Biophysical Society Bulletin | July/August 2023

Communities

Yuri Nesmelov Membership Committee

Yuri Nesmelov

Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Initially, I had a major concern that volunteering would consume a substantial amount of my time. However, I have discovered that it is not as overwhelming as I had anticipat ed, thanks to the BPS staff. While there is certainly a time commitment involved, it is quite manageable. Thus far, my volunteering experience has been positive, and I encourage others to contemplate engaging in such a service. If you gen uinely appreciate the Society’s endeavors, it is worthwhile to become an active participant. If you are reading this BPS Bulle tin , chances are you are more than just a nominal member of the Society, so consider volunteering; it is not as challenging as it may seem. When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? I am interested in the regulation of muscle contraction at the molecular level. My lab works with different mutants of myosin molecular motor to figure out how it functions. When not at work, I enjoy riding my bicycle, camping in parks along the Atlantic shore, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and canoeing with friends in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota.

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held? Since 2018, I have been a part of the Membership Committee and am currently serving my second term. I am an intermit tent member of other Societies but volunteer only for BPS. Why do you volunteer? The short answer would be to give back to BPS. Having been a member of the Society since 2000, I attend the Annual Meet ing every year. The BPS Annual Meeting is one of the high lights of the year. I love to come and be part of such a vibrant scientific community, meet people I know, learn something new, and catch a few ideas. Over the years I observed how the Annual Meeting changes in terms of fostering this scientific community and became interested in what is going on behind the scenes. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? Being a member of the committee offers a unique experience. I appreciate the opportunity to be in a group of similarly mind ed, cooperative people who share BPS’s values and are willing to make things better. Members of the committee are from all over the world, with different perspectives and cultural backgrounds, but with a common interest assuring cohesive thinking.

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July/August 2023

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