Biophysical Society Bulletin | December 2023

Communities

Esmael Haddadian Education Committee

Esmael Haddadian

Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Consider what causes or issues you are passionate about; think about your skills and strengths. Volunteering is most satisfying when it aligns with your interests and utilizes your abilities. Remember that volunteering is a two-way street. While you're contributing your time and skills, you can also gain valuable experiences, skills, and a sense of purpose. En joy the journey and the positive impact you're making in your community or in the lives of others. When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? I teach quantitative biology courses and engage in compu tational biology research. In my spare time I enjoy reading science fiction books and jogging.

Subgroups Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism The Bioenergetics, Mitochondria and Metabolism Subgroup calls for nominations for the Young Bioenergeticist (YBA) and Student Bioenergeticist (SBA) awards. The winners will have the opportunity to present their work at the 2024 Biophysi cal Society Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, and receive a cash prize. Award nominations will be accepted until Janu ary 10, 2024. Please contact the Subgroup Co-Chairs, Nelli Mnatsakanyan (nmnatsakanyan@pennstatehealth.psu.edu) and Ildiko Szabo (ildiko.szabo@unipd.it) for more information Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held? Yes, I have volunteered on the BPS Education Committee since 2016. Why do you volunteer? Volunteering provides an opportunity to contribute to the scientific community. By dedicating time and effort to the Biophysical Society, I aim to support the progress of biophys ics, cultivate a sense of community, and assist the Society in reaching its objectives. In my role as an instructional professor at the University of Chicago, where my primary responsibility is teaching undergraduate students, active participation in the BPS Education Committee enables me to stay informed of the latest developments, research trends, and advancements in biophysics. This ongoing learning experience provides person al growth and a sense of fulfillment. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? A highlight has been establishing and helping to judge the Undergraduate Poster Award Competition (UPAC).

Membrane Structure & Function We are excited to host a dinner open to all Membrane Struc ture and & Function Subgroup members on Saturday, Feb ruary 10th at Iron Hill Brewery (www.ironhillbrewery.com) in Philadelphia. Tickets can be purchased through the registra tion portal and cost $40 for Regular Members and $25 for Student Members. We hope to see you all there! — Liz Kelley , Chair — Milka Doktorova , Secretary-Treasurer

— Adam Smith , Chair-Elect — Ingela Parmryd , Past Chair

about the nomination procedures. — Nelli Mnatsakanyan , Co-Chair — Ildiko Szabo , Co-Chair

December 2023

12

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY