Biophysical Society Bulletin | July-August 2022

Communities

Lisandra Flores-Aldama Committee for Inclusion and Diversity (CID)

Lisandra Flores-Aldama

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held?

and equity, but the best part is that I have enjoyed doing it. It is great to be surrounded by people that not only care about minorities but also work towards a more equitable environ ment within the BPS community and society in general. I know there is a lot to be done by our committee and it is a huge challenge, but every minute I spend volunteering for the CID is a grain of sand to build a better society and have a positive impact on the future biophysicist generations, and that feeling is priceless. Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Please do not think more about it, just join us and you will enjoy it! The environment among the volunteers is so positive, healthy, and encouraging! Also, the BPS staff is supportive and great at their jobs. It is not only going to be wonderful for your career but for you as a human being and for future gen erations that will have access to more equitable opportunities because of our work. When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? I spend a good amount of time working in the lab or on my computer. I love basic science questions such as how the structure and chemical-physical properties of RNAs and ion channels modulate their functional properties and physiolog ical impact. Besides scientific work, I try to go to the gym as much as possible. As a good Cuban, I love music and dancing, and seeing me dancing while working at the lab is common. Work hard but enjoy when you do it!

Yes, this is my first volunteer position for BPS, and for sure it won’t be the only one. I have also volunteered for other societies and organizations. I have contributed to the devel opment of Black in Biophysics since its founding, which has been quite an amazing experience. Why do you volunteer? BPS is a community formed by scientists from different back grounds that strive to achieve success within an incredibly selfish society. As an Afro-Cuban woman raised in a country under a dictatorship, I have experienced the sour flavor of discrimination and lack of opportunity. But growing up within a household composed of only incredible women taught me that with commitment, perseverance, and determination there is not an unreachable goal. By volunteering on the Committee for Inclusion and Diversity (CID), I aim to encour age younger generations from low-income neighborhoods, especially Black and Hispanic communities, to fight for their dreams, to be proud of their roots, and also show them that despite a disadvantaged starting point, we can make a differ ence if we fight together and support each other. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? Volunteering for the CID has been an amazing and enriching experience. I have learned so much about diversity, inclusion,

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 Margaret Mainguy at mmainguy@biophysics.org. www.biophysics.org/PUI-Network

July-August 2022

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