Biophysical Society Bulletin | February 2024

Biophysicist in Profile

Officers President Taekjip Ha President-Elect Gabriela Popescu Past-President Gail Robertson Secretary Teresa Giraldez Treasurer Samantha Harris Council Patricia Bassereau Margaret Cheung Henry Colecraft Martin Gruebele Kumiko Hayashi Syma Khalid Susan Marqusee Emmanuel Margeat Elizabeth Rhoades

as an independent researcher. “For my entire scientific training and academic career, I was at the same institution. For this reason, my support network, information channels, and sources of inspiration were initially limited. In this regard, in-person meetings, such as the Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Soci ety, have been critical in helping me to make the connections necessary to advance in my career.” Four years later, she was promoted to asso ciate professor with tenure, and four more years later to full professor. She says, "I keep telling my trainees that there is not one career path. We each have distinct constellations of talents, motivations, and opportunities which will shape our own career trajectory. My expe rience speaks very clearly to that.” Now Popescu directs an NINDS-R35-spon sored program investigating the molecular physiology of NMDA receptors. “Specifically, we investigate how changes in the energy landscape of the NMDA receptors, produced by genetic modifications or by interactions with diffusible ligands, change the electro chemical output of NMDA receptors,” she explains. “This information can be instrumen tal in developing new or better therapeutic interventions for a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including GRIN disorders, neuro degenerative conditions, and more recently, depression.”

She shares, “I love biophysics for its rigor and impact! No frills, no flutter: just the facts, ma’am! One can say that physics is similarly rigorous in how it describes its concepts, methods, and results. However, in my opinion, one cannot overcome the impact of under standing life, biological processes, and even the human mind with the rigor and precision of physics, which is exactly what biophysics is all about.” Popescu previously served as chair of the Bio physical Society’s Committee for Professional Opportunities for Women and as a member of Council, and will be stepping into the role of Society President this month. “The Biophysi cal Society, through its programs, committee events, and meetings has been successful in creating and nurturing a community, a loyal following of people and a sense of camarade rie, and ‘we’re in this together!’” she declares. “Over the past more than 20 years I have been a member I have seen the Society evolve to adapt to new realities while maintaining a sense of community. I think this is special!” Popescu credits much of her life and career success to the unwavering support of her hus band of 20+ years, Daniel J. Kosman , who is an American biochemist and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry at the University at Buffalo. They enjoy ballroom dancing, cooking, and gardening, as well as their four children and increasing number of grandchildren on the two North American coasts.

Kandice Tanner Valeria Vasquez Jing Xu Biophysical Journal Vasanthi Jayaraman Editor-in-Chief The Biophysicist Padmini Rangamani Editor-in-Chief Biophysical Reports

Jörg Enderlein Editor-in-Chief

Society Office Jennifer Pesanelli Executive Officer Newsletter

Executive Editor Jennifer Pesanelli Managing Editor John Long Production Ray Wolfe Meredith Zimmerman Proofreader/Copy Editor The Biophysical Society Newsletter (ISSN 0006-3495) is published eleven times per year, January-December, by the Biophysical Society, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Distributed to USA members and other countries at no cost. Cana dian GST No. 898477062. Postmaster: Send address changes to Biophysical Society, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110, Rockville, MD 20852. Copyright © 2024 by the Biophysical Society. Darren Early Laura Phelan

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February 2024

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