Biophysical Society Bulletin | January 2025

Public Affairs

Megan O’Mara Australia What do you do professionally?

Clovis Takembo Ntahkie Cameroon What do you do professionally?

I am a professor and research group lead er at the Australian Institute for Bioengi neering and Nanotechnology, University of

I am a senior lecturer of physics and biophys ics at the College of Technology of the Uni versity of Buea, Cameroon. I did my under graduate work at the University of Bamenda

Megan O’Mara

Clovis Takembo Ntahkie

Queensland. My group uses multiscale simulation techniques to understand how changes in the biochemical environment alter membrane properties and modulate the function of membrane proteins. I love problems that apply a biophysical lens to understand the key drivers of biological function. I enjoy interdisciplinary research collaborations, particularly ones that combine experimental and computational biophys ics. I am currently the president of the Association of Molec ular Modellers of Australasia and the former secretary of the Australian Society for Biophysics. What led you to apply for the BPS Ambassador Program? I am passionate about developing career opportunities for the next generation of biophysicists, increasing research connec tivity across the Asia-Pacific region, and fostering an inclusive and collegial research culture. At every stage of my career, I have benefited from the mentorship of BPS researchers. What are your Ambassador Program goals? My goal is to increase awareness of STEM education and the opportunities that come with this. I want to continue to develop better networks in the Asia-Pacific region to increase opportunities for early and mid-career biophysicists to con nect with the international BPS community and strengthen my own connections with the BPS community.

and received a PhD in biophysics in 2020 from the University Yaoundé I. I am a recipient of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics Associate Award and Presidential Re search Allowance Grants. My main research interest is based on theoretical and computational neuroscience, focusing on the use of mathematical models and numerical techniques in analyzing the effects of electromagnetic induction and radia tion on electrical activities and energy in neurons and neural networks. What led you to apply for the BPS Ambassador Program? I had the opportunity to become the sponsor of the Cameroon Student Chapter of BPS. That work led me to seek out a larger goal: to promote biophysics as an inclusive discipline, while also helping to bridge the gender gap in Cameroon. What are your Ambassador Program goals? My goal as an Ambassador is to foster local conversation in promoting biophysical research and how biophysical research could be used in addressing local needs. I am also interested in establishing an active cooperation between BPS and Cam eroon’s scientific community to promote biophysics educa tion, training, research, and outreach through workshops and exchange programs. I will also work to champion the creation of a BPS chapter at each university in Cameroon.

The Biophysical Society is grateful to its Industry Partners.

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For Industry Partner Membership information, contact alevine@biophysics.org. SILVER

January 2025

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