Biophysical Society Bulletin | March 2024

Communities

Kalina Hristova Public Affairs Committee

Kalina Hristova

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held? I have been volunteering for many years. I have served on the BPS Council. I have served as Treasurer of the Society. I have served as Chair of the Membrane Structure and Function Subgroup. I have served as an Editorial Board Member for Biophysical Journal . Why do you volunteer? I have been a member of the Biophysical Society and an active participant in Society activities for three decades. I volunteer so I can give back to the Society and help shape its future. I also volunteer to help young scientists and to excite them about biophysics. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? As a member of the Publics Affairs Committee, I participate in the Rally for Medical Research. At the Rally, scientists, doctors, patients, and advocates visit Washington, DC and meet with policymakers to raise awareness about the critical

need for increased funding and resources for basic biomed ical research. The event serves as a powerful call to action, urging policymakers and the public to prioritize the health and well-being of all citizens. At the Rally, I met cancer survivors with a very deep appreciation of biophysical research. I plan to continue participating in the Rally for years to come. Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Do not hesitate; it will be a very rewarding experience. You will get to meet amazing colleagues who share your passion for biophysics. You will work with young people and help them launch their careers in biophysics. When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? Most of the time you will find me sitting at my desk staring at the computer. I love looking at data and trying to understand what they tell us. I also love discussing hypotheses with my collaborators and planning the next stage of the project with my students.

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March 2024

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