Appointed the Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Research Training and Director, BPP

Janis Burkhardt, PhD, has been appointed Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Research Training and Director of Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs (BPP) at the University of Pennsylvania, effective January 1, 2026. She will succeed Maja Bucan, PhD, after six years of leadership. Dr. Burkhardt, Chief of the Division of Cell Pathology at CHOP and faculty member in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at PSOM, is an accomplished immunologist whose research focuses on cytoskeletal control of immune cell function. A dedicated mentor and educator, she has guided over 40 trainees and received multiple mentorship awards. As BPP Director, she will oversee postdoctoral training across PSOM, foster collaboration, and advance inclusive and diverse training initiatives such as PennPORT. Drs. Burkhardt and Bucan will work together to ensure a smooth leadership transition.