Jaclyn Eisdorfer, PhD
Chair of the PAWG
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University
Postdoctoral Alliance Working Group (PAWG)
The Postdoctoral and Associate Working Group (PAWG) was created to support trainee development and foster a strong sense of community at the Brain Health Institute (BHI).
Mission
PAWG aims to cultivate a collaborative environment among trainees, emphasizing education throughout the scientific pipeline—from study inception to publication—and building a robust network to support smooth transitions to the next career stage.
Led by trainees, for trainees, PAWG is the first of its kind at BHI. It offers emerging neuroscientists a unique opportunity to actively participate in early decision-making processes during the development of new studies and experiments, enhancing their readiness for the next phase of their careers.
Our overarching goals include promoting collaboration and providing steadfast support for the professional and scientific development of all BHI trainees.
Trainees—including graduate students, postdocs, and student interns—are the driving force behind the innovative, breakthrough research conducted at BHI. We collaborate, brainstorm, and continually push the boundaries of what is possible in neuroscience.
With more than 300 BHI-affiliated labs dedicated to investigating a wide spectrum of brain-related disorders, our collective efforts are shaping a future where these disorders are better understood and more effectively treated.
Princeton Neuroscience Institute (PNI) and Rutgers Brain Health Institute (BHI) Social Science Mixer
On October 24, more than 60 postdoctoral fellows and graduate students gathered at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute for the first-ever BHI × PNI Social Science Mixer, a new initiative by the Rutgers Brain Health Institute and Princeton Neuroscience Institute to strengthen scientific and social connections across New Jersey’s two major neuroscience hubs. Co-organized by Dr. Jac Eisdorfer (Chair, BHI Postdoctoral Alliance Working Group), Maia Choi (Co-Chair, BHI PAWG), Hannah Nacht (Rutgers, NIH Fellow), and Dr. Dan Vahaba (Princeton, Scientific Engagement Manager), the event fostered meaningful cross-institutional interactions through lab tours, engaging discussions, and lively trivia and bingo competitions. The mixer sparked new collaborations and friendships among trainees and laid the groundwork for future partnerships. Following its success, Rutgers will host the next BHI × PNI Mixer on March 27, 2026, continuing this exciting new tradition. Learn more
Join Us
We would like to collect as much trainee (post-doc, PhD student, Master’s, undergraduate) information as we can. This database can then serve as a listserv for us to disseminate important information to you, such as symposiums, seminars, travel awards, fellowships, outdoor events and trivia nights, and even instructions on how to file your taxes on a fellowship. This data will also serve YOU. We will compile anonymous trainee stats (# trainees, pubs, fellowships, etc.) for you to use in your grant and fellowship applications when you discuss the BHI.
Chair and Co-Chair
Maia Choi, M.S.
Chair of the PAWG
Doctoral Candidate, School of Arts & Sciences – New Brunswick , Psychology
Your support plays a crucial role in sustaining and expanding our educational programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving innovation within the BHI. By supporting PAWG through the Brain Health Institute Fund for Neuroscience Research, Education and Training, you are not only advancing cutting-edge research but also investing in the training and development of the next generation of neuroscientists, furthering our mission at the BHI.
