Postdoc Appreciation Week Spotlight: Goutham Kodakandla

September 21-25, 2026, is National Postdoc Appreciation Week. Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has sponsored this annual celebration to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and scientific discovery. Check out the NPA website to view the virtual and in-person events being held this week. 

This week, BPS will be highlighting postdoc members on the blog. Today, we're hearing an update from Goutham Kodakandla, University of Pittsburgh, originally spotlighted in 2025.  Click here to read his first spotlight.

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Background & Inspiration 

1. Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to your current postdoc position? 

Since my last response, I had to move from Dr. Foskett’s research lab due to the government shutdown and the subsequent funding issues with the NIH. It was an unfortunate and stressful experience, losing my job due to constraints outside my control. I was disappointed because I think I made great progress in the research projects I was working on. Right now, I’m working with Dr. Foskett on finalizing a manuscript on which I’d be the first author. Fortunately for me, I found another postdoc position at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics in the laboratory of Dr. Gary Thomas. In my current role, I’m working on deciphering the role of calcium signaling in PACS1 syndrome. During my job search, I found a job posting on the University of Pittsburgh careers website looking for experts in calcium signaling, especially someone who can perform calcium imaging. My PhD research and postdoctoral research both involved calcium channels and proteins that regulate calcium channels. I reached out to Dr. Thomas, and we had a Zoom interview followed by an in-person interview. 

2. What inspired you to pursue research in your field? 

In my junior year and senior year of my undergraduate education, I worked on several research projects. During this time, the lab supervisor encouraged me to think how to answer different research questions we had. I fell in love with the process of figuring out answers to scientific questions.  

Daily Work & Routine 

3. What does a typical day look like for you as a postdoc? 

I’m still a morning person and continue to work mostly between 6 AM and 3 PM. The biggest difference in my daily routine since moving to Pittsburgh is now, I take public transportation to commute to work. The challenges I face now are the ones I faced when I started my first postdoc. My expertise in calcium channels helps, but the goal is to build a research project with the building blocks that are in place in Gary’s laboratory. 

4. Do you have a favorite part of your daily routine—or a task you look forward to most? 

Of late, I have started doing word puzzles in New York Times (Wordle and Connections) and The Atlantic (Bracket City and Crossword) on my way to work on the bus. On live imaging days, which are usually 2-3 times a week where I spend almost all day on the microscope, I love watching events unfold in real time.

5. What’s one part of your day that people might find surprising or unexpected? 

That I have my lunch at 11 AM. And that most of my wet lab work is finished before 11.

Research & Impact 

6. Can you briefly describe your research project and why it matters? 

In Gary’s lab I’m working on dysregulation of calcium signaling in PACS1 syndrome. Previous findings from the lab showed that in PACS1 syndrome patients, the ER-mitochondrial calcium transfer is dysregulated. I’m working on understanding the proteins involved in this process that are affected by the disease.

7. What’s the most exciting discovery or moment you’ve had during your postdoc so far? 

I joined the lab in July this year. So far, the most exciting work has been on determining the signaling pathways that go awry in the disease, the proteins that are involved in these pathways.

Personal Touch 

8. How do you balance life in the lab with life outside of it? 

I try to compartmentalize and focus on what I’m doing at any given time. For example, when I’m in the lab, I try to minimize the distractions and focus on my research. And when I’m not in the lab, I focus on not thinking too much about work. 

9. What hobbies or activities help you recharge after work? 

I workout regularly. I also like to run. The peace and calm during these workouts gives me the opportunity to forget about the stress of research and helps me relax. I’m also a photographer (https://gkpictures.us). When I’m not doing any of those above, I watch sports. Any sports. 

10. Any fun lab quirks? 

When things are not working, I shut off music or podcasts or any kind of distraction and focus on the small details, the simple and basic things when we do experiments. 

Advice & Future 

11. What advice would you give to someone just starting a postdoc? 

The job change reaffirmed my approach to setting boundaries. It was devastating to move on from my previous postdoc, especially because I thought I made great progress in multiple research projects. I would advise any new postdoc to set firm boundaries. And focus on personal health, both physical and mental. 

12. Where do you see yourself heading next in your career? 

I published a first-author paper recently at the Journal of Cell Science from my PhD research work. I was also interviewed by the journal, and my work was highlighted in their “First Person” section. Moving labs threw a wrench in my plans for applications for fellowships and independent funding. But I’m working generating some preliminary data so that I can apply within a year.