To recognize the contributions postdoctoral researchers make to Case Western Reserve University—and their respective fields—The Daily has partnered with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs on a new monthly series. Know an outstanding postdoc making an impact at CWRU or in their field? Nominate them to be featured in this series.
As fears of the impact of what air pollution does to our bodies mount, Jonnelle Edwards-Glenn, a postdoctoral scholar at Case Western Reserve University, is working to find answers. Her research is focused on how the particulate matter portion of air pollution impacts cardiovascular disease.
Edwards-Glenn’s work is based in the Cardiovascular Research Institute with Director Sanjay Rajagopalan, professor of medicine.
Her contributions are being recognized—both on campus and beyond. Most recently she was named a recipient of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2023 Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program. The program aims to foster diversity and inclusivity in scientific research by providing support to outstanding postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, she was awarded a fellowship from the Dean’s Scholars Pathway to Faculty Program at CWRU School of Medicine. The Dean’s Scholars Program fosters development of postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine and science into faculty positions at CWRU.
Her research was on display through two posters at the inaugural American Physiology Summit in Long Beach, California, in April; one of which was selected as an APS Environmental & Exercise Physiology Section abstract with distinction. She also presented a poster at the Society of Toxicology Meeting in Nashville in March.
To support the development of other postdocs, Edwards-Glenn is a member of the Public Relations Committee and one of the social media ambassadors in the Postdoctoral Association, and is the postdoc representative on the University Media and Social Media Safety and Protection Plan Committee of the Faculty Senate. She also is the chair of social media for the National Black Postdoctoral Association and a National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences DRIVEN! Workshop planning committee member.
What has been your best experience so far as a CWRU postdoc?
Meeting and learning what other postdocs are doing here has been a highlight. I am always fascinated to hear the work that others are doing. I am also so grateful for an university that has supported all of my efforts outside of basic research duties. I have had help with editing my CV, editing and formatting grants, and even applying for different awards. There is a very strong support network here.
How do you think the postdoctoral experience at CWRU is helping you prepare and advance toward your goals?
My experience here is teaching me the basics of becoming a professor while also teaching the unorthodox aspects that will be needed as well. With the strong support network and the advisory committee that I have been supplied with here, I believe I am on the right path for success.
What’s your best piece of advice on how postdocs can make the most of their postdoc career and prepare for their future goals?
Learn as much as you can, make as many connections as you can, and utilize all the resources that you have at your disposal to prepare for your future.