🎉 Celebrate National Postdoc Appreciation Week
September 15–19, 2025 🎉
National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) is back—and so is our chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible impact of postdoctoral scholars across research, discovery, and innovation.
From September 15–19, 2025, institutions nationwide will host events that celebrate the talent, dedication, and contributions of postdocs to academic life and beyond. At Lehigh, we’re planning a week full of opportunities to connect, reflect, and celebrate. Expect engaging workshops, networking events, sweet surprises, and new ways to showcase your work.
Faculty supervisors and colleagues—NPAW is the perfect time to recognize the postdocs in your lab or department. A simple thank-you can go a long way.
Stay tuned to your inbox for the full lineup!
✨ New this Year! ✨
Don’t miss the first-ever Postdoc Research Showcase
Monday, Sept 15 | 1:00 – 6:00 PM
One Form for All NPAW Event RSVPs
We’ve made signing up easy—RSVP for all NPAW events using one convenient Google form!
You can use it to keep track of which events you’ve registered for, all in one place. If an event requires you to choose a specific time slot, we’ll send you a separate sign-up link after you RSVP.
MONDAY 9/15
Grab & Go Breakfast & Swag Bag Pick-up
Time: 10 – 11AM
Location: Barnett House
We're kicking off the week with NPAW t-shirts and free breakfast to go! Come by Barnett House to pick up your commemorative NPAW t-shirt and grab a coffee and bagel or muffin. T-shirts can be picked up at the reception as well. Drop by, no registration required.
Inaugural Postdoc Research Showcase
Research Flashtalks, 1 - 3:30 PM, Linderman Library, Room 200
Poster Session & Reception, 4 - 6 PM, Tauck Lobby, Business Innovation Building
Join us for Lehigh’s inaugural celebration of postdoctoral research!
This program highlights the innovation, dedication, and scholarly impact of our postdoctoral community through engaging talks and posters spanning engineering, the sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. Mentors, lab members, departmental faculty, and chairs are warmly invited to attend, learn about cutting-edge projects, and connect with researchers across disciplines. Refreshments will be served.
For the full program, please visit: Research Showcase Program
TUESDAY 9/16
Polish Your LinkedIn Profile: CCPD Celebrates Postdoc Appreciation Week
Time: 11 AM – 12 PM
Location: Maginnes Hall, Suite 500
In celebration of Postdoc Appreciation Week, the CCPD invites postdocs and graduate students to stop by the Career Center to pick up a LinkedIn checklist and gain insights on LinkedIn profile optimization. Presented by the Center for Career & Professional Development and the Postdoctoral Affairs Office.
Walk & Talk - Guided Postdoc Campus Tour
Time: 3 – 5 PM
Location: Meet at Alumni Memorial by Asa Packer Statue
Join Jenny for a relaxed walking tour of Lehigh’s main campus—designed just for postdocs. Whether you’re new or have been here a while, you’ll get the “postdoc version” of the university tour, with insider tips, stories, and a look at where your fellow postdocs work. It’s a great way to get familiar with campus, discover hidden gems, and see what Lehigh has to offer. We’ll finish with ice cream at The Cup.
WEDNESDAY 9/18
Communicating Your Science: A Working Session for Postdocs
Time: 10 am - 12 pm (lunch provided at the end)
Location: TBD
Join us for an interactive, hands-on workshop on using storytelling to make your research engaging and accessible to diverse audiences. You’ll practice developing and refining your research pitch—skills you can use in interviews, at conferences, and in public-facing settings of all kinds. With a small group (limited to 16 participants), you’ll have the chance to practice, receive feedback, and build confidence in how you share your science.
Free Professional Headshots
Time: 4 - 5 PM
Location: Alumni Memorial Building, outside by Asa Packer Statue (rain location same)
We’re excited to welcome photographer Marcus Smith back this year to capture stunning professional headshots—exclusively for Lehigh postdocs. Check out last year's photos for inspiration!
Important: First-time participants only (if you had a headshot taken last year, you’re not eligible). Advance registration required.
THURSDAY 9/19
Coffee Meet-up at the Farmer's Market
Time: 10 – 11:30 AM
Location: Farrington Square, alcove area
Come spend the morning with fellow postdocs at the Bethlehem Farmer’s Market. We’ll have a spot reserved in the lower alcoves where you can relax, chat, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and unique local products, and take in the live music that makes the market such a favorite. If it’s your first time, you’re in for a real treat.
Happy Hour at Country Club Brewing
Time: 4 - 6 PM
Location: Country Club Brewing, 323 Pierce St, South Bethlehem
Wrap up the day with good company at Country Club Brewing! Join your fellow postdocs for a relaxed evening of conversation and connection with the Postdoc Office and OISS. Your first drink is on us—come unwind and enjoy time with our amazing postdoc community.
FRIDAY 9/20
Postdoc M&M: Meet & Mingle!
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Let’s get together and have a great time! This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet other postdocs, make new friends, and connect in a relaxed and informal setting.