Veronica Ulici, PhD

Q. Tell us a bit about your graduate research. What were your most exciting findings? 
My graduate research in the Beier lab focused on examining the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in skeletal development. Discovering that Akt1 has a more important role in the secondary ossification process than in primary ossification was both exciting and a relief for me as until that point, the Akt1 knockout (KO) mice showed no obvious skeletal phenotype other than a smaller size. The secondary ossification process was not something the lab was focusing on at the time, and I actually had a chance to learn more about it during my preparation for the comprehensive exam when I had to learn about matrix metalloproteinases ((MMPs) - thank you Dr. Leco) and how one particular MMP (MMP14) plays an important role in secondary ossification formation. The MMP14 KO phenotype, though much more severe, had similarities with the AKt1 KO phenotype. We subsequently connected the role of Akt1 in secondary ossification with MMP14. 

Q. When did you realize that you would like to do a postdoctoral fellowship?  
Because I was considering a career in academia, I decided to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship to keep my options open. I considered other careers after finishing my PhD but decided to explore more research areas and experience different research environments. I moved to Pittsburgh and continued my research in cartilage pathology by working on a project related to epigenetics in posttraumatic osteoarthritis.  

Q. What skills did you acquire in graduate school that help you in your current position? How did your degree give you an advantage in attaining your position? 
Most of my research skills! Before starting grad school and the work in the Beier lab, I had very limited lab experience. Everyone in the Beier lab was so helpful and Frank was an awesome mentor, which allowed me to learn so much during my time in the lab. 

As a postdoc, my degree was required to go to this next step. However, I would say a PhD gives one more time to figure out the directions of their research project and allow themselves to be more creative, so I believe the PhD would have given me an advantage for any position, even those not requiring a PhD. 

Q. What are some specific examples of extracurricular activities (outside of research) that you participated in, which helped you get to the position you are at now?  
I can’t really say that any particular extracurricular activity completely outside the research environment helped me obtain my current position. However, while mountain biking during the Gordon meeting with a group of conference attendees, I did connect with my future (at that time) postdoc supervisor over the challenges of this sport. And I know so many other people who met great mentors and made essential connections during the different extracurricular activities while attending conferences and other events. Therefore encouraging and supporting conference attendance and having a life outside the lab definitely helps not only by helping trainees become well-rounded, happier individuals, but also by creating opportunities and connections that could also lead to advancements in their careers. 

Q. How did you learn about the posting for your position?  
By talking to my current supervisor at a conference. That has been my experience so far, connecting and networking at conferences led to both of my postdoc positions. 

Q. What are some suggestions for networking?  
First of all, make sure to participate in any networking events you can. For me the best were at scientific meetings. So look into conferences in your field of study that actually organize activities for trainees. From my experience smaller conferences are better for networking as they give the trainees more opportunities to interact with scientists at different stages of their careers and lessen the chance of that “lost in the crowd” feeling, which tends to happen at larger conferences. Gordon conferences are really good for this. They organize extracurricular activities and usually have the afternoons free for people to connect while doing something fun (like whale watching, mountain biking etc.) at the same time. I can’t say I’ve found the networking easy as it can be pretty overwhelming meeting established, great scientists. I connected with people better when I was not thinking of networking in a formal way, especially during the activities organized outside of the research program at the above mentioned conferences. Just talk to people, ask them about their research, their life, their experiences, how they became interested in their area of research, and what advice they might have for young scientists.  

Q. What is one piece of advice you can offer to current graduate students? To current post-doctoral fellows? 
To a graduate student looking for a postdoc position, I would say: do your homework, go meet the people from the lab, listen well to what they have to say (“listen” between the lines) and, most importantly, choose a research area that you are passionate about. Doing what you love makes everything much easier.  

For a postdoc, I would say the same thing about working in a research area that you love; also be proactive, take advantage of postdoc career development events that are starting to be available at most universities, and take the time to think about a research area that you could take with you when you develop your independent research. Apply for your own funding (e.g. postdoctoral fellowships) and ask your supervisor if you could help write parts of his/her grants, as writing grants will represent a major part of our jobs as PIs and there is no real formal training for this. Towards the end of your postdoc try to get some preliminary data for your future grant. Talk to your supervisor about this from the beginning. It’s not as easy as people make it seem, as most PIs want you to work 100% of the time on their project. But you are valuable, and you have lots of places to choose from, so negotiate your terms, choose a place that is interested in your career overall and not just lab work and papers. I know it’s easier said than done… Finally, try and find mentors in different areas. Some universities even have an informal mentoring committee for postdocs, which I think is a good idea. While you are thinking of your independent research project you could contact people from different areas of expertise that intersect with your project. Discussing your ideas is always useful and these mentors can also give you advice on your own future grants. 

Q. What is your favorite part of your training this far? 
Meeting and interacting with so many great and smart people.  

Q. What does your perfect Sunday look like? 
Definitely does not involve being in the lab! It would involve sleeping in and then a combination between relaxing and doing some fun activity like kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, etc. There would also be lots of good friends around.