President:
Maria Jones-Muhammad, Ph.D.
Dr. Maria Jones-Muhammad is a postdoctoral scholar in Dr. Farah Lubin’s lab in the Department of Neurobiology. Her research investigates how in utero cannabinoid exposure affects offspring neurodevelopment, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms that shape neuronal circuit formation, gene expression changes, and sex-specific behavioral outcomes. She also explores the potential of ketogenesis to reverse age-related memory decline. Beyond the lab, Dr. Jones-Muhammad is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment for postdocs across all career paths. She and the executive board plan to create safe, supportive spaces where underrepresented postdocs can grow, connect, and thrive — both within and beyond academia.
Professional Development Chair:
Eric Randolph, Ph.D.
Dr. Eric Randolph is a Marine Biologist with a passion for molecular biology, focusing on bioinformatics for omics data. His research interests include learning & memory, aging, sex-specific molecular differences, exercise, epigenetics, and transcriptomics. He is a postdoctoral fellow, working with Dr Riddle and Dr Biga to define conspecific sexual differences in molecular signatures, primarily transcription, that may influence heterogeneity in aging across multiple taxa. He is also using those data to investigate ubiquitous and sex-specific molecular signatures that are shared across multiple species of the Animal Kingdom.
When not in the throes of research, he also adjuncts multiple courses here at UAB, teaching all levels of students from freshmen to graduates. Teaching is a passion of his, and on any given semester, you may catch him adjuncting Biology’s Guide to Surviving Stress, Introduction to Human Physiology, Biol Data Interpretation & Analysis, or Functional Genomics.
He currently serves as an ally in the Professional Development Chair, connecting underrepresented postdocs with resources and opportunities across campus. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are looking for something specific.
Communications Officer:
Elizabeth Valles-Capetillo, Ph.D.
Dr. Elizabeth Valles-Capetillo is a third-year postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Pyschology. Having served as an executive member this past year, Dr. Valles-Capetillo developed an understanding of the PDA’s mission as well as the importance of clear, engaging communication in strengthening the postdoctoral community. In this new role, she aims to create dynamic and accessible channels of communication that highlight postdoc achievements, promote upcoming events, and share valuable resources to support career and personal development. Her vision is to make communications not only informative, but also community-driven, amplifying the voices of postdocs and fostering a sense of connection across disciplines.