Meet the Newest Co-chairs of the CHOP Postdoctoral Alliance

The CHOP Postdoctoral Alliance introduces its two new co-chairs.

Editor's note: This month, we are introducing the two newest co-chairs of the CHOP Postdoctoral Alliance (CPA), Emma Sartin, PhD, MPH, CPST, and Petra Molnar, PhD. Dr. Sartin is a postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Injury Research and Prevention, and Dr. Molnar is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Audrey John, MD, PhD. Learn what they hope to accomplish in their tenure and the focus of their research.

Emma Sartin, PhD, MPH, CPST

Emma Sartin, PhD, MPH, CPST

What would you like the CPA to accomplish while you are co-chair?

In the last few years, the CPA has had to adapt, as we all learn “new norms” with the pandemic. In this upcoming year, I hope we are able to host more fun, casual activities so postdocs can meet one another and relax.

What research project are you currently working on?

I work in the Center for Injury Research and Prevention. My current projects are using multiple methods (qualitative, epidemiologic, longitudinal survey) to identify and ameliorate transportation barriers for vulnerable populations, like those from lower socioeconomic statuses and/or with neurodevelopmental differences.

What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?

It's fairly boring, but I think my overall biggest accomplishment has been completing my PhD/MPH program and finding a field I really enjoy conducting research/working in! As a first-generation college student, being able to achieve these goals has been rewarding for both myself and my family.

Petra Molnar, PhD

Petra Molnar, PhD

What would you like the CPA to accomplish while you are co-chair?

The pandemic fundamentally changed our lives and decreased our opportunities to connect with peers from similar fields. I hope the CPA can provide a sense of community to CHOP postdocs during these difficult times!

What research project are you currently working on?

I work in the research lab of Dr. Audrey John, where I'm studying the parasites responsible for the most severe cases of malaria. I'm focusing on understanding how the parasites regulate their metabolic pathways and how this is connected to their resistance mechanisms against antimalarial drugs.

What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?

I always feel like there's so much for me to do for my professional and personal development, so I'm having a hard time answering this question. I greatly appreciate working for an outstanding supervisor and being here at CHOP. To achieve this, I had to move to a different continent in the middle of the pandemic, on my own, which took a lot of determination.