Postdocs are an essential part of Bigelow Laboratory‘s research community, helping advance novel and exciting science. They’re also invaluable to the institute’s education programs, serving as supportive mentors to undergraduate participants in programs like our REU summer internship or Sea Change semester.
For postdocs like Alaina Weinheimer, that work usually overlaps.
Alaina spent the summer working with undergraduate intern Solomon DeMello on a high-risk, high-reward project testing out new single-cell sequencing techniques and trying to illuminate the understudied world of the viruses living in some of the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean.
For Solomon, like for many of our summer interns, it was one of his first intensive research experiences, solidifying his passion for viral ecology and bioinformatics and his desire to pursue a career in science. For Alaina, it was an important professional development opportunity, helping advance her research and build her mentorship skills.
Their experience highlights the benefits of our education programs for early-career researchers and how important those researchers are in making Bigelow’s work possible.
As National Postdoc Appreciation Week draws to a close, we reflect on all our postdocs like Alaina and the vital role they serve here at Bigelow Laboratory. Thank you for playing an important role in advancing ocean science!
