Biophysical Society Bulletin | November 2023

Biophysicist in Profile

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

Nominated Assistant Professor at the University of Geneva in 2023, Cao continues to advance her research and explore new possibilities in bioanalytical chemistry and biophysics. Drawing from her experiences and past challenges, she deepens her understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life and strives for transfor mative advances in medicine and engineering through ongoing innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her future involves adapting her nanopore approaches to study biomolecules be yond DNA, such as proteins and glycans, opening up exciting possibilities. Outside of work, Cao immerses herself in nature through regular hiking and swimming in Switzer land's lakes. She also enjoys painting and cook ing, finding fulfillment in these creative pursuits. Cao is both a prolific researcher and a dedicated advocate for science outreach and communi cation. Throughout her career, she has actively engaged with the broader scientific community and the public to share the excitement of bio physics and analytical chemistry. Her contribu tions include organizing conferences, serving on doctoral program committees, and participating in teaching and mentoring, all with the aim of benefiting the next generation of scientists.

Reflecting on her involvement, Cao says, "My membership in the Biophysical Society has been instrumental in supporting my research career." The Society has provided her with a network of fellow scientists, access to conferences, and valuable resources that have enriched her scien tific journey. Her active role in organizing confer ences and chairing meetings within the Society underscores her commitment to advancing the field and nurturing future biophysicists. Cao's advice to young scientists centers on three core principles: happiness, confidence, and unwavering commitment. She suggests maintaining a positive outlook, fostering a daily sense of contentment, irrespective of rewards or challenges, and points out the draining nature of negativity. In terms of confidence, Cao en courages embracing unconventional ideas and engaging in open discussions with peers. They will help shape your ideas and orient you toward the most critical aspects. Finally, she stresses the importance of staying dedicated, from the daily to-do list to long-term research goals. She is now asking the same simple questions she got from her mentors, such as “What are the key questions in this field?” and “Why aren’t you working on it?” Be ahead, by taking the first step.

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

Jörg Enderlein Editor-in-Chief

Society Office Jennifer Pesanelli Executive Officer Newsletter

Executive Editor Jennifer Pesanelli Managing Editor John Long Production Ray Wolfe Meredith Zimmerman 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

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November 2023

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