Biophysical Society Bulletin | November 2020

Biophysicist in Profile

above converging on better understanding of how human cells are both generated and function within tissue. How do they integrate both biochemical and physical cues to exert function and travel in their environment? I also am compelled by being able to link events across scales. Understanding how signaling on the single-molecule scale is connected to cellular and ultimately systems-wide responses, especially through the use of innovative imaging, is thrilling to me.” As it is for many new PIs, her transition from trainee to inde- pendent investigator has been an ongoing challenge. “It really feels like flying the plane while you are building it,” she says. “As with any other challenge, I think the way I have faced it is by just putting one foot in front of the other. My approach has always been I will keep going until someone tells me I can’t anymore, which thankfully isn’t the case yet.” Her peer networks and senior mentors have been crucial to helping her to feel more comfortable and confident. “Groups like New PI Slack, folks on science Twitter, and being engaged in groups like the BPS Committee for Professional Opportunities for Women have made it a much less scary venture.” “ There is no greater feeling than discovering something, even something small, and to discover something and then get to run with that idea with a diverse and talented group of people is amazing ” In this period of adjusting to running her own lab, Mace has been learning how to balance and manage different lines of investigation. “I have a lot of interests and there are always a lot of things going on, so deciding how many collaborations to take on and how to structure time, energy and resources to multiple different projects can be difficult,” she shares. On the other hand, the most rewarding aspect of her work is sharing the joy of discovery with her lab. “I am so grateful that I get to work with and learn from the amazing students,

Mace with her lab members.

postdocs, and other trainees that have joined my lab. There is no greater feeling than discovering something, even some- thing small, and to discover something and then get to run with that idea with a diverse and talented group of people is amazing,” she says. “I also love the challenges and flexibility of academic research. Having the freedom to pursue our ideas, to write, think, and seek knowledge, is a true privilege. I also still get a lot of satisfaction from doing bench science and having the chance to tinker on the amazing microscopes we have available to us is a great way to decompress and remind myself why I got into all this in the first place.” In her leisure time, Mace likes to go hiking or bird watching, and to walk and bike around New York City. Her advice to those just starting out in their careers is to “Pursue the questions that are most exciting to you and seek out the knowledge and techniques needed to approach them so you can build your own niche.”

The Biophysical Society is grateful to its Industry Partners.

GOLD

SILVER

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

November 2020

5

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