About Us
Why myHub was created
Developed with critical student and postdoc input, myHub was designed to be a useful tool for all GEPA trainees. myHub brings together eight critical areas, including writing services, alumni mentorship, events, fellowships and grants, research ethics, graduate student and postdoctoral groups, URBEST career services and internships.
Moving forward, the myHub Trainee Advisory Group will meet quarterly to make recommendations and develop programming, provide feedback on initiatives, and act as a sounding board for graduate students and postdocs within SMD. myHub is led by Eric Vaughn, M.Ed., director of career services, and Elaine Smolock, Ph.D., director of writing services.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is for all trainees to have an impactful, fulfilling, and prosperous career. It is our wish that you may find that these resources help to empower your career and your education.
Our Team
Elaine Smolock - Director of Writing Services
Elaine Smolock received her PhD in Pharmacology and Physiology from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2007. She then came to the University of Rochester Medical Center where she spent 7 years as an NIH NRSA F32 Postdoctoral Research Fellow and then a Research Assistant Professor in the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute. Elaine was one of the founding members of our Postdoctoral Association. In 2015, Elaine joined the Office of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, where she currently serves as Director of Writing Services and Training Grant Development. Elaine is also a Co-Director of the URMC-Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) and Educational Co-Director of the Bridges to the Doctorate.
*Elaine is available to provide individual writing assistance on Tuesdays and Fridays
More Information About Writing Services
Eric Vaughn - Director of Career Services
Eric Vaughn received his Master’s Degree in Education in College Student Affairs from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida in 2003. He has worked within the career services area for over 15 years including Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida; Doane College in Crete, Nebraska; Wells College in Aurora, New York; and the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center in Rochester, New York. Eric is the current treasurer for the Graduate Career Consortium (GCC) and also is former co-chair of the GCC’s Benchmarking committee. Eric is also an active member of the Rochester Area Career Development Association (RACDA), serving on various leadership roles within the organization, and has been an active member of the National Postdoctoral Association since joining the University of Rochester.
More Information About Career Services
Schedule an appointment with myHub for your career planning and writing/grant services needs. In-Person and Zoom options available.
Schedule an Appointment
Courses
There are several School of Medicine and Dentistry courses related to professional development available. Check out the Course Description / Course Schedule (CDCS) to review availability by term.
SMD postdocs are eligible to apply for an audit fee waiver for select SMD courses related to professional development. See course list and instructions.
Courses offered through The Center for Professional Development
Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research Course
For more information on this course, please visit the research ethics website.
IND439 Leadership and Management for Scientists
This 2-credit-hour course is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral appointees who wish to enhance their leadership and management skills. It will cover a range of topics, including project management, communication, and personality styles and budgeting skills. The course focuses on human-centered strategies for leading effective teams in biomedical and health science academic environments that can also be translated into research-related careers. Through a series of interactive activities, reflective writing, self-assessment instruments, and group discussions, you will develop a repertoire of techniques for addressing issues that commonly arise within and between research groups.