Join us for one of our open offerings. All postdocs are welcome to join us virtually in our hyflex learning environment to experience one of our program offerings in teaching or leadership. Experience innovative programming first hand as you engage and network with seasoned faculty, industry experts and other PDFs. Registration is free. REGISTER HERE

Journal Club – Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 11, Mar 4, Mar 18, Apr 1

10:00am – 11:00am EST
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 9577392 3010
Passcode: 674623

January 7 – Job talks: Preparing for Academia vs Industry contract negotiations

10:30am – 12:00pm EST Led by Matteo Tardelli, Beyond Academia (ONLINE)

Creating a job talk for a tenure track position is a very different process than preparing an industry resume. Learn more about how to adapt language, formatting and design to best represent your skills in academia and industry.

January 14 – Leadership: Networking and creating connections as a leader

1:00pm – 2:30pm EST Led by Jordan Moore, RISEilient (ONLINE)

In the realm of academia and research, leadership is not just about individual excellence but also about the ability to build and nurture meaningful relationships. Effective networking, or rather relationship building, is a vital skill that can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive personal and professional growth.

During this engaging session, you will learn the value of relationship building as a leader, where we will explore the principles, strategies, and benefits of effective networking. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will learn how to cultivate a strong professional network that supports your career advancement and contributes to a vibrant, collaborative research community.

February 4 – 5MRT (5min Research Talks) Postdoc Research Competition – Hybrid Events

10:00am –  4:00pm EST (IN PERSON and ONLINE)

This event challenges the most brilliant minds to share their research in an accessible way with the community. Knowledge translation can be one of the biggest challenges faced by academics when working in interdisciplinary groups or industry. This friendly competition gives early career researchers a chance to flex their communication and presentation skills in one of Ontario’s most unique venues, the LIVELab at McMaster University. Winners from the 5min Research Talks (5MRT) will be featured in the 5MRT Finals. Winning participants will receive great prizes and be featured on the McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching and Leadership Program website and associated social media outlets. Interested in competing? (complete the FORM to send in your submission by Jan 10^th 2026)

February 11 – 5MRT Finals

5:00pm –  8:00pm EST (IN PERSON and ONLINE)

February 25 – Tracking Your Online Impact

10:00am – 12:00pm EST led by Jack Young, The Sherman Center, McMaster University (ONLINE)

Many academics utilize ORCID ID’s to track and monitor the impact of their research. Jack Young walks you through the process of creating an ORCID ID as well as maximizing the impact of your ID on your professional online presence.

February 25 – Research Impact Online – How To Extend Your Research Reach

1:00pm – 3:00pm EST led by Bissy Waariyo, Research Impact Canada (ONLINE)

Join Bissy Waariyo from Research Impact Canada (RIC) to help navigate the online arena and how to make the most with your research. Create meaningful online resources and connections to broaden your research reach.

March 4 – Reflections on Emotional intelligence in Leadership

1:00pm – 3:00pm EST led by Katie George, Program Manager, McCall MacBain Postdoc Program (ONLINE)

How can emotional intelligence impact your leadership style? Review concepts related to emotional intelligence and apply your new knowledge to solve case studies with your peers. You will also learn more about how your EI can influence your interview style.

Deliverables: Create a mini job talk for industry or academia

Prepare questions for McMaster leadership

Submit your 5MRT submission by January 10^th online

5Min Research Talks (LIVELab event) Contestant submission form 2025/26 DEADLINE JAN 10th – Fill out form

10:00am-12:00pm – Job talks: Preparing for Academia vs. Industry Contract Negotiation

Led by: Matteo Tardelli
Location: Psychology Building, Room 205

Creating a job talk for a tenure track position is a very different process than preparing an industry resume. Learn more about how to adapt language, formatting and design to best represent your skills in academia and industry.

12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch 

Location: Psychology Building, Room 205

Discussion – job talks and negotiations that you have experienced

1:00pm-3:00pm – Job Talks (Panel of Experts)

Location: Psychology Building, Room 205

Many Postdocs strive for a job in academia, estimates range from 75-81% of PDFs aspire to attain a tenure track professorship. The issue: there are limited appointments in academia. The market is highly competitive, and the interview process can be laborious! Join our panel of experts to gain an insider’s perspective on the academic job search, job talk and interview process.

Panelists:

Panelists will represent different areas of academia to allow for a more “well-rounded” and insightful conversation. Leadership from Science, health sciences, engineering, grad studies and more, will join the discussion and share their knowledge about job talks (do’s and don’ts) as well as negation strategies.

• Dr. Jeremiah Hurley (Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences) or Dr. Melanie Heath (Associate Dean of Graduate Students)
• Dr. Gianni Parise (Acting Dean of Science)
• Dr. Heather Sheardown (Dean of Engineering)
• Dr. Steven Hanna (Vice-Dean, Health Sciences and Associate Dean, Graduate Studies Health Sciences)
• Dr. Steve Hranilovic (Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies)

Deliverable: Create a networking plan for online and in person relationship building

10:00am-11:00am – Journal Club (in person facilitation)

Led by: Dr. Cameron Murray and Dr. Manaswini Ramkumar
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Gillespie, S., Morency, M. M., Fajemirokun, E., & Ferguson, G. M. (2025). Promoting Identity Development, Multicultural Attitudes, and Civic Engagement Through Ethnic Studies: Evidence From a Natural Experiment. Child Development, 96(3), 966–979.

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 9577392 3010
Passcode: 674623

11:00am-12:30pm – Lunch: 5MRT Talks

Location: Psychology Building room 205

Practice your 5MRT talk and receive feedback from your peers

1:00pm-3:00pm – Leadership: Networking and Creating Connections as a Leader

Led by: Jordan Moore, RISEilient
Location: Psychology Building room 205

In the realm of academia and research, leadership is not just about individual excellence but also about the ability to build and nurture meaningful relationships. Effective networking, or rather relationship building, is a vital skill that can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive personal and professional growth.

During this engaging session, you will learn the value of relationship building as a leader, where we will explore the principles, strategies, and benefits of effective networking. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will learn how to cultivate a strong professional network that supports your career advancement and contributes to a vibrant, collaborative research community.

Deliverable: Practice your 5min research talk

10:00am-12:00pm – Knowledge translation and presentation skills

Led by: Brandon Love
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Learn the art of presenting and conveying an effective message with this workshop on knowledge translation. Brandon will walk you through the impact of stage presence and how to engage with your audience in a meaningful way. This could give your next presentation the edge you need in your next presentation.

12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch

Location: Psychology Building room 205

Practice your 5MRT talk and receive feedback from your peers

1:00pm-3:00pm – (Continuation) Knowledge translation and presentation skills

Led by: Brandon Love
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Learn the art of presenting and conveying an effective message with this workshop on knowledge translation. Brandon will walk you through the impact of stage presence and how to engage with your audience in a meaningful way. This could give your next presentation the edge you need in your next presentation.

Deliverable: Complete and post your 5MRT online and vote for your favourite – you must submit to compete in the LIVElab

10:00am-11:00am – Journal Club (in person facilitation)

Led by: Dr. Taiana Pereira, Dr. Milena Esser, Dr. Alicia Battalgia
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Anyidoho, P. A., & Gallant, D. J. (2025). Benefits and Challenges of Virtual Early Arrival or Summer Bridge Programs for Underrepresented Minority Students Majoring in STEM. Journal of College Science Teaching, 54(1), 51–56.

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 9577392 3010
Passcode: 674623

11:00am-12:30pm – Lunch

Location: Psychology Building room 205

Present your 5min Research talk (5MRT) and receive feedback from your peers.

12:30pm-3:00pm – Resilient Leadership

Led by: Carla Labella
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Remaining resilient through leadership challenges can seem impossible. This segment allows researchers to investigate their own practices that foster perseverance, grit, mindful leadership and introspection. Join facilitator Carla Labella, as she guides you through the eye-opening world of resilient leadership.

Deliverable: Present your 5min talk in the LIVELab and compete against regional postdocs!

10:00am-12:00pm – 5MRT Preliminary Rounds Online

Location: Psychology Building LIVELab

12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch and Networking

Location: Psychology Building LIVELab atrium 2nd floor 

1:00pm-3:00pm – 5MRT Preliminary Rounds In Person

Location: Psychology Building LIVELab

Come prepared with your 5min research talk and experience the stage at the LIVELab! Students, staff and community members will be welcomed to the event to provide feedback and identify the top talks.

Winners of the McCall MacBain 5min research talks will compete in this evening event! Come and cheer on your peers and hone your networking skills.

10:00am-11:00am – Journal Club (in person facilitation)

Led by: Dr. Christopher Greyson-Gaito, Dr. Meghan McCue
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Marano, G., Kotzalidis, G. D., Lisci, F. M., Anesini, M. B., Rossi, S., Barbonetti, S., Cangini, A., Ronsisvalle, A., Artuso, L., Falsini, C., Caso, R., Mandracchia, G., Brisi, C., Traversi, G., Mazza, O., Pola, R., Sani, G., Mercuri, E. M., Gaetani, E., & Mazza, M. (2025). The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing—Who Wins the Battle? Life (Basel, Switzerland), 15(3), 345.

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 9577392 3010
Passcode: 674623

11:00am-12:00pm – Lunch 

Location: Psychology Building LIVELab atrium 2nd floor 

12:00pm – 2:00pm – From CV to Resume

Led by: Katie George
Location: Psychology Building room 205

How to prepare an academic CV vs a Resume. Whether you are applying to a non-teaching academic position or an industry/government position, your CV may not appropriately translate your worth.

5:00pm – 8:00pm – 5MRT Finals

Location: Psychology Building LIVELab

Mid-term break – Recenter, Reset, Rejuvenate

Deliverable: Create and update your ORCID ID to increase your research impact

10:00am-12:00pm – Track Your Online impact

Led by: Jack Young, the Sherman Center, McMaster University
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Many academics utilize ORCID ID’s to track and monitor the impact of their research. Jack Young walks you through the process of creating an ORCID ID as well as maximizing the impact of your ID on your professional online presence.

12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch: 5min job talk

Location: Psychology Building room 205

Present your 5min job talk and receive feedback from your peers.

1:00pm-3:00pm – Research Impact Online – How To Extend Your Research Reach

Led by: Bissy Waariyo, Research Impact Canada
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Join Bissy Waariyo from Research Impact Canada (RIC) to help navigate the online arena and how to make the most with your research. Create meaningful online resources and connections to broaden your research reach.

Deliverables: Complete your EQI assessment and be prepared to discuss your results (note: results will be given to you on the day of the workshop)

10:00am-12:00pm – Journal Club (in person facilitation)

Led by: Dr. Sadman Sakib, Dr. Ailsa Edward, Dr. Basil Ibrahim
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Wu, C.-H., Liu, C.-H., & Huang, Y.-M. (2022). The exploration of continuous learning intention in STEAM education through attitude, motivation, and cognitive load. International Journal of STEM Education, 9(1), Article 35

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 9577392 3010
Passcode: 674623

12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch: 5min job talk

Location: Psychology Building room 205

Present your 5min job talk and receive feedback from your peers.

1:00pm-3:00pm – Reflections on Emotional intelligence in Leadership

Led by: Katie George
Location: Psychology Building room 205

How can emotional intelligence impact your leadership style? Review concepts related to emotional intelligence and apply your new knowledge to solve case studies with your peers. You will also learn more about how your EI can influence your interview style.

Bring your completed EdCog research report form and discuss with your research partner (if you have one)

10:00am-1:00pm – EdCog Research Reports

Led by: Nancy Watt
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Emotional influence every aspect of our lives: from conflict resolution to leadership, being aware of your EI is a necessary skill for anyone in a leadership position. Review your EQ scores and understand how you can maximize your EI to lead with emotional intelligence.

1:00pm-1:30pm – Lunch: 5min job talk

Location: Psychology Building room 205

Present your 5min job talk and receive feedback from your peers.

1:30pm-3:00pm – EdCog Research Reports

Led by: Dr. Joe Kim
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Discuss your current EdCog research experience with educational research projects. Speak with your peers about barriers, successes and future goals. Discuss conflict management strategies and how to communicate effectively with a team.

Learn from Dr. Joe Kim about how to better engage with you education research supervisor and how to get the most from your experience.

Deliverable: Create a proposal connected to your research and how it might relate to public policy. How can you impact policy makers and change things in your field?

10:00am-11:00am – Journal Club (in person facilitation)

Led by: Dr. Faizan Saleem, Dr. Mouna Reda, Dr. Peter Adesina
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Pastor, M. A. S., Cervantes-Marreros, M. D., Cubas-Pérez, J. D., Reategui-Apagueño, L. A., Tito-Pezo, D., Piña-Rimarachi, J. M., Vasquez-Perez, C. A., Correa-Vasquez, C. L., Soplin Rios, J. A., del Pino, L. F., & Botelho Junior, A. B. (2025). Project-Based Learning at Universities: A Sustainable Approach to Renewable Energy in Latin America—A Case Study. Sustainability, 17(12), 5492.

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 9577392 3010
Passcode: 674623

11:30am-12:30pm – Lunch: 5min job talks

Location: Psychology Building room 205

Present your 5min job talk and receive feedback from your peers.

12:30pm-3:00pm – Leading Through Public Policy

Led by: Bruce MacDonald
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Learn how researchers can better engage government and influence public policy to enhance their impact. Bring your research to the next level and create real change.

Deliverable: Bring an entrepreneurial idea to this workshop. How can you get your ideas off the ground?

10:00am-12:00pm – Academics as Entrepreneurs

Led by: Brandon Aubie
Location: Alumni Memorial Hall, West Room

Learn how you can translate your academic skills to benefit your entrepreneurial pursuits. Speaker Brandon Aubie (Q-Reserve) will discuss his journey from academia to industry and starting his own tech company.

12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch

Location: Alumni Memorial Hall, West Room

Open to all postdocs

1:00pm-3:00pm – Entrepreneurial Leadership

Location: Alumni Memorial Hall, Great Hall

Panel of postdocs, industry leaders and policy makers (from academia to industry), in collaboration with The Office of the Vice-President of Research (OVPR), and The McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO)

How can you express your WHY to expand your impact beyond academia. Expand your learning about entrepreneurial leadership and identify how these concepts might apply to you.

10:30am-11:30am – Journal Club (in person facilitation)

Led by: Dr. Alexandra Macdonald, MD Masuduzzaman, Dr. Mallory Terry
Location: Psychology Building room 205

Aaron, Cassandra, Tania Heap, Audon Archibald, Laura Keyes, Maeleigh Novosad, and Adam Fein. “Applications of Human–AI Interaction to Optimize Teaching Workload and Improve Student Writing.” Journal of Computing in Higher Education, ahead of print, November 3, 2025.

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 9577392 3010
Passcode: 674623

12:00pm-2:00pm – Lunch and Semester Wrap Up!

Location: The Buttery

Final program day: Debrief and lunch. Join us for the final lunch and program debrief. Share your experiences and speak with facilitators that have taught you throughout the program.