Biophysical Society Bulletin | December 2023

Biophysicist in Profile

When asked what the biggest challenge of his career was, Jorgensen replied, “As with most PhD students, the relationship with the advisor is the most crucial and at times challenging. I see good supervisors as an essential component to research. Where supervisors do not engage in good practices, this can cause a huge set of obstacles for the student.” Jorgensen’s favorite thing about biophysics is all the aspects of complex membranes. He says, “Has nature selected for the exquisite compositional differences between different types of membranes? We still do not fully understand the role of cholesterol in different types of membranes, and I see col leagues uncovering new details using large-scale computation al resources or novel biophysical experiments.” Describing the most rewarding aspect of his work, he says, “I enjoy interacting with students, and I enjoy the scientific meetings and collab orations. I have especially enjoyed working on committees at the Biophysical Society.” Jorgensen explains what he values in the Biophysical Society: “I find the format and inclusivity very special. The Annual Meeting is always a highlight for me, with the possibility to network with colleagues. I have really enjoyed working with the Early Careers Committee across two terms.

I find the projects are very useful.” When Jorgensen is not work ing, he enjoys traveling: “Google says I was in over 10 countries last year.” His advice to young people just starting their careers in biophysics is to seek out good mentors who are generous with their time. He also encourages people to seek out peers at their same career stage. This will help deal with the highs and lows of research. And, finally: Have fun!

Jorgensen as part of the delegation welcoming the Head of Merton College, University of Oxford, to Denmark for the first time on an official visit.

Get Involved. The Biophysical Society provides many opportunities for members to get involved and give back to the biophysics community. To learn more about the different opportunities, please visit www.biophysics.org/get-involved.

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Be an inspiration to your community and help change the lives of those interested in or studying science. Sign up to be a mentor, K-12 classroom visitor, speaker, science fair judge, or student chapter sponsor. The FaB (Find a Biophysicist) Network is free and accessi ble by members and nonmembers, but only BPS members may join the network. To join FaB, login to your myBPS account and get involved. Help build this network by signing up today. For more information, visit www.biophysics.org/get-involved.

December 2023

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