Anna Koganitsky joined assistant professor Sijin Li’s research group as a postdoctoral associate in October 2022. She earned her Ph.D. at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, where she studied protein-protein interactions that affect the bacterial flagellar motor. Her research aimed to understand how these interactions help bacteria adapt to low-oxygen conditions.
At Cornell, Koganitsky focuses on protein-protein interactions in the biosynthesis of plant natural products. She explores how this knowledge can help engineer microorganisms to produce these compounds sustainably. Her broader goal is to create bio-based alternatives to traditional chemical synthesis. This supports environmentally-friendly innovation in natural product manufacturing.
Koganitsky values the open and friendly nature of Cornell faculty and staff. “As postdocs, we look up to faculty members,” she says. “Having informal conversations with them helps us understand the challenges ahead. These interactions help us see the people behind the titles and build genuine relationships in the department.”
As a postdoc representative this year, she organized community-building events. These events bring postdocs together and offer insights into academic life and career development. “It’s been a fulfilling way to contribute to our community and support my peers.”
She also enjoys the Olin Hall coffee room. “It might seem small,” she says, “but the space encourages informal connections among postdocs. It’s where meaningful conversations happen, ideas are shared and community is built.”
Her advice to future leaders is captured in the following illustration:
