Chair:
Jeevan Nammi, M.D.
Dr. Nammi is a postdoctoral scholar in Endocrinology at UAB and an MPH candidate in Population Health. His work focuses on metabolic and liver disease, and his experiences at UAB have strengthened his interest in research, mentorship, and building connections across disciplines. He enjoys bringing people together, supporting fellow trainees, and creating opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. As chair, he hopes to bring a greater sense of unity to the postdoctoral community. Being a postdoc is an important but often demanding stage of a scholar's career, and he believes the PDA should help ensure that scholars do not go through it in isolation. Thus, his goal is to create a community where postdocs support each other, grow together, and also genuinely enjoy their journey at UAB.
Vice Chair:
Subhadip Bhandari, Ph.D.
A postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Mechanical & Materials Engieering, Dr. Bhandari's vision for the PDA is to create a postdoctoral community at UAB that is more connected and engaging, and in which postdocs from a variety of disciplines can interact, collaborate, and develop professionally. He would like to help incoming postdocs feel welcomed and connected from the beginning. A strong proponent of team-building, he believes bringing together different perspectives and ideas will allow the PDA to build a stronger and more connected postdoc community. In his spare time, Dr. Bhandari likes to continue his global travels. He completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in India. To complete his master's studies, he conducted research in Germany and then undertook a PhD in Italy, during which he traveled to more than 12 countries across Europe, thanks to the conferences.
Secretary:
Amit Chaudhary, Ph.D.
A third-year postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, Dr. Chaudhary served as the PDA's Social Media and Communication Coordinator for the 2024-2025 term and then as Event Coorindator in 2025-2026. His experience serving in the PDA reflects a strong commitment to the postdoctoral community through effective communication, engagement, and organizing events that foster collaboration and a sense of belonging. He wants every postdoc to feel welcomed, heard, and represented throughout their time at UAB.
Research Day Chair:
Krishna Chinta, Ph.D.
Dr. Chitna is UAB graduate alumnus and a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Microbiology. He is passionate about advancing scientific discovery through collaboration and mentorship. Beyond the lab, he actively engages in initiatives that promote professional development, STEM outreach, and community service. For example, he volunteered for 2026 Postdoctoral Research Day and participated with the BPA in the Juneteenth celebration organized by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (2026). During his graduate training, he served as an oral and poster judge for the UAB Undergraduate Research Expo from 2019 to 2021 and volunteered as vaccine staff at UAB Hospital during the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Beyond UAB, he volunteers at the Birmingham Zoo and serves as a pen pal for Letters to a Pre-Scientist, a STEM outreach program that connects scientists with middle school students from low-income and underserved communities across the United States. His vision for the PDA is to foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment where postdoctoral scholars can thrive both professionally and personally.
Research Day Chair:
Mahdi Eskandarian Boroujeni, Ph.D.
Dr. Eskandarian Boroujeni is a scholar in the Department of Neurobiology studying neuroinflammatory mechanisms associated with addiction. He also serves as the Mentorship Taskforce Chair for the UAB Black Postdoctoral Association. As Research Day chair, he hopes to make Postdoc Research Day an engaging event that highlights the diversity of research across UAB while creating meaningful opportunities for connection. He hopes to develop a program that balances research presentations, poster sessions, networking opportunities, and interactions with administrators and invited speakers so that Research Day is not only a showcase of science, but also a platform for collaboration and professional growth.
Social Media & Communications Coordinator:
Catarina Alexandra Mendes Felgueira, Ph.D.
Dr. Mendes Felgueira is a first-year postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at UAB. With more than 9 years of experience in genetics research, she has developed extensive expertise in mentorship, trainee recruitment, and scientific communication. Dr. Mendes Felgueira earned her Ph.D. from UAB and is passionate about ensuring that postdoctoral scholars are aware of the opportunities available to them and empowered to pursue their professional and personal goals. Outside the lab, you can find her working out, visiting local coffee shops, and spending time with her fiancé and their energetic dog.
Event Coordinator:
Muhammad Riaz, Ph.D.
Dr. Riaz is postdoctoral scholar in the School of Dentistry with a background in biomedical research, microbiology, and neuroscience. He is passionate about community building, collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for postdocs to connect and grow. With experience organizing academic events, he is excited to help organize engaging events that bring postdocs together across disciplines.