Biophysical Society Bulletin | February 2026

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.

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February 2026

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