UNM Postdoc Association
About
The UNM Postdoc Association was formed in 2022 by an impassioned group of postdocs who recognized the importance of advocating for UNM’s Postdoctoral Scholars. We have worked closely with both Main Campus and HSC administration to facilitate effective working relationships between these groups with the goal of improving the environment for postdocs by providing career advancement and scholarly learning activities, advocacy, and a supportive community.
Mission
- Scholarly learning: To provide ample opportunities to enhance the scholarship of the post-docs at UNM through learning activities.
- Networking activities: Provide PDA members with opportunities to connect with other Post-docs throughout the university system and other community members with similar interests.
- Professional development: To organize and lead professional development sessions both on campus and off, that promote networking with other institutions, potential future employers, and other community leaders.
- Postdoc advocacy: To create a sustainable framework, along with leadership, that encourages post-doc advocacy through communication with the administration and other leadership which ensures that all post-doc voices are heard, and issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Dr. Omar Javier Rodriguez Moncivais
President PDA UNM 2026–2027
Dr. Omar Javier Rodriguez Moncivais is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Vascular Physiology Group at The University of New Mexico. His research focuses on the immune microenvironment and mechanisms underlying pulmonary hypertension in Dr. Laura Gonzalez Bosc's Lab.
He earned his Ph.D. in Biosciences, a Master's degree in Molecular Biomedicine, and a Degree in Veterinary Medicine. His goal is to become a PI and establish his own laboratory.
As President of the UNM Postdoctoral Association, he is dedicated to supporting and advocating for fellow postdocs, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
Dr. Ryan Betters
Vice President PDA UNM 2026–2027
Dr. Ryan Betters is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of New Mexico in the neurosciences lab of Dr. Elif Tunc Ozcan.
He received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, where he studied tau binding partners in Alzheimer's Disease. His current research focuses on the intersection of chronic stress, sex differences, and neurotransmitter dynamics in the medial septum.
As part of the ASERT-IRACDA Fellowship Program, Ryan is heavily involved in teaching and outreach and hopes to transition to a teaching-focused faculty position.
Dr. M. Noman
Treasurer PDA UNM 2026–2027
Dr. M. Noman is a Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico.
He received his Ph.D. from the University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila, Pakistan. His research focuses on sustainable and low-carbon construction materials, including limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), 3D concrete printing, rheology of cementitious materials, structural fire engineering, and machine learning in civil engineering.
As Treasurer of the PDA, Dr. Noman is committed to promoting an inclusive and collaborative postdoctoral community through professional development, engagement, and effective management of Association resources.
Dr. Varsha Srinivasan
Global Affairs Officer PDA UNM 2026–2027
Dr. Varsha Srinivasan serves as Global Affairs Officer for the UNM Postdoctoral Association for the 2026–2027 academic year. She joined Dr. Michelle Ozbun's laboratory at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center in February 2025.
She earned her doctoral degree in Medical Pharmacology and Physiology from the University of Missouri, where she investigated prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer.
Her current research focuses on immune mechanisms governing papillomavirus infection and oncogenesis in animal models. She is a recipient of the AIM Core Award and her collaborative work was recently presented at the DNA Tumor Virus Meeting in Cambridge.
Dr. Sai Guruprasad Jakkala
Co-Global Affairs Officer PDA UNM 2026–2027
Dr. Sai Guruprasad Jakkala is a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. He currently works with Dr. Peter Vorobieff on the interaction of supercritical CO₂ jets with air crossflow.
His research experience includes computational fluid dynamics, thermal-hydraulic modeling, grant proposal development for NSF and NIH programs, and peer review for the ASTFE.
Beyond his technical research, he is committed to academic mentorship and curriculum design, including mentoring doctoral candidates and developing university-level coursework. He brings this experience to advocating for and supporting the diverse international community of UNM postdoctoral scholars.
