SPC President’s Message

Hello SER Students and Postdocs! Spring has officially sprung, and SER has lots of amazing programming to look forward to in the upcoming months.

Join us April 21 from 12-1 PM EDT for the Student and Postdoc Committee’s journal club, where we will discuss the article “Identifying cardiovascular severe maternal morbidity in epidemiologic studies” with the author Isabelle Malhamé. On May 12 from 12-1 PM EDT Martha Werler and Wendy Nembhard will hold a discussion on #MeToo. The purpose of this webinar is to recognize sexual harassment in our field, consider the consequences, and identify corrective ways forward. This session will be interactive, presenting data and anonymous stories collected via survey from SER members.

In addition to the upcoming seminars, as SER members you have access to a wealth of fantastic archived online content. For example, the Education Committee hosted an event entitled “Adapting to the pandemic job market,” where presenters brought their experiences in academia, government, and industry to virtual interviewee strategies for higher education positions as well as non-academic tracks (the recording can be found here). Or if you’re interested in listening to SER experts discuss a timely public health topic being, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee hosted a fantastic seminar on the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines (the recording can be found here).

And finally, a reminder that SER 2021 is approaching! Make sure you take advantage of the lowered registration fees (this year only) for students and postdocs. The virtual format certainly can’t replace the energy and community of an in-person meeting, but I’m glad everyone will be able to stay safe and healthy until we convene in person in Chicago next year. I am looking forward to lots of innovative and thought-provoking talks and posters. The Student and Postdoc Committee will be hosting a series of ‘happy hours’ and ‘coffee breaks’ leading up to the meeting in order to facilitate some informal networking and interaction with our peers within SER. Keep an eye on your email for details about these events.

I’ve said this before but it bears repeating- I am so proud to represent the students and postdocs of SER.

Catherine Lerro
SER SPC President