National Postdoc Appreciation Week
As we commemorate National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), we shine a spotlight on a sampling of our postdocs and their experiences as researchers at UT Southwestern. Their work touches on everything from radiation safety, seafood-borne gastroenteritis, and immune responses to cardiac disease and alterations in the nuclear envelope.
Meet Our Postdocs
Stephanie Vargas Aguilar, Ph.D.
Molecular Biology, Olson Lab
What is your research about?
I study how neonatal mouse hearts react to injury because they heal more effectively than adult hearts. I focus on the immune response to cardiac injury and try to understand how it influences these distinct healing outcomes.
Outside of the lab, what is your favorite thing to do?
I have a 6-year-old son who I enjoy spending time with and seeing the world through his eyes.
What do you enjoy the most about being a postdoc at UTSW?
The supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment. I think it is great that UTSW is such a large and comprehensive research center, because it provides access to a wide range of scientific topics, scientific expertise, and research facilities.
Xurde Menéndez Caravia, Ph.D.
Molecular Biology, Olson Lab
What is your research about?
My research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of genetic heart diseases that are caused by alterations in the nuclear envelope, a cellular structure that surrounds the nucleus of cardiac cells.
Outside of the lab, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love running early in the morning before coming to work. It relaxes me and prepares my mind and body for the rest of the day.
What do you enjoy the most about being a postdoc at UTSW?
The scientific environment, resources, and technical support that UTSW has is unparalleled. My mentor, Dr. Eric Olson, inspires me every day and provides the opportunity for me to do science I enjoy.
Jananee Jaishankar, Ph.D.
Molecular Biology, Kim Orth Lab
What is your research about?
I study the invasive bacterium, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, that is considered to be the leading cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis. We are particularly interested in exploring the intracellular lifestyle of the bacterium inside human cells.
Outside of the lab, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love traveling and visiting new places.
What do you enjoy the most about being a postdoc at UTSW?
The collaborative environment and how you can approach people at different levels to help you in your projects. Apart from this, the Postdoc Association offers several opportunities that you can use to enhance your leadership skills.
Antonio Solano, M.D.
Vascular Surgery, Kirkwood Lab
What is your research about?
Radiation dose control, radiation safety, functional outcomes of limb revascularization for peripheral vascular disease, iliac artery aneurysms, and thoracic and abdominal endovascular aortic repair.
Outside of the lab, what is your favorite thing to do?
I like to play guitar and ukulele, read poetry, and run 5Ks.
What do you enjoy the most about being a postdoc at UTSW?
Working in an environment where innovation and ideas are encouraged, with continuous support from personnel of all levels to achieve goals.
