Biophysical Society Bulletin | January 2024

APnunbulaicl MAfefeatirinsg

Around the World: Meet the Fifth Cohort of BPS Ambassadors The Biophysical Society Ambassador Program was created to both enhance BPS content for the global biophysical com munity and provide new pathways into biophysics in home countries. These Ambassadors work in conjunction with BPS committees and staff to offer increased content, program ming, and voice to the international biophysical community. BPS would like to thank the members of our second cohort— Gonzalo de Prat Gay of Argentina, Siti Ngalim of Malaysia, Irep Gozen of Norway, and Canan Atilgan of Turkey—for their dedi cation and service to the international biophysical community. Kumiko Hayashi Japan What do you do professionally? statistical physics and, after completing my PhD, I have applied this knowledge to biological systems, including motor proteins. I have a passion for both programming and experimental work, so I aim to create an environment in my lab where both theoretical and experimental research can coexist and complement each other. I previously held a position as a Council member of the Biophysi cal Society from 2021 to 2023. In Japan, I have extensively orga nized bilateral symposiums with nations including China, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States. At present, I am part of the Executive Organizing Committee for the 21st IUPAB (Internation al Union for Pure and Applied Biophysics) Congress, scheduled to take place in Kyoto this June. What led you to apply for the BPS Ambassador Program? During my tenure on Council, I had limited opportunities to inter act with young researchers and students from Japan, and thus couldn't involve the younger generation in BPS activities as much as I'd have liked. I aspire to play a role in connecting young Japa nese researchers and students not only with the United States but also with many other countries around the world. I believe it would be beneficial to see an increased participation of young Japanese researchers and students in BPS. Kumiko Hayashi I am a professor at the University of Tokyo in Japan. I earned my degree in non-equilibrium

What are your Ambassador Program Goals? My goal is for young researchers and students from Japan to feel closer to BPS. To achieve this, I plan to utilize Zoom meetings to foster interactions between BPS members from around the world and young Japanese researchers and students. I also intend to collaborate with the Japanese Student Chapter. Tell us something fun about yourself? I love coffee. I collect Starbucks City Mugs. Whenever I attend the Annual Meeting, I look forward to buying a new mug! Serdar Durdagi Turkey What do you do professionally? a scientist who conducts research in the field of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. My primary focus is on devel oping effective computational techniques that enable a deeper understanding and exploration of these interactions. My labora tory has been dedicated to developing novel codes using ma chine learning approaches to develop structure- or ligand-based models against different diseases. We engage in virtual screening of ultra-large molecular databases using these models, ultimate ly designing new therapeutic molecules. Additionally, we prioritize drug repurposing studies in my laboratory, seeking opportunities to repurpose existing drugs for new therapeutic purposes. What led you to apply for the BPS Ambassador Program? My deep passion for biophysics and my strong desire to contrib ute to the growth of the field and dissemination of knowledge. This program provides a unique platform to connect with other researchers and share the importance of biophysics in a variety of scientific and educational contexts. What are your Ambassador Program Goals? My primary objective will be to foster stronger integration of the biophysics community in the region with the Society. I will actively advocate for events and initiatives aimed at encouraging and supporting young scientists interested in biophysics, guiding them towards rewarding career paths within the field. Tell us something fun about yourself? Aside from my deep interest in computational biophysics and molecular interactions, I have a passion for culinary arts. When I'm not immersed in scientific work, you may find me in the kitch en experimenting with complex recipes and molecular gastrono my techniques. Serdar Durdagi I am the dean and a full professor at the School of Pharmacy of the Bahçeşehir University. I am

January 2024

6

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY