LEGACY Postdoctoral Scholars Program

Leading Engineering as Agents of Change and Equity (LEGACY)
Founded by Ohio State College of Engineering Dean Ayanna Howard, the LEGACY Postdoctoral Scholars Program was established to prepare and diversify the next generation of engineering leaders in academia.
Why Ohio State
A unique feature of the LEGACY Postdoctoral Scholars Program at Ohio State is its focus on intersectional mentorship. Scholars and mentors will engage in authentic conversations that promote a culture of inclusivity.
Additional program features include:
- Engagement with professional and personal mentors
- Participation in a two-year cohort with other LEGACY postdocs
- Establishment of a community co-created by scholars
- Professional development in areas of need for success as a tenure-track faculty
- Formative and summative professional feedback about progress
- Transition to a faculty position in the College of Engineering
Our Goals
Diversity
Increase the number of underrepresented minority postdocs who transition to faculty positions in the college
Mentoring
Establish quality mentoring relationships that advance the careers of scholars
Research
Enhance the research, teaching and service portfolios of scholars
Community
Build and enhance scholarly communities in their fields, the college and the university
Message from our Dean
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- Inclusion in daily aspects of engineering department cultures
- Training in grants creation and management, research program development, and career mapping
- Internal and external networking opportunities to advance scholarship and professional brand
- One-on-one coaching throughout experience
- Formative feedback and updates in biweekly meetings
- Annual mentor team evaluations
Each scholar should identify 2-4 potential Ohio State mentors in the following categories:
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Primary: research area
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Secondary: teaching or service area
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Intersectional: aligned with your identity(ies)
Suggestions for Contacting Faculty
Co-creating an effective and inclusive mentoring program begins with establishing quality mentoring relationships from the beginning. To identify potential mentors, scholars should email 2-4 Ohio State faculty and express your interest in the LEGACY Postdoctoral Scholar Program. Be sure to submit your CV and at least one sample publication. View this guide for some helpful insights on intersectional mentoring in the college.
When a faculty mentor contacts you, schedule a phone call, in-person meeting or Zoom meeting to engage in a conversation about mentor/mentee alignment. If there is not a match, ask for a recommendation for another faculty mentor at Ohio State who might not have been on your initial list. Remember, as part of the application process, you must list primary, secondary and intersectional mentors. Please contact Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lisa Barclay if your web search does not lead you to a mentor with whom you visibly identify.
- Salary: $65,000 + benefits
- Stipends: $4,000 for research; $500 for professional development
- Moving expenses: reimbursement up to $2,500
To view the LEGACY Scholars position description or to apply, visit the application website. You will be asked to submit the following materials:
- Cover letter addressing your research interests and qualifications;
- Current curriculum vita;
- Two professional references (contact information only);
- 2-4 names of possible primary, secondary, and intersectional Ohio State mentors (see Mentoring section above); and
- A copy of one publication (published or in press)
Please direct questions about the LEGACY program to Dr. Monica Cox (cox.1192@osu.edu), director of the LEGACY Postdoctoral Scholar Program, with the subject line, “LEGACY Postdoctoral Application.”
The first round of application screenings will begin immediately and will continue until all LEGACY Postdoctoral Scholars are selected. LEGACY Postdoctoral Scholars for the 2021-2022 academic year cohort are expected to join Ohio State in fall 2021, but no later than January 2022.
Our Team

Dr. Monica Cox
LEGACY Program Director
