Biophysical Society Bulletin | February 2026

February 2026

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Best of Biophysical Journal Symposium

Biophysical Journal will host its fifth Best of BJ Symposium at the BPS Annual Meeting, reflecting the journal’s commitment to advancing quantitative under standing of living systems through physical principles. This year’s session will be titled “ Biophysical Journal: Molecular Mechanisms and Dynamics in Biological Systems. ” The speakers, including the Paper of the Year-Early Career Investi gator Award recipient, will be authors with work published between late 2024 and mid-2025, who are invited to present about their articles, showcasing the kind of excellent research that can be found in the journal. The Paper of the Year-Early Career Investigator Award recognizes an early career researcher who has published an outstanding paper in the journal. The event will highlight studies that reveal how molecular interactions and dynamic interfaces drive function across diverse biological systems—from ion channels and membrane proteins to cellular adhesion complexes and energy

Luigi Catacuzzeno

Min Lin

Laurent J. Catoire

Jin Yu Alexandra Olaya-Castro

Denis V. Titov

transfer networks. This year’s speakers will be Luigi Catacuzzeno , University of Perugia, Italy; Laurent J. Catoire , Université Paris Cité, France; Min Lin , Xi’an Jiaotong University, China; Alexandra Olaya-Castro , University College London, United Kingdom; Jin Yu , University of California, Irvine, USA; and Denis V. Titov (Paper of the Year-Early Career Investigator Award), University of California, Berkeley, USA. The symposium will take place at the BPS Annual Meeting in San Francisco on February 24 from 10:45 AM to 12:45 PM. Please join us to hear about the exciting work of these leaders in biophysics.

Follow Annual Meeting events on social media and the BPS Blog throughout the Annual Meeting. Follow along using the hashtag #bps2026

Inside President’s Message Biophysicist in Profile

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Career Development

President’s Message

Moving the Society Forward with Optimism

What a year it has been to be BPS President! The many chal lenges of this year, for science and for democracy, have made the job that much more inter esting and inspiring. I wanted to share some of that inspiration with you: what I have learned this year and my hopes for the future.

We reaffirmed that we value universal access and opportunity, broad representation and belonging, and community building in our pursuit of scientific excellence, with integrity and trans parency. We took action in support of these values: 50 more of you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting thanks to the BPS Council’s action to expand our Bridging Funds program and the generosity of BPS members who contributed ~$9,000! Our ability to make such investments depends on having a stable financial foundation. BPS leadership has found and will continue to find ways to make strategic financial decisions that enable us to weather hardships like lower 2026 meeting atten dance and reduced membership that have resulted from cuts and uncertainty around science funding and travel. One thing is clear from the events of the past year: solidarity is critical in order to make it through tough times. In February 2025, the presidents of many scientific societies began holding biweekly Zoom meetings to discuss how our societies are affected and are responding to the constant stream of attacks on science. These Zoom meetings have been great sources of information, ideas, and mutual support, and have further high lighted for me the importance of scientific societies in providing leadership and supporting our members to advance critical science. Such connections empower us to stand up in solidarity against changes that we all know will hurt scientific progress and thus will hurt people. This brings me to how much I am looking forward to our Annual Meeting in San Francisco. In-person meetings are so import ant to allow us all to connect with the community in ways that bolster and inspire our work. In support of our future, I am very excited to promote science communication through the President’s Symposium, “Communicating the Value of Biophys ics in a Changing World,” and a related workshop, “From Data to Dialogue: Artful Strategies Against Misinformation.” We will also continue the inspiring tradition of celebrating the excellent science being done by our members as we honor an outstand ing set of 2026 BPS Awardees and the 2026 BPS Lecturer. It will be great to take a break from the political noise and take advantage of the many opportunities to learn terrific new sci ence and to reconnect with friends and colleagues to recharge ourselves. I will close with my hopes for the future. What more can we each do to move forward with confident optimism, resilience, and determination? Building connections with the BPS com munity is more important than ever to help you personally and science collectively to survive and thrive. I encourage you to use your voice and efforts to move the Society forward scientifi

Lynmarie K. Thompson

As President, with a front row seat to the work of the Society, I have become even more appreciative of the way BPS is run and the great work that BPS does. First, we have an extremely talented and dedicated staff. Each new BPS President is fortu nate to have outstanding guidance from our Executive Officer, Jennifer Pesanelli . It has been inspiring to watch Jennifer calmly and confidently steering the BPS ship through the storm of this year. Her deep commitment to our BPS values informs her work to keep Council and our many BPS Committees orga nized and on track. Her wisdom and experience enable her, for example, to maximize the success of our Annual Meetings and our small meetings each year, as we navigate challenges like pandemics and travel bans. Also, importantly, she supports a team of fabulous BPS staff who make it all happen. Next, our BPS governance structure enables us to chart the course through choppy waters like we experienced this year. Our members elect BPS Council members to represent our diverse perspectives. Working with Council, I am continuously impressed by how the broad range of science backgrounds and experiences at different institutions and in different coun tries informs thoughtful decisions to continue important BPS traditions while also implementing exciting new directions. For instance, beginning in 2027 we will be featuring a rotating set of Subgroups in the main program at each Annual Meeting, which also opens space for new Subgroups to emerge to rep resent new key areas where biophysics can contribute. Finally, our BPS Committees do great work to implement our values and activities—programming our meetings large and small, advocating for science and for sustainability during a challeng ing time, and so much more important work. The upheavals of this year for science are a call to action, to work both individually and collectively to advance critical work and values. What has BPS done? Every three years we update our Strategic Plan, and our 2025 update features an unwavering commitment to our values and a clear explanation of our goals (www.biophysics.org/Portals/0/BPSAssets/Cur rent/20252028StrategicPlan.pdf).

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President’s Message

Officers President Lynmarie K. Thompson President-Elect Karen G. Fleming Past-President Gabriela K. Popescu Secretary Teresa Giraldez Treasurer Samantha Harris Council

cally. You can shape BPS toward the scientific directions you value by submitting proposals for future meeting symposia and Subgroups and by recruiting members from adjacent fields, all of which helps keep BPS nimble and responsive to emerging scientific directions. I encourage you to publish in Biophysical Journal , which will advance the stature of the journal and build the financial security of BPS. Imagine all the additional great science you can do instead of taking the time for repeated submissions to journals that often make unreasonable demands and have high publication costs. Publishing in Society journals is an investment in our community. I encourage you to use your voice and efforts in support of our values: we know these values enable science and scientists to thrive, so let’s continue to advocate for them. More than 300 BPS members volunteer to serve the Society in some capacity. You too can get involved (www. biophysics.org/get-involved) to work for some Looking For the Right Job Candidate? The BPS Job Board serves as a premier platform for posting open positions in biophysics research and related fields. By leveraging our platform, you can find talented and passionate candidates to join your team.

thing you believe in, to feel active rather than helpless during these challenging times. Finally, I hope you will be inspired by our programming and/or by the political moment to increase your own efforts to communicate the value of science broadly and to train others to pursue this im portant endeavor. It has been an honor and a privilege to be your President. The difficulties of this year have made it even more clear to me what a critical role BPS plays in nurturing our careers and nucleating our community. I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting, and to continuing in the years to come to support each other as we advance science and communicate its value both within and well beyond our BPS community. See you at the posters and on the dance floor in San Francisco! — Lynmarie K. Thompson , President

Silvia Cavagnero Margaret Cheung Theanne Griffith Taviare Hawkins Ryota Iino Anne Kenworthy

Emmanuel Margeat Elizabeth Rhoades Renae Ryan Tamar Schlick Jing Xu Biophysical Journal Vasanthi Jayaraman Editor-in-Chief The Biophysicist Padmini Rangamani Editor-in-Chief Biophysical Reports

Melanie Cocco 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, 6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 540, Bethesda, Maryland 20817. Distributed to USA members and other countries at no cost. Canadian GST No. 898477062. Postmaster: Send address changes to Biophysical Society, 6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 540, Bethesda, MD 20817. Copyright © 2026 by the Biophysical Society. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Darren Early Laura Phelan

In celebration of the Society’s 70th Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California, February 21–25, 2026, Society members can take advantage of a 60-day job posting on the Biophysical Society’s Job Board for just $399 (member) or $499 (nonmember). Package includes: • Viewable job posting on the Society Job Board for 60 days • On site job posting at the Annual Meeting Career Development Center • Unlimited access to resumes on the online Job Board • Access to interview space in the Career Development Center as available • Inclusion in the Society’s Job Flash email, which goes out to over 6,500 biophysics professionals • Offer is available only through February 13. To post a job and for more information, please visit the Job Board. Job Hunting? Let BPS Help You Looking for your next opportunity in biophysics? The BPS Career Center offers job listings, career advice, and resources tailored to every career stage. Visit today to explore openings, sharpen your skills, and take the next step in your career. https:/ biophysics-jobs.careerwebsite.com/

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Biophysicist in Profile

Eric Sundberg Area of Research The role of glycans in antibody-mediated effector functions

Institution Emory University

At-a-Glance

Eric Sundberg ’s career evolved from teenage research in his father’s chemical engineering lab to leading work on antibody engineering at Emory University, where he now serves as professor and chair of biochemistry. His research focuses on manipulating glycans on immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti bodies to develop new therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, while finding his greatest rewards in mentoring trainees and supporting young faculty.

Eric Sundberg

Eric Sundberg ’s path to becoming a leading structural immu nologist began in his father’s chemical engineering lab at the University of New Hampshire. At the age of 16, Sundberg found himself filling a gap left by departing graduate stu dents, working on interfacial energies in multi-component latex particles. What started as a summer job evolved into a formative experience that would span multiple years and produce his first peer-reviewed publication—co-authored with just one other person. “My first peer-reviewed journal article, with just two authors (both named “Sundberg!”), was published when I was in college but describes work that I did while a high schooler,” he recalls. This early immersion in re search, facilitated by his father’s polymer engineering exper tise, provided a foundation that would eventually lead him far from latex particles and into the intricate world of antibody engineering and immune system function. His pivot to biophysics came during Sundberg’s undergradu ate years at the University of Rochester, where he balanced rigorous academics with his role as captain of the men’s soc cer team. In a graduate course on bioorganic chemistry taught by Eric Kool , Sundberg first encountered three-dimensional protein models visualized on a computer screen. “When he told me that X-ray crystallographers generate most of the protein structures that we were looking at and spinning around on the screen, I decided there and then to go to grad uate school to learn crystallography,” Sundberg explains. That decisive moment led him to pursue dual bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and economics—finding both topics fascinat ing—before committing fully to structural biology. At Northwestern University, Sundberg became the first PhD student of Ted Jardetzky , who had recently completed postdoctoral work with the late Don Wiley at Harvard. This positioned Sundberg at the cutting edge of structural im munology, where he tackled problems involving molecular recognition, host immunity, and host-pathogen interactions while solving his first X-ray crystal structure.

His postdoctoral work with Roy Mariuzza at what is now the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research in Rock ville, Maryland, deepened this expertise. Sundberg describes moving “from one structural immunology lab to another, extending my studies on how the human immune system and human pathogens interact, solving many more crystal struc tures, and expanding my biophysical skillset.” The research that would come to define Sundberg’s career emerged from a fortunate lab placement. After launching his first independent lab at the Boston Biomedical Research Institute and subsequently moving to the University of Mary land School of Medicine and the Institute of Human Virology in Baltimore, Sundberg found his lab located next to that of Lai-Xi Wang , an expert in glycan remodeling. Wang’s work focused on the conserved glycan found on IgG antibodies—a sugar modification that controls how these an tibodies interact with Fc gamma receptors and complement proteins, thereby determining their effector functions. The collaboration that emerged from this proximity would prove transformative. Together, they determined the high-resolu tion structure of EndoS, an IgG-specific endoglycosidase, and defined how these enzymes achieve their remarkable speci ficity for IgG antibodies. “We teamed up with Lai-Xi and his group to determine the high-resolution structure of EndoS and went on to define the molecular basis by which these enzymes achieve strict IgG substrate specificity, discover a new family of IgG-specific en doglycosidases, and turned them into potential therapeutics to treat autoimmunity and other IgG-mediated pathologies,” Sundberg shares. Now professor and chair of biochemistry at Emory University School of Medicine, Sundberg’s research has evolved to focus on what he describes as “defining the molecular basis of, and engineering, antibody-mediated effector functions.” His group is pushing the boundaries of enzyme engineering, as

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Biophysicist in Profile

he describes: “This is an extension of our work on IgG-specific endoglycosidases, which we have now extended to engineer ing these enzymes to alter or increase their specificities. We are working on making these enzymes specific not only to IgG antibodies, but only certain glycans on IgG antibodies, so that we can therapeutically target the most inflammatory and pathogenic antibody glycoforms.” Like many scientists, Sundberg found the transition from trainee to independent principal investigator (PI) to be his career’s greatest challenge. “Coming from a track record of success in established research environments, it can be a rude awakening to not be immediately successful while build ing your own research environment,” he reflects. He describes the period as “often frustrating and periodically debilitating— in the sense that I sometimes questioned whether I had really chosen the right career path for me.” What carried him through were relationships—with lab members he learned to trust, colleagues who had navigated the same transition, and collaborators who expanded his research scope. His experience during that transition now informs his work recruiting and mentoring new faculty at Em ory. For Sundberg, the most fulfilling aspect of his dual roles as professor and department chair centers on people. “As a PI, the reward for me in seeing my trainees succeed is probably greater than it is even for them,” he says. Similarly, as chair, he finds deep satisfaction in recruiting young scientists and supporting them through the establishment of their research programs and advancement through academic ranks. His involvement with the Biophysical Society, particularly his tenure on the Public Affairs Committee (including six years serving as chair), reflects his commitment to supporting others. He shares, “The Society has been a constant presence in my career, making and/or strengthening connections at every stage. Some of these have been more scientific, such as my collaborations with Ed Egelman , former BPS President and professor at the University of Virginia, with whom I have published several papers on the structure and function of

flagella. Others have been more professional, such as my many interactions with Karen Fleming , BPS President-Elect and professor at Johns Hopkins, from whom I’ve always sought career advice—and luckily for me she has been gra cious enough to provide it!” Sundberg sees biophysics entering what he calls “a golden age of molecular design and engineering in which we can create protein biologics to address virtually any disease.” His vision for the future involves continued development of tools to design and engineer proteins with unprecedented capabili ties, both technological and therapeutic. Personally, he hopes “to develop new ways to shape the immune response through enzyme and glycoprotein engineering.” His advice to young biophysicists reflects the wisdom gained from his own journey: “First, find a balance between working on the scientific problem(s) you are most passionate about and using your biophysical skillset to expand into new fields. Second, trust your trainees and the training process and try to appreciate that learning only comes through failure.”

Sundberg hiking the Coast-to-Coast Trail in England.

Outside the lab, Sundberg maintains connections to his New Hampshire roots. Growing up with ready access to mountains instilled what he describes as “an enduring love of the out doors,” which he nurtures through running, road and moun tain biking, hiking, and climbing.

The Biophysical Society is grateful to its Industry Partners.

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Public Affairs

States Build AI Supercomputers to Power Next-Generation Science As AI research accelerates, states are stepping in to give universities the computing muscle they cannot afford on their own. New York’s Empire AI—a $500 million, 10-year initiative—has quickly become a model, providing research ers access to cutting-edge Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) needed for modern AI systems. Its first machine, Alpha, is already supporting more than 350 scientists; its second, Beta, arriving soon, will be among the most powerful academic AI supercomputers in the nation.

While fusion researchers have long advocated for their own office, arguing that the field is expanding rapidly with the rise of well-funded private fusion companies, concern remains that the new offices may be created by carving programs out of DOE’s Office of Science, the nation’s largest supporter of the physical sciences and steward of major national labs and research facilities. The new AI office may absorb the Office of Science’s advanced scientific computing research program, potentially shifting DOE’s focus toward AI-optimized machines that are not as strong at traditional high-precision simulations. Some national labs—such as the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory— could be reassigned to the new fusion office. With staffing shortages at DOE and a long-standing bipartisan commitment to basic research, many fear the move could weaken support for fields that fall outside today’s favored technologies. cloud costs mean many scientists still face long waits. Empire AI plans to keep scaling: a third system, Gamma, is slated for 2027 and will be 10 times more powerful than Beta, with a fourth, Delta, to follow. Meanwhile, federal agen cies are exploring larger investments, including the partner ships of the US Department of Energy with NVIDIA and AMD to build nine new AI-focused supercomputers. As AI becomes central to scientific discovery—from climate prediction to cancer diagnostics—states are building the infrastructure needed to keep US research competitive, collaborative, and publicly accessible. New York is not alone in this push. California is launching CalCompute, an AI-ready supercomputing program at the University of California. Federal initiatives such as the National Science Foundation’s CloudBank and the pilot National AI Research Resource help, but limited access to GPUs and high

DOE Reorganization Prioritizes AI and Fusion, Raising Concerns for Basic Research The US Department of Energy (DOE) is restructuring its research portfolio, launching a new Office of Fusion and an Office of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum. The shift comes as the US administration sharpens its focus on emerging technologies. On November 24, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Genesis Mission, an AI-accelerated science initiative to be led by DOE Undersec retary for Science Dario Gil . The effort envisions a unified plat form connecting US supercomputers, AI systems, quantum computers, and scientific instruments into what Gil calls “the most complex and powerful scientific instrument ever built.” Science is already advancing. University at Buffalo research ers are using Empire AI to build SWAXSFold, an AI system that predicts how proteins change shape—an essential leap beyond AlphaFold’s static structures. Columbia scientists are training models to forecast flash floods at neighborhood scales, while New York University neuroscientists are running virtual brain networks in a fraction of the time. At Weill Cor nell, researchers are training AI to identify a dangerous sub type of prostate cancer—work impossible on local clusters.

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Public Affairs

NIH Launches New Center to Standardize Organoid Models

decision-makers’ confidence. Test scenarios ranged from multi-virus coinfection models to assessing the impact of targeted vaccination campaigns. Many ASKEM products, including the Terarium modeling workbench, are now open source. DARPA is exploring adoption across health, defense, and intelligence agencies, positioning these tools to support faster, clearer modeling during future outbreaks. Around the World Russia Pledges Major R&D Boost; Scientists Remain Skeptical Russia has announced plans to more than triple its research spending over the next five years, with total investment set to reach 6.2 trillion rubles ($80 billion) by 2030, up from 2 trillion rubles today. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said that nearly 60% of the funding would come from government sources—down from over 90% currently—with private indus try contributing the remainder. The increase is intended to help the country achieve President Vladimir Putin ’s long-term goal of investing 2% of GDP in research and development. Despite the ambitious targets, many scientists doubt that they are achievable. Russia’s research spending has fallen in recent years, from 0.51% of GDP in 2020 to just 0.36% in 2024, and the country faces significant economic constraints. Observers warn that turning the government’s plan into reality may be a formidable challenge. 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. Access to the network is free for all BPS members and non-members. Use Your Expertise to Make a Difference!

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $87 mil lion to establish the Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Center, a new national hub designed to create reliable, repro ducible organoid models for biomedical research. The center will be based at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, supported by the National Cancer Institute. Organoids—miniature, lab-grown tissues that mimic human organs—are increasingly valuable alternatives to animal models. However, because most are produced through trial-and-error methods in individual labs, reproducibility has lagged. The SOM Center aims to change that by us ing AI, robotics, and diverse human cell sources to develop standardized organoid models that can be broadly used by researchers and accepted by regulators. NIH Director Jay Bhat tacharya called the initiative a major step toward advancing human-based research tools, improving disease modeling, accelerating drug discovery, and reducing reliance on animals. The center will make its protocols, data, and organoids openly available to academic, industry, and government scientists, as well as clinicians seeking patient-specific models. It will also collaborate with the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that models meet preclinical testing standards. Initial efforts will focus on liver, lung, heart, and intestinal organoids, with plans to expand into additional tissues and disease areas. AI Tools Aim to Speed and Simplify Outbreak Modeling The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how slow and opaque traditional disease-spread models can be. Many rely on vast legacy code bases that are hard to update quickly when new scientific insights emerge. The Defense Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has a program, Automating Scientific Knowl edge Extraction and Modeling (ASKEM), which was launched in 2022, that aims to provide a solution with AI tools that build and update scientific models faster and more transpar ently. The systems can read research papers or ingest Jupyter notebooks, extract the underlying math, and assemble mod els at a higher level of scientific abstraction. Researchers can focus on biology and behavior instead of wrestling with code. Independent testing showed that the tools can create models 83% faster than standard workflows, while making assump tions and mechanisms easier to understand—boosting

For more information, visit biophysics.org/find-a-biophysicist.

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Publications

Know the Editor Alexandra Zidovska New York University

Editor’s Pick

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What are you currently working on that excites you? I am very excited by trying to understand physical principles underlying the organization and dynamics of the human genome. The genome is endlessly complex and intricately organized inside the cell nucleus. Really, 2 m of DNA are packed inside a cell nucleus barely 10 µm in diameter, so the cell has to use nifty tricks to do so, and many of them rely on physics. On top of it, it’s not only a packing problem, it also has to be packed in a way that allows easy and fast access to different parts of the genome. Like a gigantic library with easy access to any book you want. At the same time, the genome is dynamic, so this question has literally and figuratively many moving parts. What has been your most exciting discovery as a biophysicist? My most exciting discovery has been the discovery of coher ent motions of the genome in live cells. Using displacement correlation spectroscopy (DCS), I found that big patches of chromatin—the functional form of DNA in the cell—are moving together for several seconds inside the cell nucleus. This type of motion is present in the cell only when active processes, which use ATP as fuel, are ongoing. Without ATP, it is gone. The coherent chromatin motions are a very inter esting phenomenon, as they cause a group of genes to travel together for a short time, and clearly affect the genome organization in the cell nucleus. This is interesting from both a physics and a biology perspective, because it informs our current picture of the genome.

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Biophysical Journal Backbone conformational entropy change in helix folding Uroš Zavrtanik, Jurij Lah, and San Hadži “One aspect of the protein folding problem concerns the question of what makes proteins thermodynamically stable. It is known that stability results from a delicate balance among several thermodynamic forces, of which the largest oppos ing folding arises from the loss of conformational freedom, reflected in the backbone entropy change, ΔS BB . However, the value of this key parameter is difficult to determine exper imentally. By measuring the absolute heat capacity of the simplest protein folding unit, the α -helix, and using a sta tistical-thermodynamic model and Bayesian inference, the authors determined the helix nucleation parameter that is directly related to ΔS BB . The resulting precise ΔS BB value is cru cial for a better understanding of how thermodynamic driving forces orchestrate protein stability.”

Version of Record Published November 28, 2025 DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2025.11.2689

Numbers By the

The Biophysical Society has a global membership, with approximately one-third of our members located outside the United States.

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Career Development

How Do I Prepare for Graduation As an Undergraduate Student?

Graduation often arrives faster than expected. Take it from me: one day you’re preparing another lab report, and the next you are being asked to decide what comes after. This transition can

just about what types of programs to which you should apply, but also about what type of lab culture would fit you best. A clear sense of why you want to pursue further training often can be more important than developing a slightly more optimized transcript. If possible, ask faculty members about their own paths and what they found most important. In my experience, an extremely common challenge that prospec tive graduate students face comes from how difficult it can be to have these discussions with an admissions committee in a way that feels natural. You won’t just be rehashing your transcript, so getting comfortable with these discussions before meeting with your potential future PI can make a world of difference. At the same time, keep your options open. Even students who feel confident about their next step benefit from exploring alternatives. Attend career panels, connect with alumni, or request informational interviews with people working in roles that interest you. These low-pressure conversations are a way to learn what you truly value before making a commit ment. Ask yourself how you would want your daily life to look. If you aren’t sure, then exploring further can be a great help. Finally, give yourself permission to not have everything fig ured out. Many successful scientists and professionals took paths that were anything but linear. Preparing for graduation is about building a foundation that will support you as you move forward. Wherever you land next, the habits you develop now will continue to guide you long after commencement day. — Molly Cule

bring excitement and uncertainty in equal parts, which is why it’s so import ant to start thinking it through before you start to feel the pressure. Preparing for graduation is less about having a perfectly defined plan and more about taking time to build confidence in your next steps. A good place to start is simply making sure you are academi cally on track. Check in with your advisor early to confirm that you will meet all degree requirements. These conversations are also an opportunity to talk more broadly about your goals. Faculty advisors have seen many students navigate this tran sition and can often help you think through options you may not have considered. As you prepare to leave the classroom, take stock of what you have learned beyond course content. Think about the skills you have developed throughout your undergraduate experience (e.g., in labs, group projects, research experiences, and presentations). Being able to describe how you function in these environments will serve you well wherever life takes you. Practicing how you talk about these experiences (out loud, not just on paper) can make a meaningful difference. For students considering graduate school, preparation often begins earlier than you might expect. Talk with mentors, not

Submit your paper.

cell.com/biophysreports

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Annual Meeting

Badge Pick-Up Look for your registration confirmation with QR code by email on February 13. Print this confirmation and bring it with you to expedite the process of picking up your badge. Don’t worry if you don’t have your QR code: you can still pick up your badge at the Express Check-In Counters by using your name. Badge Pick-Up Hours Friday, February 20 3:00 pm –5:00 pm Saturday, February 21 7:30 am –6:30 pm Sunday, February 22 – Tuesday, February 24 7:30 am –5:00 pm Housing Confirmation Everyone who booked their hotel reservations through the official BPS housing bureau, Convention Housing Partners (CHP), should have received their confirmation via email. If you have not received your confirmation, please contact the housing bureau toll-free at 1-800 274-9481. Outside the United States, please call 1-415-813-6088 and select option 4. Plan, Sync, Connect with the Mobile App and Desktop Planner Get Ready for San Francisco: What to Know Before the Annual Meeting

Thank you to our sponsors: ACS Publications Allen Institute American Physical Society Avanti Research Bruker Calibre Scientific Cell Press Chroma Technology Cube Biotech GmbH JASCO Journal of General Physiology (JGP) Leica Microsystems Mad City Labs Inc Merck Research Laboratories Nanion Technologies Next Gen Nicoya Lifesciences

Visit biophysics.org/2026meeting for more information on the Biophysical Society Events Desktop Planner and Events App. Search keyword “BPS Events” in the app stores below.

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Annual Meeting

Undergraduate Student Lounge Need a quiet place to unwind and relax or catch up on course work while at the Annual Meeting? Visit the Undergraduate Student Lounge in South Lobby Room 103 of the Moscone Center. Attending the Annual Meeting? Our volunteers make it possible! Their impact is immeasurable and has a If you are not attending the Annual Meeting but would like to get involved with BPS, please visit www.biophysics.org/ get-involved to learn about all of the opportunities to make a difference. Art of Science Image Contest Images from 10 finalists will be on display in the Exhibit Hall. Remember to stop by and vote for your two favorite images. Voting will be open until 2:30 PM on Tuesday, February 24. Ballots will be distributed with your badge at badge pick-up. Plan Your Exhibit Hall Experience Before Arriving in San Francisco View the 2026 exhibiting companies at www.biophysics.org/ 2026meeting/exhibits/exhibitor-information/exhibitor-list and make sure to participate in the new Exhibit Hall Bingo activity to win Apple Airpods! profound effect on science communities around the world. Ask one of our volun teers wearing this button about how you can get involved with BPS.

Biophysical Society TV BPS is once again partnering with Websedge to bring Bio physical Society TV to the Annual Meeting! Biophysical Society TV features new episodes daily, including Thought Leadership and Annual Meeting News . View program highlights, “behind the scenes” interviews, and coverage of meeting events while at the Moscone Center. Follow Annual Meeting events on Facebook, X, Bluesky, and the Biophysical Society Blog throughout the Annual Meeting for scientific session news, press releases, and attendee blog posts. Follow along using the hashtag #BPS2026.

Don’t forget to purchase an Annual Meeting t-shirt as well as other Society merchandise at the Society Booth located in the South Lobby of the Moscone Center.

Tell Me About Your Poster Find members of the BPS editorial boards and Publications Committee in the poster area wearing the “Tell Me About Your

Poster” button. Take a few minutes to tell them about the research shown on your poster and you can receive 10% off publication fees if you publish a related paper in a BPS journal!

biophysics.org/ 2026meeting

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Communities

Monica Rieth Early Careers Committee

Monica Rieth

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held? Yes, this is my first volunteer appointment with the Society. My goal was to engage more deeply in facets of the organi zation beyond scientific presentations. Looking ahead, I am committed to advancing the mission of BPS and supporting the next generation as they establish their roles within the community. Why do you volunteer? Contributing to the community is a responsibility I value. While strong mentorship isn’t always easy to find, I’m grateful for the support this community has provided me throughout my academic journey—from my time as a graduate student through my initial appointment as an assistant professor. If I am able to offer guidance or assist others who share similar goals, I am committed to doing so in any way I can. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? Meeting other members of the Early Careers Committee has been a valuable experience, although my interactions have primarily taken place in a virtual setting. I look forward to participating more in person at future meetings. Additionally, gaining insight into the work of young scientists who are en

thusiastic about contributing and presenting their research is highly motivating. There is so much potential and promise for the next generation of biophysicists. I can’t wait to see what they will do. Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Consider proactively contacting individuals to learn more about opportunities for involvement. Seek out committees whose values align with your own. Participate in workshop sessions at the Annual Meeting and engage in professional dialogue. Expressing your interest may lead to unexpected opportunities within the organization or spawn other collabo rative projects with some of its members. When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? When not volunteering, I’m usually actively pursuing research interests and working on expanding those projects while balancing other responsibilities such as teaching. I also try to make time for outdoor physical activity, working out at the gym, and walking my dog. Lastly, I enjoy meeting new peo ple and connecting with others outside of my professional sphere.

Access expert advice on topics like: • Navigating career transitions • Science communications • Leadership and mentorship • Work-life balance in academia and industry Explore these resources at your own pace and gain valuable insights to support your professional growth. Start learning today at www.biophysics.org/ondemand Expand Your Skills with BPS On-Demand Looking to strengthen your professional skills and advance your career in biophysics? The BPS On-Demand Video Library offers a wide range of webinars and resources focused on career development, mentoring, and essential skills for scientists at all career stages.

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Member Corner

Members in the News

Elizabeth Hinde , University of Melbourne and Society member since 2010, was inducted to the Australian Research Council’s College of Experts.

Elizabeth Hinde

Grants & Opportunities

Benjamin Franklin Medals The Franklin Institute invites nominations for Benjamin Franklin Medals, presented in the following disciplines of science and engineering: chemistry, civil and mechanical engineering, computer and cognitive science, earth and environmental science, electrical engineering, life science, and physics. Interdisciplinary awards will also be consid ered. Who can apply: This is an international competition for individuals whose work has had a significant impact on the aforementioned fields of science and engineering and is not restricted by theme or topic. Deadline: Nominations are accepted any time throughout the year. Website: https:/ fi.edu/en/awards/nominations/benja min-franklin-medals

Elisa U. Pardee Foundation Grants—Supporting Innovative Cancer Research These grants fund research directed toward identifying new treatments or cures for cancer. Projects are funded for a one-year period, which will allow for the establish ment of capabilities for new cancer researchers or new cancer approaches by established cancer researchers. Project relevance to cancer detection, treatment, or cure should be easily identified. Who can apply: Investigators at US non-profit research institutions Deadline: April 30, 2026 Website: https:/pardeefoundation.org/how-to-apply/

Student Spotlight Som Kwale Jeffrey University of South Africa

What do you hope to accomplish in your career? I aspire to bridge advanced materials science and global health equity by developing dual-modal theranostic nanoparticles that combine persistent luminescence and magnetic properties for affordable and accessible cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly in resource-limited settings where I have witnessed firsthand how technological barriers translate into preventable deaths.

Som Kwale Jeffrey

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In Memoriam

Michael J. Saxton

Michael J. Saxton (1947–2025), a dedicated member of the Biophysical Society and the Membrane Structure & Function Subgroup, passed away on July 24, 2025. Mike received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Michigan State University, a Master’s in Chem istry at the University of Oregon, and a PhD in Chemical Physics at Harvard University. After stints in the US Army and several academic institutions, Mike

unexpected byways in membrane biophysics. Michael Saxton was an unsung hero of biophysics. I think that he influenced the work of everyone who read his papers or talked with him.” Mike also made a major contribution to the scientific commu nity as a reviewer, a role for which he was disproportionally asked to serve. Many authors who at first would find his diffi cult questions and requests a nuisance that should be ignored later conceded that the meticulous reviewer was correct at every point. Even after his retirement, Mike made sure to attend the BPS Annual Meeting and to have something new to present each year. His preference was for the poster format for maximal interaction and modest exposure. During the poster sessions he would say that “participants alter their movements from random walks to form transient clusters,” alluding to his groundbreaking work on diffusion modes and their analysis. Mike’s “random walk” at BPS was, however, not at all random; it was guided by a long list of posters to visit and talks to attend. As Erin Sheets , professor at the University of Minneso ta, Duluth, recalled, “Mike was a strong supporter of so many of us, particularly when we were just starting out as young grad students, postdocs, and faculty, always taking the time to stop by our posters and presentations at the BPS Annual Meeting.” As a young scientist, Mike had an agreement with a junior colleague to meet up for dinner at the BPS Annual Meet ing unless someone very prominent made either of them a better offer. Lately, several of us had the honor and pleasure of being a standing dinner companion to him at the meeting. Characteristically, Mike did not recognize that he was by then a prominent person and a legend in his field. When he found out he was seriously ill, Mike did not think he would make it to the 2025 Annual Meeting. He was grate ful that he could attend, marking the 38th consecutive year he presented either a paper or a poster. His presence at the 2026 meeting and beyond will be sorely missed, but his ideas will continue to guide our thoughts, and his smile will always warm our hearts.

Michael J. Saxton

eventually settled at the University of California, Davis, where he worked as a research chemist until his retirement in 2008. Mike was well known for his contributions to our understand ing of complex diffusive behavior in biological systems. He developed computational models that bridged theoretical physics and experimental biophysics. His novel computational frameworks supported the interpretation of experimental data and provided predictive models. Indeed, the titles of many of his research papers posed important provocative questions and requests to experimentalists, such as “Wanted: Scalable Tracers for Diffusion.” Mike had a particular interest in modeling hindered and anomalous diffusion in biological systems, especially within crowded cellular environments like the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Notably, he applied concepts from percolation theory and fractal geometry to explain subdiffu sive behavior, where the mean-square displacement grows slower than the expected linear relationship with time. His work integrated Monte Carlo simulations, Brownian dynam ics, and event-driven algorithms to explore how obstacles— both mobile and immobile—affect molecular motion. These models reveal how proteins navigate complex intracellular landscapes to find their interaction partners and thereby control the rate of biological processes. By using statistical tools to distinguish between normal, anomalous, directed, and confined diffusion, Mike’s work also provided some of the earliest frameworks for the analysis of single-particle tracking experiments. The impact of Mike’s work on the scientific community was far reaching. Michael Edidin , Professor Emeritus at Johns Hop kins University, reflected that “Michael’s theoretical papers were always challenging and stimulating to this experimen talist. In person it was a pleasure to talk with him, exploring

— Ingela Parmryd , University of Gothenburg — Thomas Jue , University of California, Davis — Anne Kenworthy , University of Virginia

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In Memoriam

Ralph G. Yount

Ralph G. Yount (1932–2025 ) passed away in June at the age of 93. Ralph had a remarkable 44-year career at Washington State University (WSU), retiring in 2004, and served on BPS Council and as BPS President for 1994–1995. He received his under graduate degree in chemistry from Wa bash College in Crawfordsville, IN and went on to obtain his PhD in biochem istry/chemistry at Iowa State University,

15 years and was a past chairman of the Muscle Proteins Gordon Conference. In 1986 he received a MERIT award from the NIH for long-term funding of his research on muscle. He also was president of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology in 1997–1998 and was on the Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. At WSU, Ralph was the first recipient of the Eminent Faculty Award, which is the university’s highest award for faculty ex cellence over an extended period. At the time, WSU President V. Lane Rawlins said, “Ralph Yount is what a faculty member should be. He questions every decision, is a tireless and brilliant researcher, loves to teach, and is a superb colleague.” In 2003, Ralph was one of the first three faculty members promoted to the newly established rank of Regents Professor. He was also the first Edward R. Meyer Distinguished Profes sor of Biochemistry and Chemistry. In 2010, he was presented with the President’s Distinguished Lifetime Service Award, followed by an honorary doctorate in 2020 in recognition of his lifetime of achievement. Specific to chemistry, Ralph served as department chair from 1998 to 2003. On a personal note, I will always be thankful to Ralph for making it possible for me to move from my faculty position at WSU Tri-Cities to the Pullman campus in 2002. As Ralph was fond of saying, successful faculty have to have a “fire in their belly.” Ralph embodied that passion throughout his life and career. He will be very much missed. — Kirk Peterson , Washington State University

Ralph G. Yount

where he worked under D. E. Metzler . He then did postdoctoral work with D. E. Koshland, Jr. at Brookhaven National Laboratory before starting his faculty career at WSU with joint appoint ments in both chemistry and agricultural chemistry (which later became the Institute of Biological Chemistry). Ralph’s research focused on the molecular mechanism of muscle contraction and of motility in biological systems via synthesis and utilization of small molecules of biological interest (e.g., ATP analogs) as they applied to muscle research. In particular, his work advanced medical understanding of diseases such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myas thenia gravis. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded his research continuously for 43 years, which was one of the longest continually funded programs at the NIH. In addition to his service with the Biophysical Society, Ralph was a leader in many scientific organizations. He served as vice president and was chairman of the postdoctoral fellow ship committee for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for

Join the BPS PUI Network Are you looking to connect with other PUI faculties or interested in obtaining academic positions at Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUIs)? Join the BPS PUI Network. The network creates opportunities for current PUI faculty to network and share experiences with one another. Members of the Network exchange tips and ideas such as teaching strategies, latest trends in education technology, online teaching, and more. Graduate students and postdocs interested in obtaining academic positions at PUIs are encouraged to join. Questions can be directed to Ethan Rogers-Yosebashvili at eyosebashvili@biophysics.org. www.biophysics.org/PUI-Network

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