KU Postdoc Association

The mission of the KU Postdoc Association is to provide support for postdoctoral scholars on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus in aspects of their professional research training, career development and overall well-being. To fulfill this mission, KUPA will: 

  • Promote an interdisciplinary collaborative community of postdoctoral researchers at KU and foster productivity, novel ideas and promote a scholastic environment centered in self, professional and institutional development by providing network events, professional development workshops, and sharing of research being completed within the institution through regular discussions, meetings, talks, seminars and symposia. 
     
  • Foster an environment of inclusion and equal representation for KU’s diverse postdoc research community by working collaboratively with departmental and college-wide diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging organizations and committees. 
     
  • Act as a bridge between KU postdoctoral researchers within different departments to help share ideas and knowledge and promote an environment of inclusion. 
     
  • Create awareness and collect information and resources to support new postdoctoral researchers' transition from international, out-of-state and regional institutions to KU's Lawrence campus.  

Contact the KU Postdoc Association

KU National Postdoc Association Membership

KUPA Leadership 2025-26

Headshot of Apoorva Ranjekar

Apoorva Ranjekar, PhD, KUPA President

Apoorva is a skilled researcher specializing in sustainable energy technologies. His Ph.D. in Green Technology focused on optimizing hydrogen production through catalyst development. With extensive experience in characterization techniques and a strong foundation in materials science, including molten salts and conducting polymers, Apoorva is well-versed in intellectual property rights. He has two years of postdoctoral research experience. This includes one year at the Archer Daniels Midland - University of Kansas research (ADM-KU) lab, where he contributed to catalysis advancements, and work at the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) on a cutting-edge electrochemistry project funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DoD).
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headshot of Gulzhanat Akhanova

Gulzhanat Akhanova, PhD, KUPA Professional Development Coordinator

Postdoctoral Researcher, Craig and Diane Martin National Center for Construction Safety, Department of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering
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Join the National Postdoc Association (NPA)

KU is an organizational member of the National Postdoctoral Association. Lawrence campus postdocs can become affiliate members for free.

Set up your membership

Benefits of NPA Membership

In 2022, the Office of Research became an organizational member of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA), which entitles KU postdocs to become affiliate members of the NPA for free. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.

Signing up is simple. Just visit the NPA website, select the “Affiliate Individual Member, Postdoc” option, and follow the registration process. Once you click “Submit,” NPA staff will review your affiliate membership, and you will receive an email when it has been approved.

As an NPA affiliate member, you are entitled to these benefits:

  • Connect with fellow postdocs across the country through the NPA network.
  • Learn from subject-matter experts how to navigate pressing issues, from career exploration to improving health and well-being.
  • Empower your career by volunteering with the NPA to grow leadership skills and your networks.
  • Access NPA resources, including a boutique postdoc career center and tools for postdocs and organizations.
  • Participate in research that tracks evolving issues impacting the postdoc community.
  • Support the national voice of postdocs and postdoc offices on critical policy issues, such as immigration.
  • Reduced registration fees to the NPA Annual Conference and eligibility for the NPA travel award program.

Connect with KUPA

If you have questions about upcoming KUPA events or what to get involved, email us!
Connect with KUPA