing soccer and basketball has deeply influenced my development of vital skills like mental toughness and discipline. Success in science, like in sports, demands mental resilience and dedication to overcome challenges and build the confidence to try again.

Alhaji Janneh, PhD
Massagué Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 17d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Viviana Rubino in the Adusumilli Lab! Viviana's research focuses on advancing CAR T-cell therapy by overcoming barriers that limit its effectiveness in solid tumors, aiming to translate new strategies into treatments for cancer patients.
#NPAW2025 🇮🇹🇨🇭

#BestPartOfScience: As a translational research scientist, I get to work on solutions that address real clinical problems. Knowing that my research could lead to a clinical trial is what keeps me motivated and moving forward.

#CareerAdvice: Always remember that everything takes time. Keep the bigger picture in mind, but stay focused on a well-defined problem and take it one little step at a time. Use the opportunity you have in the lab to become the person that connects researchers and clinicians and never underestimate the power of relying on the human connections that make up a support net around us.

#FunFact: Outside the lab, running and training teach me determination and persistence in working toward a goal. On the flip side, the curiosity and constant learning I practice in the lab help me grow as a person beyond science.

Viviana Rubino, PhD
Adusumilli Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 20d

👏 Huge congrats Paurnima for being named the Oliver W. Press, MD, PhD, Memorial Fellow and receiving the Lymphoma Research Foundation Fellowship (2025–2028)! 🧬🎉
Learn more: lymphoma.org/paurnima-patil-phd

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 20d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Paurnima Patil from the Elenitoba-Johnson Lab! She studies GEF-H1, a key protein that disrupts B-cell development and activates cancer-causing signals. Targeting this pathway could lead to precise therapies of lymphoma.
#NPAW2025 🇮🇳

#BestPartOfScience: Uncovering how complex molecular mechanisms shape disease and translating those discoveries into opportunities for patient impact. In lymphoma research, every new insight has the potential to guide precision medicine and improve outcomes. Knowing that my work could one day influence treatment strategies is deeply motivating.

#CareerAdvice: Stay passionate about discovery, but also focus on the clinical impact. Collaborate across disciplines - great ideas often emerge at those intersections. And build a strong, supportive community; science thrives on mentorship and shared inspiration.

#FunFact: Nature, music, and art help me recharge and think creatively. These outlets give me fresh perspective and remind me that innovation often comes from seeing problems differently.

Paurnima Patil, PhD
Elenitoba-Johnson Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 20d

Meet #MSKPostdoc @chris-cowley14.bsky.social in the @karunamdphd.bsky.social lab! Chris studies colitis-associated cancer, an aggressive form of colorectal cancer linked to IBD. Using patient-derived organoids, he is uncovering how inflammation drives cancer susceptibility. #NPAW2025 🇿🇦

#BestPartOfScience: The thrill of going after the unknown and constantly having to ask questions from different perspectives until the answer reveals itself in the data. Knowing that the research I do will have a direct effect on human health and our understanding of disease, especially evident working at an institution like MSK, is incredibly motivating.

#CareerAdvice: The best science is collaborative science! Don’t hesitate to form connections and spark collaborations with scientists both in your field of research and outside. It makes your research stronger and more impactful.

#FunFact: As a competitive swimmer, I became comfortable with failure and delayed gratification. As a scientist you experience more failures than successes, but seeing your science come fruition makes it all worth it!

Christopher Cowley, PhD
Ganesh Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 21d

Thank you Dr. Lydia Lynch (@lydialynch.bsky.social) for delivering the keynote at our #MSKPostdoc Research Symposium! It was a pleasure to hear your journey and insights on how obesity and lipids tune anti-tumor immunity. Truly inspiring!
#NPAW2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 21d

Closing the 1st part of the #MSKPostdoc Symposium: Adriana Mujal, Kravis WiSE Fellow from the Sun lab, explores what drives natural killer (NK) cell activation across tissues. These immune warriors rapidly destroy infected or malignant cells - key to our body’s defense🛡️ #NPAW2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 21d

Next up: #MSKPostdoc @almudenachaves.bsky.social, Kravis WiSE Fellow from the Lowe Lab, is rewiring cell metabolism to help tissues repair and tumors shrink - aiming to create therapies that rebuild the body from within. 🔬💪 #NPAW2025

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 21d

Kicking off the #MSKPostdoc Research Symposium: @mariacastel.bsky.social, Andrew S. Gordon MERIT Fellow from the @jchodera.bsky.social lab, presents a computational pipeline to design antivirals that target conserved protein sites - arming us against future pandemics. 🧬💻🦠 #NPAW2025 #VirusResearch

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 21d

@mskcancercenter.bsky.social - Join us at 3 PM to hear about outstanding research from #MSKpostdoc fellowship winners:
@mariacastel.bsky.social (@jchodera.bsky.social lab)
@almudenachaves.bsky.social (Lowe lab)
Adriana Mujal (Sun lab)
Followed by a keynote from Dr. @lydialynch.bsky.social.

Postdoctoral Research
Symposium
Thursday, September 18, 2025
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | ZRC Auditorium
3:20 PM
Almudena Chaves Perez, PhD
Lowe Lab/Cancer Biology and Genetics Program
Metabolic reprogramming as a therapeutic strategy:
uncovering vulnerabilities in tissue regeneration and cancer
3:00 PM
Maria A. Castellanos, PhD
Chodera Lab/Computational and Systems
Biology Program
Targeting the next pandemic: A structure-based
computational pipeline for broad-spectrum
antiviral discovery
3:40 PM
Adriana Mujal, PhD
Sun Lab/Immunology Program
Tissue determinants of NK cell responses
4:00 PM
KEYNOTE SEMINAR
Lydia Lynch, PhD
Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology
Princeton University & Ludwig Cancer Research Institute
Obesity and lipids tune anti-tumor immunity

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MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · 22d

Meet #MSKPostdoc Jiayi Fan (@fanj1.bsky.social) in the @zhaolabski.bsky.social lab, where she works on decoding how chromosome maintenance complex Smc5/6 uses and responds to SUMO to safeguard genome integrity.
👏 Congrats Jiayi for receiving the 2025 American Cancer Society Fellowship!
#NPAW2025 🇨🇳

#KnowAboutMyScience: What I study happens at the molecular level. While that might sound abstract or trivial, it’s deeply connected to some of the biggest questions in medicine. Basic science is often invisible, yet it forms the foundation of nearly every medical breakthrough, from understanding disease mechanisms to developing treatments. I’m proud to contribute to this essential work.

#CareerAdvice: Have a brainstorming-mate! Alone, science feels like a lonely puzzle; together, it’s a breakthrough waiting to happen.

#FunFact: Outside the lab, I enjoy musicals, escape rooms, lego building, and more. These hobbies keep my mind fresh and open to new ideas, as well as enhance my attention to details and patience.

Jiayi Fan, PhD
Zhao Lab

National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 2025

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