September 15-19, 2025, 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, read about Whitney Stevens-Sostre, University of Wisconsin–Madison.

---

Background & Inspiration 

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

I grew up in Puerto Rico, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. During college, I was fortunate to participate in NIH-funded programs that supported students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing biomedical research careers. After graduation, I joined the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at the University of Chicago, which gave me the chance to expand my research experience and prepare for graduate school. These opportunities led me to the Neuroscience Training Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW-Madison), where I earned my PhD in Neuroscience. My thesis work in Dr. Gail Robertson’s lab focused on understanding how interactions between the cytosolic domains of hERG channels (which are voltage-gated potassium channels) influenced channel function and regulated membrane excitability. Now as a postdoc I work in Dr. Mrinalini Hoon’s lab at UW-Madison, where I study the role of voltage-gated ion channels in the circuit establishment and function in the mammalian retina. 

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

My interest in the nervous system began in college, when I learned about neurodegenerative diseases and how small disruptions in neuronal excitability can have profound effects on brain function. I wanted to understand how neurons functioned at a cellular and molecular level, which ultimately led me to become an electrophysiologist. During my PhD, I studied structure-function relationships in voltage-gated ion channels. As a postdoc, I now apply what I learned to investigate how voltage-gated channels contribute to structure-function relationships in the retinal circuit and within single retinal neurons. 

Daily Work & Routine 

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

I start my day with exercise, both because I have the most energy in the morning and because it fits my schedule best. After getting ready and taking my toddler to daycare, I head to the lab. Most days, I perform electrophysiology experiments in the retina, but I also conduct immunohistochemistry and imaging studies. I lead our weekly journal clubs and mentor students, and when it comes to data analysis, I like to dedicate a full day so I can think and interpret my results. I also make time to lead the Black In Biophysics organization and serve in committees that align with my personal value of increasing representation in STEM fields. 

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

My favorite part of the day is patching a neuron and seeing its electrical responses in real time. Because electrophysiology is so technically demanding, each successful experiment feels deeply rewarding and exciting. I imagine many electrophysiologists feel the same way! 

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

One thing people are often surprised to learn is that I work in the dark. Since my retina experiments are light-sensitive, I do dissections under infrared light while wearing night goggles. It’s something I never imagined I’d be doing, but one that I find to be pretty cool. 

Research & Impact 

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

I study retinal ganglion cells (RGC), which are the sole output neurons of the retina. RGCs collect visual information from upstream retinal neurons, process it, and reliably send it to the brain as action potentials through the optic nerve. Although proper RGC function is essential for vision, the identities, distribution, and functional roles of the voltage-gated ion channels establishing the intrinsic excitability and connectivity of mammalian RGCs are not yet elucidated. Thus, my research project aims to determine the expression profiles of voltage-gated ion channels and define their contribution to the intrinsic properties and physiological roles of RGCs.  

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

One of the most exciting moments of my postdoc was learning that I was awarded an HHMI Hanna Gray Fellowship. Being selected meant a lot to me, because my potential as a leader in my field was recognized by an inspiring community of researchers. It also affirmed my path as an independent academic researcher and gave me a platform where I can help underrepresented minorities, like myself, feel seen and welcome in STEM. 

Personal Touch 

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

One of the things that I’ve come to appreciate as a parent is that my time and energy is limited, both for my research and my family. Both parts are important to me, so I focus on work when my kids are in daycare and school, and I do my best to not work when we’re home. Being fully present in the moment, whether I am at lab or at home, helps me maintain a healthy perspective and make the most of each day. 

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

I really enjoy spending time with my family, watching anime, and eating delicious food. I used to play video games more often, but I don’t have as much time for them anymore. I hope to get back to gaming in the future, though! 

10. Any fun lab quirks? 

One of my favorite things to do when I’m in lab is to look outside through the window. I have an amazing view and I enjoy watching the weather change.  

Advice & Future 

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

I would advise them to take control of their time and to find excellent mentors to guide them. Each postdoctoral training experience is different, so it’s important to reflect on your goals, your strengths and weaknesses, and how to best allocate your time to achieve those goals. This approach helped me create a strategic plan to develop the skills I need and to identify mentors from whom I could learn. My advice is to identify your next career step early and then work backwards to build the skillset and support system that will help get you there. 

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

My next step is to establish my research program and future lab. I aim to continue excelling in academic research, while leading a diverse and equitable research team. I am committed to training future scientists and utilizing my platform to amplify the voices and needs of underrepresented trainees.