Huntsman Alliance for Postdocs (HAP)

About the Huntsman Alliance for Postdocs (HAP)

The Huntsman Alliance for Postdocs (HAP) is a peer-run organization at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) working together to enhance the postdoc experience and create a stronger community. Our mission is to help postdocs and faculty connect and collaborate to promote a vibrant research community and advance scientific discoveries in cancer research.

Supportive Environment

We strive to create an environment where all postdocs feel included and supported professionally and personally. By facilitating collaborations, we aim to bring together different areas of expertise to study cancer from all angles. We promote resources and ensure valuable tools, expertise, and knowledge are accessible to all members of the postdoctoral community.

Professional Growth

HAP fosters professional growth by providing postdocs with opportunities to present their research, receive constructive feedback, and refine their communication and presentation skills. We also actively engage with senior leadership at HCI to advocate for the needs and interests of postdocs, which improve programs and resources.

Mentorship

We believe in the power of mentorship and want to create a supportive network of mentors, both within and outside HCI. These mentors can provide guidance on career development and navigating the complex landscape of academia and cancer research. We offer mentorship resources and organize events that empower postdocs to achieve their professional goals.

Contact the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

Together, we strive to make significant contributions to cancer research, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately, have a lasting impact in the effort to eradicate cancer.

Meet Zannel Blanchard

Hi, my name is Zannel Blanchard. I am a postdoctoral fellow in Alana Welm’s lab at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

What is a Postdoctoral Fellow?

A postdoc is a position where you undergo a period of training which comes after graduate school. And this period of training prepares you for what comes next, whether it be industry, academia, communications, government policy. It’s just a period of where you get to fine-tune the skills that you learned in graduate school and apply them to a new problem in preparation for your future.

What inspired you to be a cancer researcher?

I was born with a skin condition and, because of this, I became very interested in science and medicine and helping people. And along the way I took part in a research internship during my undergrad. It was in cancer and I realized that I was interested in helping others and I could make a difference in the field of cancer. I got my undergrad in biology. I did another, not necessarily internship, I had another job where I focused on triple-negative breast cancer and I realized that this was a field that interested me, researching cancers that primarily affect women: breast and reproductive cancers. That’s why I am in this field.

What is your favorite thing about working at Huntsman Cancer Institute?

I like the people. I think the people are very collaborative. I think we have some very knowledgable people at multiple levels, from leadership to administrations to the different PIs. It is very easy to collaborate with people, to get resources that you need, to network in this institution, and I really appreciate that Huntsman Cancer Institute recognizes their trainees, whenever graduate students or postdocs, and allows them to grow in this space.

HAP Leadership Team

Alexandria Carlson, PhD

I joined the Golkowski Lab as a postdoctoral research associate at the end of 2023. My research integrates my expertise in medicinal chemistry with mass spectrometry-based proteomics using a network approach to study liver cancer therapy resistance and develop novel methods for mapping protein-protein interactions. As a member of HAP, I am dedicated to maintaining the friendly, supportive, and inclusive environment provided by this organization. Outside of the lab, I enjoy camping and hiking with my husband and dog, reading, and playing video games.

Marija Nadjsombati, PhD

In 2023, I joined the Welm lab as a postdoctoral research fellow. My research focuses on the role of Ron tyrosine kinase in the anti-tumor immune response to metastatic breast cancer. I am excited to be a member of HAP and help create a welcoming and supportive community for postdocs at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Outside of lab, I enjoy running, skiing, and playing board games with friends.

Patricia Erickson, PhD

I received my PhD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed my dissertation research at the National Cancer Institute. I have conducted projects related to pesticide exposures and cancer risk, as well as work related to aspirin use and risk of non-small cell lung cancer. My current work focuses on projects within the ColoCare study, including related to body composition, diet, and environmental exposures. I'm excited to join HAP and contribute to building a welcoming, supportive community for postdocs at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.