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National Postdoc Appreciation Week, September 17-21, is an annual celebration of postdoctoral contributions in research and teaching, sponsored by theÌý.Ìý

ÀϾÅÆ·²è and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) are leveraging this national effort to acknowledge the significant impact of the university approximately 350 postdoctoral scholars.Ìý

In addition to OPA, housed within RIO, the ÀϾÅÆ·²è postdoc community is supported byÌýtheÌýPostdoctoral Association of Colorado Boulder (PAC Boulder), an all-volunteer group run by postdocs for postdocs.Ìý

Postdocs at ÀϾÅÆ·²è are impacting research by accelerating knowledge in the social, physical and biological sciences, engineering and mathematics, and also by advancing technology, infrastructure and policy worldwide.

In recognition of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, enjoy the stories of just a few ÀϾÅÆ·²è postdocs who are making a real difference at the university and beyond.

Galaxy crashes and black holes

Black holes are a source of mystery and intrigue in our cosmos. PostdocÌýScott BarrowsÌýof the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA) found a source for fostering black holes:Ìýviolent galaxy crashes. Barrows and his mentor, Julie Comerford, presented their findings at the 232nd meeting of theÌýAmerican Astronomical Society in Denver earlier this summer. Read about Barrows’ work:ÌýTumultuous galaxy mergers better at switching on black holes.Ìý

Water supplies in remote locales

Alice HillÌýpassion for the outdoors has fueled her research and scientific interests. From glaciers in British Columbia to rivers in Central Asia, Hill has examined water supply issues in remote settings. A postdoc with appointments in Geography, INSTAAR, and the National Snow & Ice Data Center, Hill is in highÌýdemand. Learn about Hill work inÌýTurning a love for the outdoors into PhD science.ÌýÌý

Pathways regulating pain

PostdocÌýPavel GoldsteinÌýof CU Institute for Cognitive Science (ICS) and Psychology & Neuroscience department knows pain. Goldstein works in the Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab (CANLab), which investigates the brain pathways regulating pain. The lab recently partnered with a Denver IT startup to more effectively combat chronic pain for millions around the world. Given the collaboration with the private sector, Goldstein work was featured on the Tech Transfer OfficeÌýCANLab looks to technology collaboration to boost pain research and treatment.

Quantum mechanics

Peter Bierhorst, a postdoctoral researcher at NIST and the Department of Physics, developed a process for generating random numbers using quantum mechanics. This has significant implications for data encryption and computer security. The work was featured inÌýÀϾÅÆ·²è TodayÌýandÌý.Ìý

Learn more aboutÌýNational Postdoc Appreciation Week eventsÌýor theÌýservices OPA makes available to postdocsÌýthroughout the year.Ìý