What’s Up, Doc?
What’s Up, Doc? Podcast
Welcome to “What’s Up, Doc?” ! This informational interview series is designed to support the professional development needs and career exploration efforts of U-M Postdoctoral Fellows.
Each episode features a former U-M Postdoctoral Fellow who will discuss their experience transitioning into their career of choice and share advice to help you navigate your own postdoctoral journey.
Created by a U-M Postdoctoral Fellow, for Postdoctoral Fellows, in collaboration with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Season 1
Exploring Biotech Frontiers with Dr. Rita Avelar
Season 1 Episode 4
Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Dr. Rita Avelar, a lead scientist at CircNova. Discover her inspiring journey from academia to the forefront of biotech innovation. Dr. Avelar shares her experiences transitioning from a postdoc at the University of Michigan to leading groundbreaking research in RNA therapeutics. Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in the startup world, the importance of networking, and how diverse experiences can shape a successful career in science. Whether you’re an aspiring scientist or curious about the biotech industry, this episode offers valuable insights and advice. Tune in to explore the dynamic world of biotech with Dr. Avelar!
Building a Career in Tech Transfer: Insights from Dr. Megan Griffin
Season 1 Episode 3
In this episode, we explore the professional journey of Dr. Megan Griffin, who transitioned from life sciences research to a pivotal role in tech transfer at the University of Michigan. Dr. Griffin discusses her path to becoming Assistant Director of Licensing within Innovation Partnerships at U-M, the skills essential to transition and succeed in research commercialization, and the dynamic nature of her work. Tune in to discover valuable insights on professional development, the importance of communication and analytical thinking, and how to navigate a career in innovation and licensing.
From Bench Science to Sales with Dr. Emily Sherman
Season 1 Episode 2
Dr. Emily Sherman, a former postdoc turned successful sales executive at Takara, shares her journey from academia to industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of her transition. Discover how she leverages her scientific background to excel in a sales role, the importance of being open to new opportunities, and her advice for those considering a similar path. Whether you’re contemplating a career change or simply curious about the intersection of science and sales, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Navigating Career Paths in Academia and beyond with Dr. Kaylee Steen
Season 1 Episode 1
Dr. Steen shares her insights on career exploration and professional growth for postdocs, highlighting pivotal programs supporting the personal and professional development of Postdoctoral Fellows at U-M. She opens up about her own journey from graduate school to her current leadership role, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal strengths and the value of skill development. Tune in to discover strategies for navigating the complexities of the postdoc journey, and finding your path in academia and beyond!
Welcome to “What’s Up, Doc?”
Season 1 Episode 0
The hosts of the “What’s Up, Doc?” podcast, Maurinne Bonnet and Anne-Sophie Bohrer, walk you through the genesis of this initiative and their intentions behind creating a podcast to support the professional and career development of U-M Postdoctoral Fellows.
Meet your hosts
Maurinne Bonnet
U-M Postdoctoral Fellow, College of Pharmacy
Maurinne holds a MSc and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Nice, France. She recently completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan in the College of Pharmacy, where she was awarded the Michigan Pioneer Fellowship, allowing her to pursue her work on the development of RNA-targeting small molecules and screening biochemical assays. During her time at U-M, Maurinne has been dedicated to supporting the postdoc community with a focus on personal and professional development. In 2025, Maurinne joined the Biointerfaces Institute at U-M as an Innovation Fellow to help researchers turning their inventions into innovations with real-world impact. Maurinne also serves as the Director of Operations and People at Nucleate and as the Partnership Lead for their local Michigan chapter.
In her spare time, she likes to go to the gym, play ice hockey, and spend time with her friends and family.
Anne-Sophie Bohrer
Professional and Career Development Program Manager for Postdoctoral Fellows, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Anne-Sophie received her Ph.D. in plant biochemistry from the Université Paris-Sud in 2012 and continued her research training at Michigan State University (MSU) as a postdoctoral researcher for nine years. During her postdoc, Anne-Sophie joined the MSU Postdoctoral Association, a pivotal experience that would initiate her career exploration journey. From the experience, Anne-Sophie made crucial connections that led her to join the NIH-funded Broadening Experience in Scientific Training (BEST) program, allowing her to explore a multitude of non-academic careers and later providing her the opportunity to work on the NIH-funded Postdoc Academy project. These experiential learning opportunities confirmed her interest in pursuing a career in higher education administration, specifically in postdoctoral affairs.
In her spare time, Anne-Sophie likes to read, dance, cook and bake, and spend time with her family.