Diana Battaglia, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the UAB Department of Microbiology, was recently awarded the Postdoctoral Scholar Peer Award from the UAB Graduate School and Office of Global Affairs.
“It is a peer-nominated award that honors postdoctoral fellows who consistently extend their talents, patience, and time to assist other scholars and researchers, exemplifying true collegiality and support,” said Ashley Foster, Ph.D., Program Manager I in the UAB Office of Postdoctoral Education.
“I am incredibly grateful that the students in my lab felt I deserved official recognition for our work together,” Battaglia said. “It brings me joy to contribute to their research careers and offer them support and understanding. In the future, I aspire to have my own lab and mentor students, so their nomination for this award is especially meaningful to me.”
Battaglia highlights her dedication to mentoring and her commitment to supporting future researchers.
How has your experience at UAB influenced your research and career development?
Battaglia: Our lab relocated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to UAB nearly a year ago, which has given me the chance to become more engaged on campus and gain greater independence. I’ve also had more opportunities to connect with mentors and take on mentoring roles myself. Additionally, I’ve been able to participate in numerous training programs focused on developing skills for independent research.
What challenges have you faced during your postdoctoral fellowship, and how did you overcome them?
Battaglia: I am a mother to a wonderful 2-year-old boy, and I have a daughter on the way. It is challenging to balance the responsibilities of being a postdoc with also being a mother. I am lucky to have an understanding mentor as well as a supportive husband: both push me to achieve my goals. I do my best to optimize my time and efforts, and I divide my workload into things that can be done at home and things that need to get done in the lab. I hope to support other women who dream of being scientists and mothers.
How do you see this award impacting your future research or career opportunities?
Battaglia: I believe this award will show my desire to mentor and support other scientists. I additionally hope that it signals my willingness to be a collaborator and contribute to the success of future research programs.