Biophysical Society Bulletin | March 2023

March 2023

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The eighth annual Biophysics Week will take place March 20–24, 2023! Biophysics Week is a global celebration to honor biophysicists and the significant contributions biophysics has made to science. It also provides an opportunity to foster connections in the commu nity and increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of biophysics research. Throughout the week, there will be many Affil iate Events taking place virtually and in-person, organized by members from all over the world. Check them out and plan to participate. In addition, BPS has organized a week of special events, featured resources, and special offerings dedicated to celebrating biophysics, including: Get Ready to Celebrate BiophysicsWeek 2023 • Grant Funding Webinars from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation • Career Q&A sessions with Career Consultant Alaina G. Levine • New Lesson Plans • On-Demand Feature—Biophysics 101: Incorporating Bayesian and Artificial Intelligence Approaches into Biophysics

• New Classical Lay Summaries • 2023 Biophysics Week T-shirt • And More!

• BPS Membership Specials • Virtual Scientific Meetups

For the most updated schedule and information, please check the Biophysics Week website at biophysics.org/BiophysicsWeek. Thank you to our 2023 BiophysicsWeek Partners

These Biophysics Week Partners have committed to supporting and promoting the public awareness of the importance of biophysics in science.

Inside

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President’s Message Biophysicist in Profile

Grants & Opportunities

Stay Connected with BPS

Communities Member Corner Important Dates

Public Affairs Publications

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Career Development

President’s Message

Emerging from the Other End of the Tunnel As was true for many Biophysical

exists, and over my career, I have been deeply impressed by how much a single well-trained scientist can accomplish. Increasing diversity is also the right thing to do by making it more likely that the fruits of biophysics research are enjoyed by all human beings. The pandemic and social justice movements only accentuated the problems and opportunities. I will advocate for deeper changes to the Biophysical Society tomake diversity and inclusion our number one priority. 2) Global reach. Decades ago, the founders of the Society were prescient in not naming it the American Biophysical Society. Talents in biophysics come from every continent and scientif ic discoveries enabled by biophysical methods touch all of us regardless of nationality. Already pre-pandemic, the National Lecture was renamed as the BPS Lecture, the Council added in ternational members, and our Past President was fromAustralia. The pandemic accelerated the ongoing trend of digitization and virtual meetings, and we now have the technologies and experi ences to further enhance the global reach of biophysics and the Biophysical Society. 3) Advocacy. The Biophysical Society is mobilizing members to communicate the value of biophysics to the public and funding bodies through the development of a toolkit to help train and equip them. Again, the pandemic gave us first-hand knowledge of how important effective public communication is and gave us accelerated training on digital tools of networking and discourse that we can deploy in the post-pandemic world. On a personal level, I call myself an accidental biophysicist. All my degrees are in physics, and I taught physics at a large public university for 15 years. Everything I know about biophysics, I learned through the Biophysical Society. The Biophysical Soci ety Annual Meetings are “meetings” in the truest sense tome. I spendmuch of my time in the poster sessions (we have the most vibrant poster sessions of any scientific meeting!), bumping into colleagues young and old, with a mean free path of about five meters. I ask what is exciting and get a five-minute summary of the latest work of a colleague. It is difficult to replicate such un scripted interactions digitally, and the future success of biophysics and the Biophysical Society depends on our ability to put together exciting and forward-looking programs for our Annual Meetings. The Society is already experimenting with virtualization of more scripted events such as workshops that focus on technologies, andmore member-targeted virtual events will help enhance the global exchange of knowledge. Change is good andmore changes are ahead. I amhopeful we have emerged at the other end of the tunnel, more united and stronger. As I beginmy term as presi dent, I welcome the membership to contact me via email (tjha@ jhu.edu) or Twitter (@taekjip) and give me the opportunity to listen to your concerns and big ideas. — Taekjip Ha , President

Society members, my last trip before the COVID-19 pandemic was to our Annual Meeting in San Diego in February 2020. The BPS Lecturer X. Sunney Xie had to deliver his Mon day evening lecture through Skype fromBeijing, China due to the travel ban imposed by the Trump admin istration. The BPS Lecture, renamed from the “BPS National Lecture” to

Taekjip Ha

emphasize the international reach of the Society, is the most prestigious honor awarded by the Biophysical Society. Even through the video screen, Sunney captivated a 5,000-strong live audience with his fascinating discoveries made using sin gle-molecule and single-cell technologies, ending his lecture by describing neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 identified through single-cell sequencing of patient B cells. Still, I doubt any one sitting in the packed roomhad imagined the magnitude and duration of the pandemic soon to hit us just several weeks later. Two years later, we finally reconvened at an in-person Annual Meeting in San Francisco just as the initial Omicron wave was receding, and Frances Arnold , our 2022 BPS Lecturer and Nobel Laureate inspired us through her telling of the journey through directed evolution of engineered enzymes. We were one of the more fortunate societies because we had to skip only one in-per son Annual Meeting due to the timing of events that unfolded. As I write this column two weeks before our 2023meeting, we are on track to restore almost all of our regular activities. The only exception, as a precaution, is that we will forgo the dance and ice cream social that typically follows the BPS Lecture. What makes the Biophysical Society great is its members. Our members define what biophysics is by their action, by unlocking fundamental answers in biology using quantitative methods. We witnessed biophysicists rising to the challenge of the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. The value of rigorous science and scientific methods to humanity has rarely been as self-ev ident. The Biophysical Society’s role is to help its members to become heroes of their own scientific endeavors. As I step in to start my one-year term as the President of the Biophysical Society, I aim to continue our strategic emphasis on 1) diversity, 2) global reach, and 3) advocacy. Ultimately, we seek to improve human conditions for everyone, and the pandemic made it clear that diseases have no borders, talent is everywhere, immigrants are the engine of innovation, and effective communi cation of science is essential to gaining trust from the public. 1) Diversity. Why is it so difficult to improve workforce diversity in science, technology, engineering, andmath? I believe that if diver sity is a secondary priority, we will never make sufficient progress. It should be of the highest priority. Increasing diversity benefits the scientific enterprise by drawing talent from everywhere it

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Officers President Taekjip Ha President-Elect Gabriela Popescu Past-President Gail Robertson Secretary Erin Sheets Treasurer Samantha Harris Council Patricia Bassereau Margaret Cheung Henry Colecraft Martin Gruebele Kumiko Hayashi Syma Khalid Susan Marqusee Emmanuel Margeat Elizabeth Rhoades

Be an inspiration to your community and help change the lives of those interested in or studying science. Sign up to be a mentor, K-12 classroom visitor, speaker, science fair judge, or student chapter sponsor. The FaB (Find a Biophysicist) Network is free and accessible by mem bers and nonmembers, but only BPS members may join the network. To join FaB, login to your myBPS account and get involved. Help build this network by signing up today. For more information, visit biophysics.org/get-involved. Use Your Expertise toMake a Difference!

Kandice Tanner Valeria Vasquez Jing Xu Biophysical Journal Vasanthi Jayaraman Editor-in-Chief The Biophysicist Sam Safran Editor-in-Chief Biophysical Reports

Jörg Enderlein Editor-in-Chief

Society Office Jennifer Pesanelli Executive Officer Newsletter

Find Your Next Career Connect with Hundreds of Active Employers Today at https:/ biophysics-jobs.careerwebsite.com Nominate yourself or a colleague for a 2024 Society Award Open until May 1, 2023 To ensure a diverse candidate pool, we particularly encourage nominations of women, international members, and those fromunderrepresented groups. Learnmore by visiting our website: biophysics.org/awards-funding/society-awards.

Executive Editor Jennifer Pesanelli Managing Editor John Long Production Ray Wolfe Proofreader/Copy Editor The Biophysical Society Newsletter (ISSN 0006-3495) is published eleven times per year, January-December, by the Biophysical Society, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Distributed to USA members and other countries at no cost. Cana dian GST No. 898477062. Postmaster: Send address changes to Biophysical Society, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110, Rockville, MD 20852. Copyright © 2023 by the Biophysical Society. Darren Early Laura Phelan

Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.

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Biophysicist in Profile

Sabella Kiprono Area of Research Designing delivery systems for biotherapeutics

Institution Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

At-a-Glance

Sabella Kiprono grew up in rural Kenya, and after training in China returned to Kenya to a position at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. In addition to research and teaching at the university, she has worked to foster connections locally and internationally by hosting networking events through the Biophysical Society’s mini-grant program.

Sabella Kiprono

Sabella Kiprono grew up in rural areas of Kenya, where she developed an interest in scientific research even as a young child. In 2004, she entered a Bachelor of Education program at Egerton University, studying science education and focus ing on botany, zoology, and chemistry. “This ignited my inter est in how microorganisms cause diseases and has driven my passion to study and conduct research in microbiology,” she shares. Because she found research so fulfilling, following completion of her undergraduate studies, she enrolled in a master’s program in biology at Saint Louis University in the Philippines. In 2014, Kiprono began her PhD program in microbiology at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. “I got excited about the area of biofabrications of microor ganisms and I trained in a Biomaterials, Biomacromolecular, and Biofabrication laboratory,” she explains. “Specifically, my training was on the biofabrication of microbial cells. I gener ated complex constructs (i.e., functional microbial cells) by encoating microbial surfaces with biocompatible materials that can be used for various applications in biomedical and environmental sciences. During my PhD is when my interest in biophysics began.” After earning her PhD she accepted a position at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega, Kenya. She has remained at the institution, both running a research lab and teaching. “My current research is to design delivery systems by using encapsulated probiotic ( Lactococcus spp.) and loading/adsorbing the encapsulated surface with antioxidants and performing in vitro release,” Kiprono details. “The goal of the proposed research is to develop a novel algi nate-based system for the co-delivery of probiotics ( Lactococ cus spp.) and antioxidants to enhance the bioavailability of the individual components to promote digestive health.”

Her secondary project is an ethnomedical survey to document the knowledge of the medicinal uses of stingless bee honey. Studies on the antimicrobial properties of stingless bee honey are currently ongoing. The biggest challenge Kiprono has faced in her career has been, like many biophysicists, balancing the competing de mands of research, teaching, lab management, and acquiring grant funding. “I always try to balance my research with other tasks so as to succeed,” she reveals. Outside of this workload, she has also organized several local networking events through the Biophysical Society’s Net working Event Mini-Grant program. “Networking events are very good experiences since we do interact with scientists from various sectors, thus sharing ideas and forming collabo rations,” she explains. Through the Society, she has expanded her network of both local and international scientists and has developed collaborations. When not working, Kiprono enjoys exercising, traveling to find adventures, and spending time with family and friends. She offers this advice for those who are starting careers in biophysics: “Biophysics is the face of the world in the near future and I would encourage the young people just starting their careers in biophysics that this is an interdisciplinary field that will prepare you for various opportunities from research to entrepreneurship in a wide array of fields where the knowl edge and techniques of physics theories and practices are being employed to understand problems in the life sciences’ various biological phenomena.”

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Conferences

Membrane Fusion and Budding

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Arun Anantharam , The University of Toledo, USA Michelle Knowles , University of Denver, USA Ling-GangWu , NIH, USA

Estes Park, Colorado | September 24–27, 2023

SPEAKERS Nihal Altan-Bonnet , NIH, USA Arun Anantharam , The University of Toledo, USA Axel Brunger , Stanford Universtiy, USA Edwin Chapman , University of Wisconsin, USA Elizabeth Chen , Universityof Texas, SouthwesternMedical Center, USA Michael Cousin , University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom Jeremy Dittman , Cornell University, Weill Medical College, USA David Drubin , University of California, Berkeley, USA Chantell Evans , Duke University, USA Vadim Frolov , Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science, Spain Stephanie Gupton , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA Phyllis Hanson , University of Michigan, USA John Heuser , Washington University in St. Louis, USA Jenny Hinshaw , NIH, USA James Hurley , University of California, Berkeley, USA Skyler Jackman , OregonHealthandScienceUniversity, VollumInstitute, USA John Jimah , Princeton University, USA ErdemKaratekin , Yale University, USA Ege Kavalali , Vanderbilt University, USA Michael Kozlov , Tel Aviv University, Israel Comert Kural , Ohio State University, USA Manfred Lindau , University of Miami, USA Noa Lipstein-Thoms , Max-Planck Institute forMultidisciplinarySciences, Germany SandraMaday , University of Pennsylvania, USA Gregory Melikian , Emory University, USA IraMilosevic , Oxford University, United Kingdom Ben O’Shaughnessy , Columbia University, USA Carole Parent , University of Michigan, USA Thomas Pucadyil , Indian Instituteof ScienceEducationandResearch, Pune, India James Rothman , Yale University, USA Aurelien Roux , University of Geneva, Switzerland Lukas Tamm , University of Virginia, USA Justin Taraska , NIH, USA Maggie Johnson , Johns Hopkins University, USA Marko Kaksonen , University of Geneva, Switzerland

Thismeeting will bring together trainees, emerging scientists, and leaders in the fields of membrane fusion and budding andwill cover many subfields of the fusion and budding disciplines, including, but not limited to, fusion and bud ding at synapses and neuroendocrine cells (exo- and endocytosis), in relation to the function of membrane-bound organelles likemitochondria and extracel lular vesicles, and in the context of host/virus interactions, cell-cell fusion, and autophagy. Studies of fusion and budding employing reconstituted systems and computational modeling will also be discussed. The expectation is that interactions between investigators working in such diverse fields, occurring within a positive and supportive environment at this BPS Conference, will encourage new and productive collaborations, and ultimately spur further advances.

Abstract Submission Deadline: June 8, 2023

Early Registration Deadline: June 29, 2023

AlissaWeaver , Vanderbilt University, USA AnnWehman , University of Denver, USA Zhuan Zhou , Peking University, China Joshua Zimmerberg , NIH, USA

March 2023 For more information, visit www.biophysics.org/2023EstesPark

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Public Affairs

Talent Pipeline in Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (STIE): Perspectives fromMalaysia

Looking back, I am grateful that I had the chance to study abroad. I went to Pennsylvania State University for my undergraduate degree. There I had knowledgeable instructors, practical experience on every biotech experiment, and resources to finish my studies— a library section that was open 24 hours, a writing center, and an international student center that organized local hosts to interact with international students for

The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) ecosystem in Malaysia has changed in the past 10 years. The population of Malaysia as of 2022 is 32.7 million, up from 30.2 million in 2013, making it roughly one-tenth of the population of the United States. Despite the fact that more than 60% of post-secondary education graduates are women, only a fraction more than 30% transition into the workforce. Of those who are employed, almost 40% are underemployed. Malaysia has been aiming for a 60/40 pool of science and technology/arts students and graduates, something that will hopefully translate into the labor force as well. In reality, the ratio has never been achieved and is in fact going in the opposite direction. So, what happened? When we try to compare the state of the STEM pipeline from education to employment, Malaysia is doing rather “better” in the ratio (but not numbers) of STEM graduates in comparison to other high-tech, economically strong nations. From the 2019 OECD and 2020 Singapore Census data, the percent age of post-secondary education graduates in STEM is 35% in Germany, 25% in the United States, and 39% in Singapore. Meanwhile, China produces 4.7 million post-secondary STEM graduates per year and is projected to produce 77,179 STEM PhD graduates in 2025—double that of the United States. It begs the question: does quantity reflect quality with STEM graduates? Are these graduates mostly domestic-born or for eign nationals that can sustain the STIE needs of the country? Are STEM employment opportunities available equally across all sub-sets and can they be retained in STIE public and pri vate sectors? For example, can life sciences graduates easily land a job or change jobs for better pay like engineering grad uates? Is Malaysia’s supply of STEM graduates, as stipulated in one’s national economic agenda, reflected in the nation’s effort to build a comprehensive STIE ecosystem? In 2016, the Economic Planning Unit of Malaysia reported that top STIE pace-setters are IT services, electrical and electronics, and petrochemicals. Unfortunately, among the laggard innovation-led sectors in Malaysia are agriculture and health services, and that’s where biotechnology, nanomed icine, and biophysics fall. We can imagine the domino effect this has to the affiliated industries, graduates, prospects, and the state of education itself for health and life sciences in Malaysia.

Siti Ngalim

cultural and language exchange. Fast forward to now. I can appreciate that the high tuition fees I paid enabled more resources and services for the best student experience. I also learned about American culture, which is very different from Asian culture and something I value strongly. Currently, I am a senior lecturer (comparable to an assis tant professor in the United States) at a research institute in Malaysia. Sometime last year, I was speaking with three interns who were from the top five research universities in Malaysia: two were doing a major in microbiology and another in biotechnology. We were discussing the practical skills they had. To my surprise, they told me they did not have experi ence performing transfection, running gel electrophoresis, or doing polymerase chain reaction. These students had lectures on the topics, but only one had the chance to perform a demo in front of the class. These three were in the final semester of their undergraduate studies. I was shocked, thinking how are they going to cope at any research-intensive workplace in the near future? When I asked how much their tuition fees were per semester, they said it was around RM800–900 (Malay sian ringgit) per semester—approximately US$180–210. Tu ition fees can’t cover the cost of experiments for one student, let alone basic equipment in the lab for teaching. Yet, Malaysia has the aspiration to be a high-income economy by 2025 and to be a member of the Organisation for Econom ic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Although the vision of the nation is there, the education and workforce pipeline are not. For this, we need to learn from the top global high tech nations like China, Germany, the United States, and our neighboring country Singapore. We should focus on how they rose from their economic and historical challenges and apply those lessons to improving how Malaysia can excel in science, technology, innovation, and economy (STIE) sectors and compete with economically strong nations.

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Public Affairs

Concerns about this trend vary by community. The Penang Institute reported challenges getting STIE talent into the industry pipeline, with STEM graduates complaining about the lack of careers in STIE industries and low salaries, while em ployers complain of poor soft skills among the graduates (lack of knowledge on specialized duties, lack of experience, poor communication and critical thinking skills). The average start ing salary of STEM graduates is RM3,050/month (US$685/ month), with the poverty line sitting at RM2,208/month (US$500/month). The education system is caught in between. The availability of funds from tuition fees and public agencies is limited to comprehensive skill training for students. Cultur ally, Malaysians, like other Asians, face challenges in transi tioning from a local culture of directive leadership, expressive suppression, memorization, and sensitivity to a work culture that emphasizes self-initiative, outspokenness, and critical thinking. Making these adjustments will be challenging. At the very least, changes from independent activities, institutions working together, and international exchanges may help. In terms of funding—tuition fees and salary—you pay peanuts, you get peanuts. For Malaysia to excel in STIE, research and development ex penditures (currently 1.04% of gross domestic product [GDP]) must be increased as in high-tech nations like China (2.40% of GDP), Germany (3.14% of GDP), the United States (3.45% of GDP), and Singapore (1.89% of GDP). The catch is that 98%

of businesses in Malaysia are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) where research and development is prioritized the lowest. We should implement incentives for STIE through tax deductions or exemptions, institute a focused effort on increasing collaborations and data sharing between govern ment and public-private agencies, and improve diplomacy between top high-tech nations and Malaysia—including international collaborations and increased research mobility and educational opportunities. At present, the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and the Minis try of Science, Technology and Innovation have started i-CON NECT, a platform to bridge academia and industry that can benefit skilled talent and the high-tech production pipeline. The Strategic Research Fund has allocated up to RM15 million (US$3.5 million) for SMEs and start-up companies to bring the foreign research and development culture into Malaysia. In addition, Malaysia has been disbursing matching grants in their effort to have 5,000 start-ups and 5 unicorn start ups by the year 2025. The opportunities to increase STEM interest, education, and retention in STIE workforces are there. My hope is that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will bring more international opportunities for Malaysia as a thriving life sciences industry and research center in Southeast Asia. — Siti Ngalim , BPS Ambassador, Malaysia

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In 2022, there were a total of 418,584 visitors to the BPS website.

The Biophysical Society is grateful to its Industry Partners.

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

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Publications

Know the Editor Les Satin University of Michigan Editor The Biophysicist

Les Satin

What have you read lately that you found really interesting or stimulating (a paper, a book, science or not science)? I am currently reading The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson , about the early 1940s and Winston Churchill . Churchill’s exem plary leadership in a time of grave crisis to Britain is such a contrast to our dysfunctional politics today and is so interest ing that it is hard for me to put down! Of course, Mr. Chur chill was also quite a character as well, so that adds to my interest. I must add that reading submitted manuscripts to The Biophysicist is also incredibly interesting to me. As a reg ular reviewer of mostly bench research, papers on biophysics education and learning are so refreshing and exciting. I would love to recruit more people to our group of regular reviewers so that they could share in this exciting process! What has been your most exciting discovery as a biophysi cist? This is a difficult question because I have had quite a few. However, one that was particularly exciting was our discovery that using dynamic clamp to study isolated beta cells showed that adding a small-voltage–dependent conductance (simu lated, mind you) to a spiking cell converted the cell to a full fledged burster, in accord with simulations carried out using a mathematical model! We were skeptical this could happen, but it did! The results appeared in Biophysical Journal (Zhang et al. 2003. The Ca 2+ dynamics of isolated mouse β -cells and islets: implications for mathematical models. Biophys J. 84:2852–2870). The simulations were done by Richard Ber tram and Arthur Sherman , by the way. Who would you like to sit next to at a dinner party (scientist or not)? Also hard! Gustav Mahler , my favorite composer. Mahler was the leading conductor of his era and composed his sympho nies (which are fantastic) only during the summer, usually in the mountains or by a lake. He was a person of his time period but also way, way ahead, and his music can speak to us rather directly even today. It would be fascinating to chat with him.

Editor’s Pick Biophysical Journal Proliferative advantage of specific aneuploid cells drives evo lution of tumor karyotypes Ivana Ban, Lucija Tomašić, Marianna Trakala, Iva M. Tolić, and Nenad Pavin “The authors explore the idea that erroneous number of chromosomes leading to perturbed cell division is the key driver of tumor evolution. These altered numbers of chromo somes arise from mistakes during division and evolve through numerous complex mechanisms, including chromosome missegregation, cell proliferation, and cell death. However, understanding the mechanisms leading to tumor evolution from healthy cells is a hot topic. Here they show, by intro ducing a “macro-karyotype model,” that perturbed number of chromosomes in tumor cells arises predominantly from faster division of cells characterized by a specific combination of chromosomes, or together with irregular cell death. This finding, strengthened by comparison of the authors’ theory with experimentally observed combinations of chromosomes in different stages of tumor development, gives a direction for future experiments in identifying the key processes underly ing tumor development.”

Version of Record Published January 17, 2023 DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2023.01.017

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Publications

Meet Biophysical Journal’s New Social Media Contributors

Biophysical Journal is pleased to introduce Jeetender Chugh and Christian Franke , the newest additions to the team of social media contributors. Social media contributors help the editorial office to identify new and exciting research by creating blog and social media posts. Learn more about what drew Chugh and Franke to the position and their views on the relationship between social media and science. Jeetender Chugh What is your field of research? Christian Franke What is your field of research?

I am trying to understand the conformational dynamics of proteins and nucleic acids at the atomic level using solution-state NMR spec troscopy, and how conformational dynamics

My group at the Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics at the University of Jena, Germa ny, works on the development of both hard ware and software tools for super-resolution

Jeetender Chugh

Christian Franke

helps understand ongoing biological problems, e.g., specificity of protein-RNA interactions, protein folding, phase separa tion, etc. What excited you about being a social media contributor for Biophysical Journal ? Being a social media contributor for the prestigious Biophys ical Journal will not only give me an opportunity to regularly follow the issues and get updated with the current literature, but will also help me improve my writing and communication skills. How do you view the role of social media in science? In current times, social media plays an important role in all facets of life, including reaching out to a larger audience for your scientific publication. In the absence of social media, when I am trying to update myself with current literature, my natural target journals would be in my immediate research interest. The other way to read new literature is to search PubMed using a set of keywords, which are also biased due to my specific research interests. However, social media gives an unbiased (to some extent) view of recent literature due to my large variety of social media connections.

microscopy, like dSTORM and SIM and their application to cell biological and clinical questions. We are also working on the multiscale translation of optical principles, like structured illumination, for SIM and stereophotogrammetry, which is a macroscopic 3D scanning technique. Our main goal is to build methods that people actually use to solve topical problems. What excited you about being a social media contributor for Biophysical Journal ? I generally liked the idea of contributing to the work of the Biophysical Society. Being a social media contributor gives me a chance to promote great science, but also to delve into bio physical topics that I would otherwise miss. I received good inspiration and ideas from some of the articles I’ve tweeted. How do you view the role of social media in science? As with most things, one needs to be sensible about it and balance it carefully. On one hand, social media can be a pow erful promoter of science to the public and it has been shown that manuscripts that do well on social media will generally get cited more over time. It can be very useful to break a complex scientific work down into a couple of key sentences, especially for communication to the general public. Howev er, this abridgement can also lead to oversimplifications of the often very complicated concepts. In the best case, social media functions as an enticing billboard for the actual manu script and leads readers toward it.

FollowBPS Journals on Twitter @BiophysJ @BiophysReports @BiophysicistJ

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Career Development

BeingaFirst-GenerationGraduate inAcademia Improved access to higher education has provided greater opportunity to attend university irrespective of per sonal background and socio-economic status. This has allowed thousands to be the first in their family to attain a degree and become not only first-gen eration graduates but pioneers within their families and communities. Around one-third of students in the United

being more aware of the challenges faced by first-generation graduates and providing support to facilitate their develop ment we can promote a more diverse work environment, enriched with different perspectives and life experiences that ultimately will benefit the whole scientific community. For any first-generation graduates: know that you are an equal and have earned your right to be here through merit and hard work. Start building your network step-by-step. Take the opportunity to chat with colleagues at your institu tion, meet your peers at conference poster sessions, and ask questions at seminars. Be courageous and reach out to princi pal investigators whose work interests you. Remember, they were in your position at some point and expect to be contact ed by junior colleagues seeking opportunities and advice. As for feelings of self-doubt: be confident in your abilities. Make time to reflect on your achievements and celebrate all that you have accomplished so far. Embrace what is still to come and take pride in paving the way for future first-generation graduates. — Molly Cule DriveAFM Performance without compromise New and expanded functionality for bio in 2023

States are the first in their family to attend college according to the US Department of Education; however, they are four times more likely than second-generation students to drop out without completing their degree (First Generation Foun dation). This stark statistic is thought to be consequential of the extra financial hardship, job, and/or family responsibilities experienced by first-generation students who must manage these obligations in addition to navigating higher education and dedicating time to their studies. For many who decide to continue their journey in academia through graduate school and postdoctoral studies, these obstacles continue to impact their lives and are often accompanied by further challenges. Forging a career in science requires the development of an effective professional network of colleagues and collabo rators to develop ideas, access opportunities, and receive support. Establishing these relationships as a first-generation graduate is difficult, however. First, influential social connec tions are often associated with privilege. As such, despite the importance of networking to find mentors or guidance to break this taboo, for many first-generation graduates the thought of building and utilizing these relationships for self-promotion is alien. Even approaching faculty members to establish a network is a daunting prospect. Not knowing what type of language to use, what to say without sounding stupid, or questioning ”why would this professor even be interested in talking to me?” are all common thoughts. They likely arise from self-doubt and a sense of not belonging due to lack of familial experience and not knowing anyone else working in academia. Interestingly, many first-generation graduates not only feel different from their work colleagues but also isolated from their families because of their social mobility. The sense of not belonging in either community can lead to difficulties saying ”no” and taking on more roles and responsibilities to feel valued and worthy of their position. Undoubtedly, more can be done by the community to improve the experiences of first-generation graduates in science. Increased representation may help to alter perceptions and combat anxieties, leading to improved accessibility and great er networking opportunities. Just being able to identify and in teract with others from similar backgrounds provides inspira tion and reassurance that a career in science is achievable. By

Speed • Ultra-low Noise • Unparalleled Stability • Automation • Nanosurf Studio Software Suite

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Career Development

Upcoming Networking Events Not all details and dates for events have been determined at the time of publication. Big Data and Machine Learning Era: Modeling of Cells and Systems Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India March 2023 (date to be determined) Status and Promotion of Biophysics in Eastern Africa Bondo-Siaya County, Kenya April 12, 2023 2 nd Annual Biophysics Student Symposium Chicago, IL, USA April 14, 2023 3 rd Annual Biophysics Colloquium at University of California, Davis

Mid-South Biophysics Symposium University, MS, USA May 22, 2023 Tools and Tinkering: New Ways to Study Biological Systems Aurora, CO, USA May 24, 2023 Integrative Structural Biology Across In Silico, In Vitro and In Situ Scales Berkeley, CA, USA May 2023 (date to be determined) Networking Youths and Women Scholars as Agents for Strengthening Biophysics Education and Research in Africa Kakamega, Kenya July 7, 2023

Davis, CA, USA April 24, 2023

For up-to-date information about each upcoming event, visit www.biophysics.org/upcoming-networking-events

Grants & Opportunities

The 2024 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science The Franklin Institute seeks nominations for the 2024 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science of individuals who have made significant contributions to understanding the unique properties of soft matter or to the development of applications using soft matter. Who can apply: Nominations from any individual or organization will be accepted, including self-nomina tions. Deadline: March 31, 2023 Website: https:/www.fi.edu/awards/bower-award prize-achievement-science

Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology The international Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neu robiology is awarded annually to one young scientist for the most outstanding neurobiological research based on methods of molecular and cell biology con ducted by him/her during the past three years. Who can apply: Entrants must be a neurobiologist with an advanced degree received in the last 10 years and not older than 35 years of age. Deadline: June 15, 2023 Website: https:/corporate.eppendorf.com/en/com pany/scientific-awards/global-award/#c2003

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Communities

BPSWelcomes Ten New Student Chapters The Biophysical Society Student Chapter program is open to students with an interest in biophysics and leadership. The program aims to build active student chapters around the globe, increase student membership and participation within the Society, and promote biophysics as a discipline across col lege campuses through activities organized by the chapters. If you are interested in forming your own chapter as either a mentor or student, then you may apply for BPS Student Chapter recognition during one of the two annual calls for applications. Each chapter must be sponsored by a BPS member. The Spring Call for Student Chapters will be open from March 15 through May 15, 2023. BPS now has 54 Student Chapters worldwide, including 10 newly formed ones. See if there’s a local chapter near you! • Alexandria University (Egypt) • AL-MS (University of Alabama/Mississippi State University) Student Chapter of the Biophysical Society (USA) • Amherst College Student Chapter of the Biophysical Society (USA) • Arizona Student Chapter (USA) • Biophysical Society Kenya Chapter (Kenya) • Biophysical Society San Diego (USA) • Cedarville University (USA) • Clemson University (USA) • Columbia University (USA) • Cornell University (USA) • CWU Biophysics Club at Central Washington University (USA) • Emory University (USA) • Florida State University (USA) • Gā ṅ geya Student Chapter at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata (India) • Georgia Tech (USA) • Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (India) • Irvine Student Chapter at the University of California, Irvine (USA) • Johns Hopkins University (USA) • Kent State University (USA) • Llano Estacado Young Biophysicists at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (USA) • Milano Student Chapter (Italy) • Mustafa Kemal University (Turkey) • NY Capital District (USA) • Biophysics Genoa Student Chapter (Italy) • Biophysics PashchimStudent Chapter (India)

• Oregon State University Student Chapter at Oregon State University (USA) • Puerto Rico Biophysical Society Student Chapter (USA) • Sanyo-Onoda City University Student Chapter at Sanyo-On oda City University (Japan) • SJU (St. John’s University) Student Chapter of BPS (USA) • Structural Biology and Biophysics Club at Purdue University (USA) • The City of New York (CUNY) Student Chapter (USA) • The Medical School of the Autonomous National University of Mexico (Mexico) • The University of NewMexico (USA) • UB (University of Buffalo) Biophysics Club (USA) • Uganda Student Chapter (Uganda) • UMASS Lowell Biophysics Student Chapter (USA) • University of California, Davis (USA) • University of California, Los Angeles (USA) • University of California, Riverside (USA) • University of Chile (Chile) • University of Cincinnati (USA) • University of Denver Biophysics Student Chapter of the Biophysical Society (USA) • University of Lethbridge & University of Montana (USA & Canada) • University of London (United Kingdom) • University of Maryland, Baltimore Student Chapter (USA) • University of Maryland - College Park (USA) • University of Michigan (USA) • University of St Andrews (United Kingdom) • University of Texas, Arlington (USA) • University of Texas, Austin (USA) • University of Toronto Student Chapter of the Biophysical Society (Canada) • University of Wisconsin–Madison (USA)

• Wayne State University (USA) • Wesleyan University (USA)

For more information or to learn how to start or join a chapter, visit: www.biophysics.org/student-chapters.

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Communities

Introducing the Next Class of BPS Subgroup Chairs Serving February 2023 to February 2024

Channels, Receptors & Transporters

Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism

Biological Fluorescence

Biopolymers in Vivo

Bioengineering

Nelli Mnatsakanyan Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, USA

Ildiko Szabo University of Padova, Italy Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

Mark Uline University of South Carolina, USA

Hugo Sanabria Clemson University, USA

Robert Best National Institutes of Health - NIDDK, USA

Hiro Furukawa Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA

Macromolecular Machines and Assemblies

Membrane Fusion, Fission, and Traffic

Membrane Structure and Function

Mechanobiology

Cryo-EM

Michael Cianfrocco University of Michigan, USA

Sarah Shammas University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Eric Galburt Washington University in St. Louis, USA

Patricia Bassereau Curie Institute, France

Michelle Knowles University of Denver, USA

Elizabeth Kelley NIST/NIH, USA

Membrane Transport

Nanoscale Approaches to Biology

Motility & Cytoskeleton

Multiscale Genome Organization

Wei Lu Van Andel Institute, USA

Stuart Campbell Yale University, USA

Sarah Heissler Ohio State University, USA

Catherine Musselman University of Colorado - Anschutz, USA

Jeff Wereszczynski Illinois Institute of Technology, USA

Meni Wanunu Northeastern University, USA

Physical Cell Biology

Single Molecule Forces, Manipulation, and Visualization

Theory and Computation

To learnmore about BPS Subgroups or to become a member visit biophysics.org.

Stefanie Redemann University of Virginia, USA

Nils G. Walter University of Michigan, USA

Neva Caliskan Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Germany

Rommie E. Amaro University of California, San Diego, USA

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Communities

Christopher Yip Publications Committee

Christopher Yip

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held? Before serving on the Publications Committee, in 2017 I was the inaugural chair of the Bioengineering Subgroup. Why do you volunteer? Volunteering is a great way to get to know so much more about the Society, its members, and the field. It’s a great way to help showcase the field of biophysics and the impact that it has. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? Some of the highlights include helping to launch the Bioen gineering Subgroup and building a vibrant community at the interface of biophysics with engineering—and in particular meeting with students and trainees. Another has been really the evolution of Biophysical Journal and the launch of the new journals.

Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Just get involved—reach out and chat with current and past members of the various committees and see what strikes a chord with your interests. The Society benefits so much from its extended community and it really is about building on strengths and new ideas and approaches. When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? I’ve been so much on the go frankly, but I have to say my go-to has to be running or really any endurance sport—I like the challenges, both mental and physical. It’s good training for when one is working on tough problems.

Call for Papers

Special Issue: Biophysics of Immune Cell Signaling

Editors:

Diane Lidke, University of New Mexico Shalini Low-Nam, Purdue University

Deadline for submission: April 30, 2023

For more information, visit www.biophysj.org.

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Member Corner

Members in the News

Eleven Biophysical Society members were named 2022 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows.

In the Section on Chemistry: Elizabeth Komives , University of California, San Diego and member since 1995; Juliette Lecomte , Johns Hopkins University and member since 1986; and Gina MacDonald , James Madison University and member since 1990. In the Section on Biological Sciences: Enrique De La Cruz , Yale University and member since 1994; Edward Egelman , University of Virginia and member since 1984; Wolfgang Peti , University of Connecticut Health Center and member since 2015; and Douglas Robinson , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and member since 2004.

Enrique De La Cruz Edward Egelman

Wolfgang Peti

Douglas Robinson

Elizabeth Komives Juliette Lecomte Gina MacDonald

In the Section on Medical Sciences: Harel Weinstein , Weill Cornell Medical College and member since 1985.

Harel Weinstein

In the Section on Physics: James Glazier , Indiana University and member since 2000; Wolfgang Losert , University of Maryland and member since 2003; and Jennifer Ross , Syracuse University and member since 2002.

James Glazier

Wolfgang Losert

Jennifer Ross

Student Spotlight

Shridhar Sanghvi Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Ohio State University What skill have you learned in your studies that you find useful in other aspects of your life? My PhD studies have helped me become a multitasker and have enabled me to be more organized. Importantly, it has mandated overcoming my failures and made me better at any task at hand.

Shridhar Sanghvi

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Biophysical Society

5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110 Rockville, Maryland 20852

March 2023

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E B I O P H Y S I C A L S O C I E T Y

BPS Important Dates

Canterbury Thematic Meeting Early Abstract Deadline March 20, 2023

Canterbury Thematic Meeting Early Registration Deadline April 10, 2023

Society Awards Submission Deadline May 1, 2023

Are you looking for career development resources?

Tahoe Proton Reaction BPS Conference Early Abstract Deadline May 8, 2023

Take advantage of BPS On-Demand Resources today! Explore a library of on-demand webinars and videos with exclusive content to boost your knowledge and skills.

Tahoe Proton Reaction BPS Conference Early Registration Deadline May 31, 2023

biophysics.org/ ondemand

Please visit www.biophysics.org for a complete list of upcoming BPS Important Dates.