Six Postdocs Selected for NPA IMPACT Fellowship Program
News related to:National Postdoctoral Association · 1 min read
BETHESDA, Md., Sep 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has announced the selection of six postdoctoral scholars for its Class of 2027 IMPACT Fellowship Program. The program, which was launched in 2021, aims to provide comprehensive personal and professional development to postdoctoral scholars from underrepresented communities.
This year’s cohort includes Jyotsna Godavarthi from UTHealth Houston, Alexandra Kuvaeva from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Jaya Nepal from The Pennsylvania State University, Shefali Rai from the University of California San Diego, Shruti Tophkhane from the University of Minnesota, and Yabo Vidogbena from the University of Pennsylvania. Each fellow will engage in a 16-month program designed to leverage their strengths, acquire new skills, and build meaningful networks.
The IMPACT Fellowship Program is a key initiative of the NPA, offering resources and support to postdoctoral scholars. According to Thomas P.
The program’s curriculum includes the development of individual IMPACT projects, which target specific communities of importance to the fellows. These projects are designed to yield sustainable, positive, and replicable benefits. For example, fellows may develop innovative science programs in urban K-12 schools or academic partnerships with Native American communities to advance disease understanding.
The NPA is actively seeking additional sponsors to support the advancement of underrepresented scholarly communities through programs such as IMPACT. Academic institutions, companies, and nonprofit funders interested in engaging with the NPA can learn more about current sponsorship opportunities on the NPA’s website.
The IMPACT Fellowship Program is a testament to the NPA’s commitment to improving the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. Through this program, the NPA aims to empower postdoctoral scholars to become leaders in their fields and contribute to the broader scientific community.