Biophysical Society Bulletin | September 2022

September 2022

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

2022 Election Results The Biophysical Society members elected Gabriela K. Popescu , University at Buffalo, to the office of President-Elect in this year’s elections. She will assume that office during the 2023 Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in February 2023. She will begin her term as President in February 2024. Teresa Giraldez of the Universidad La Laguna in Tenerife, Spain was elected as BPS Secretary. She will shadow the current Secretary until she begins her four-year term in July 2023. Members elected to Council are Margaret S. Cheung , Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and University of Washington, USA; Emmanuel Margeat , National Scientific Research Center (CNRS), France; Elizabeth Rhoades , University of Pennsylvania, USA; and Jing Xu , University of California, Merced, USA. Each will serve a three-year term beginning in February 2023. The Society is indebted to all the excellent candidates who agreed to run for these positions. Thank you to all members who participated in the election by voting.

Gabriela K. Popescu

Teresa Giraldez

Margaret S. Cheung

Emmanuel Margeat

Elizabeth Rhoades

Jing Xu

Renew Your Membership for 2023 Make connections. Share your science. Stay in-the-know. Get involved. biophysics.org/RENEW

Inside

2 4 6 8 9 9

10 12 15 16 18 20

President’s Message Biophysicist in Profile

Annual Meeting Communities In Memoriam

Stay Connected with BPS

Public Affairs Publications Member Corner

Career Development BPS Conferences

Grants & Opportunities

Important Dates

President’s Message

In the Hands of the State On June 24, 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court and the legal recognition of a constitutional right to an abortion in the United States was eliminat ed. After the news scrolled across my phone screen, I walked into my mostly female lab where it seemed all the oxygen had gone out of the room. No one was talking, and the anger was palpable. After 50 years

bps-condemns-the-invasion-of-ukraine-and-urges-sup port-for-ukrainian-scientists) and inspired my May 2022 BPS Bulletin column championing the contributions of refugees from many countries within our membership (https:/www. biophysics.org/bps-bulletin/a-world-of-refugees). Many comments, roughly paraphrased, argued women’s rights are human rights. “Because as long as women do not have control over their own bodies, they are not free; and if half of society are not free, then no one is,” was one member’s reply. Another wrote, “Science is inherently a human process, and so threats to human rights are threats to the scientific enterprise.” Unfortunately, traditions are hard to overcome. As Caroline Criado Perez writes in her book Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men , “The result of this deeply male-dominated culture is that the male experience, the male perspective, has come to be seen as universal, while the female experience—that of half the global population, after all—is seen as, well, niche.” It is heartening to hear the in clusive attitudes emerging from our membership, consistent with the values of BPS. Other respondents emphasized the importance of diversity within BPS and pragmatic considerations: “Because pregnant people will choose whether to attend conferences based on whether they can access (hopefully not needed) emergency treatment at that location, choices by scientific societies will influence how welcome and valued their members will feel.” Another stated, simply, “If I had not had that choice, I would have had to give up my career.” One, citing scientific evidence, said lack of choice “1) puts our members lives in risk; 2) leads to discrimination in the workplace; 3) impacts career trajec tories of women scientists; 4) worsens gender inequality in science careers.” Many supporting the right to choose take a practical view in which ethical considerations for the fetus are outweighed by concerns for the safety, rights, and liberty of women. A recent Gordon Research Power Hour, described as a “forum for conversations about the barriers to inclusivity,” featured a discussion on the recent Supreme Court decision led by BPS member Cynthia Czajkowski . The group of about 60 expressed much uncertainty about current threats to women living in states restricting access to abortion, but also fears of future erosion of rights such as gay marriage and access to contra ception. Maternal mortality is far higher in the United States than in other industrialized countries, and women are 14 times more likely to die in childbirth than from an abortion (Raymond, E. G., and D. A. Grimes. 2012. The comparative safety of legal induced abortion and childbirth in the United States. Obstet Gynecol 119:215-219.). Participants bemoaned

Gail Robertson

marking much progress for women, the rules had changed. It was a punch in the gut, and it felt personal. The impact of the decision, in addition to eliminating simple choice of whether to maintain a pregnancy, is amplified by the immediate effect of so-called “trigger laws” in many states, meaning that women will (and already have been) prosecuted for either attempting to end their own pregnancy or behaving in ways deemed dangerous to the fetus. Health care provid ers face prosecution for terminating a pregnancy, including when upholding their oath to save their patient in the face of life-threatening conditions. In some states a woman may be imprisoned if she flees her own state to seek treatment in another. She is, figuratively and legally, in the hands of the State. Many of those affected by the Supreme Court ruling are members of the Biophysical Society, nearly one-third of whom are women or nonbinary- or transgender, and young STEM trainees we hope one day will join our ranks. Recogniz ing that healthcare choices are highly personal, and we are a diverse group, I posed the question via Twitter: “Why should the BPS take a stand on Roe v. Wade?” Three responded: “It shouldn’t.” In contrast, more than two dozen responses to the thread or via direct message were adamantly in favor. It wasn’t a warrior cry from only women: 42% were from men, most in passionate support of women’s rights. While respect ing the range of opinions likely held by our membership, I want to share some of the respondents’ insights and consider the potential impact on the future of BPS. Several comments asserted that BPS has a responsibility to speak out. “Because public organizations and societies have a privileged position that can be used to stand for good and meaningful causes for the community. As a scientific commu nity, we cannot be silent.” A related comment stated, “Sci entific societies should speak out when fundamental rights are breached, as they are in this case.” This was the same argument that led BPS to develop a statement in support of Ukrainian scientists (https:/www.biophysics.org/news-room/

September 2022

2

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

President’s Message

Officers President

Gail Robertson President-Elect Taekjip Ha Past-President Frances Separovic Secretary Erin Sheets Treasurer Samantha Harris Council Patricia Bassereau Henry Colecraft Erin C. Dueber Martin Gruebele Gilad Haran Kumiko Hayashi Syma Khalid Francesca Marassi Susan Marqusee Carolyn A. Moores

these facts and expressed concerns that a constellation of related problems surround ing affordable healthcare and childcare may be diverting competitive trainees, especially those with families, from U.S. laboratories. Czajkowski offered, “Whether you agree or dis agree with the recent Supreme Court decision, the ruling has and will have broad effects on our research communities. Openly discuss ing the consequences of the ruling with our colleagues, research teams, and institutions is an essential step for developing strategies to mitigate its effects.” The economic benefits of reproductive free dom have been extensively documented. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, eliminating state-wide abortion restrictions could return an estimated 505,000 more women aged 15 to 44 to the labor force, yielding over $3 billion annually and adding $101.8 billion more to the earnings of wom en already working (https:/ iwpr.org/media/ press-releases/scotus-overturns-roe-v wade/). Undoubtedly these numbers include scientists or future scientists whose discover ies and legacies are at odds with these efforts of the minority. The future of our field, and the strength inherent in its diversity, are at risk. What can we do? We must act strategically. Although the Supreme Court’s decision to punt the issue of reproductive rights to the states is frequently assumed to mean certain

criminalization of the pregnant and their healthcare providers, the situation remains fluid at both the state and national levels. In a stunning development in Kansas, an explicit campaign to ban abortion via an amendment to the state constitution was soundly defeated at the ballot box in August. The voting results on the referendum in this conservative state reflect national polls showing that a solid majority of people support the right to choose, and in Kansas, democracy prevailed over minority rule. At the federal level, an Executive Order signed by President Joe Biden on August 3 aims to protect access to contraception and emergency medical care, including abortion. In many states this tension will be resolved by the voters either immediately, by referendum, or eventually, through attrition of those in minority rule in statehouses. We can speak out against the Supreme Court ruling. (https:/ bit. ly/3CqfjvF). More importantly, we can play an active role by contacting our elected represen tatives and supporting agencies advocating for change. While we work to preserve and restore reproductive rights, let us remember to provide support for our trainees in whatever decisions they make, whether terminating a pregnancy or starting or expanding a family. Only if all options are supported will we be successful in creating a diverse workforce of scientists. — Gail Robertson , President

Kandice Tanner Valeria Vasquez 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

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 © 2022 by the Biophysical Society. Darren Early Laura Phelan

Escape from the Zombie Boss or Toxic Workplace September 21, 2:00 pm Eastern Presented by Alaina G. Levine Public Speaking/Oral Communications Masterclass

October 19, 2:00 pm Eastern Presented by Alaina G. Levine

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

Register Today at biophysics.org/webinars

September 2022

3

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

Biophysicist in Profile

Elizabeth A. Yates Area of Research Amyloid aggregation and surface interactions associated with neurodegenerative disease and biomaterials

Institution United States Naval Academy

At-a-Glance

Elizabeth A. Yates was interested in science from an early age, always experimenting, asking questions, and helping her father fix things around the house. Starting her undergraduate studies, she planned to become a neonatologist but quickly found herself drawn to research, especially in neurodegenerative diseases. Now, her lab investigates the nanomechanical properties of amyloid aggregation and those aggregates responsible for phenomena such as neurodegenerative diseases and in developing underwater adhesives.

Elizabeth A. Yates

Elizabeth A. Yates , Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the United States Naval Academy (USNA), grew up in Manassas, Virginia. Her father worked as a commercial pilot and her mother in the records department of the local police department. Yates was fascinated by science as a child. “I was constantly seeking ways to be involved with science by experimenting with things I found outside or around the house, asking a lot of questions about literally everything, and always working through things methodically and hands-on. As my dad was constantly fixing things or doing side projects around the house, I was always there to learn,” she shares. “I entered a local science fair in middle school with a meteorolo gy project on cloud formations. I won my division, which then allowed me to go to a regional science fair in my area. I was hooked! It was very exciting to be around others who enjoyed science as much as I did. My parents suggested I continue my STEM path by attending a specialty science program offered through my high school.” Following high school, she attended Virginia Tech as an undergraduate. She had long held an interest in becoming a neonatologist, so her intention was to pursue a pre-med course of studies, but she changed course to chemistry during her freshman year. She conducted undergraduate research with Harry Gibson , synthesizing and purifying phenanthroline intermediates. “I realized early that being a pre-med major was not for me and I chose to shift my focus to chemistry. In my studies, I was intrigued by all things chemistry and it was important to me to find a research path where I could connect my love of both chemistry and medicine. I became increasing ly interested in studying the properties of neurodegeneration after my maternal great grandparents were both diagnosed with dementia. This led me to finding my home in impactful biophysics research throughout my doctoral work in Justin Legleiter ’s lab at West Virginia University (WVU).” At WVU, Yates studied protein misfolding and aggregation related to neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on investigat ing how surfaces modulate beta-amyloid peptide aggregation associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to research, Yates also gained experience in the classroom as a graduate student. “Throughout my time at West Virginia University, I developed a passion for teaching and received the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant in Chemistry in 2011. My goal as an educator was always to share my love of the sciences with those around me and spark scientific interest in young minds,” she declares. Directly after completing her PhD, Yates obtained a ten ure-track position at the USNA in 2013. As stated on the USNA website, “As the undergraduate college of our coun try’s naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Naval Academy students are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S. Navy. They attend the academy for four years, graduating with bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates serve at least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.” The current focus of her research is to investigate the nanomechanical properties of amyloid aggregation and those aggregates responsible for phenomena such as neurodegen erative diseases and for developing underwater adhesives. “In studying the fundamentals of amyloid formation utilizing biophysical techniques such as atomic force micros copy, biomimetic vesicle-binding assays, surface chemistry of biological interfaces, and adhesive properties, my research will contribute to enhancing the current understanding of protein-surface interactions and biomaterials,” she explains. “Having mentored eight midshipmen researchers who have gone on to serve in the fleet, I am excited to welcome four new midshipmen into the lab this upcoming year. The mid shipmen are an integral part of my research program and their high-caliber work and year-long dedication drive our lab’s success.”

September 2022

4

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

Biophysicist in Profile

Since 2017, Yates has been working with Christopher So of the Surface Chemistry Branch at the U.S. Naval Research Lab oratory (NRL) in Washington, D.C. as part of the NRL-USNA Cooperative Program for Scientific Interchange. “My work with NRL focuses on using short bioinspired peptides and proteins to determine how barnacles use complex amyloid materials as strong and durable underwater adhesives,” she shares. “Our collaboration led to the identification of new sequence patterning in the adhesive that dictates the assem bly and displayed chemistry of sticky adhesive amyloid fibrils. Ongoing work now aims to determine the extent of unique chemical patterning in barnacle glue proteins across species and all known protein families. Determining the sequence basis of adhesive amyloids will provide a basis to develop new underwater adhesives for the U.S. Navy.” Yates has been a Biophysical Society member since her graduate school years, and has served two terms on the Education Committee. She explains, “The Biophysical Society has continuously supported me from my time as a graduate student until now, as an associate professor, by helping me foster skills needed for my career such as presenting, net working, expanding my biophysics knowledge, and establish ing new collaborations. As a part of BPS, I have made lifelong friends who have become an essential part of my career.” The biggest challenge in her career came in the summer of 2017, when she had to handle a major setback in her lab during her tenure window. “A power failure in my building re sulted in a catastrophic freezer melt and I ultimately lost over

a year’s worth of work. It was devastating at the time, and I felt like my career was going to crumble. The feeling of being in over my head was overwhelming and I was unsure of my self in being able to keep my own lab up and running. . . . I was no longer a graduate student working under my successful [principal investigator], I was the scholar in charge, my career was on the line, and I had to take ownership and face this set back with dignity and grace,” Yates reveals. “I am grateful to USNA which provided me a one-year tenure clock extension and the ability to repurchase what was lost, but I still had a big hill to climb. . . . I needed to embrace the research process of hitting an unexpected outcome and having to pivot. Of course, tears were shed, but in the end, this challenge was a major turning point in my research and career. This led me to new research findings and collaborations, in addition to opening doors for me professionally that I was not expecting. I can thank this challenge for the career that I have today. Not all failures are dark clouds: sometimes they can turn into sunshine!” “I’ve learned that failure is an important part of life and success. When it happens, don’t take it personally and don’t doubt yourself,” she says. “These setbacks happen. It’s best to learn from them, grow, stay positive, and make yourself better. You are good enough.” The views expressed here are solely those of the author in her private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Navy or the Department of Defense.

Numbers By the

BPS membership in 2022 to date comprises one-third student members.

The Biophysical Society is grateful to its Industry Partners.

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

PLATINUM

September 2022

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

Public Affairs

Applications Are Open for the Biophysical Society 2022–2023 Congressional Fellowship Interested in using your science skills to inform science policy? Does spending a year working on Capitol Hill in Wash ington, DC, helping to develop policy sound exciting? The Biophysical Society’s Congressional Fellowship program is your opportunity to participate directly in the process of lawmaking that impacts how research is funded and reg ulated. This year-long opportunity provides fellows a chance to utilize their science knowledge to inform the public policy process. Fellows will gain firsthand knowledge and experience on how Congress works and will participate in the esteemed AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program (https:/www.aaas.org/programs/science-technol ogy-policy-fellowships) that provides ongoing training and networking opportunities during the fellowship year and beyond. Visit the website for more details about the program or contact Leann Fox at fellows@biophysics.org or (240) 290-5606. The application deadline is December 13, 2022.

OSTP Nominee Addresses Recent Controversies Arati Prabhakar , U.S. President Joe Biden ’s nominee to head up the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), received a mostly positive reception from the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee at its hearing on her nomination. In her opening statement, she addressed the workplace climate issues that led to the resig nation of the office’s previous director, geneticist Eric Lander . Prabhakar voiced support for the efforts of staff and interim leadership to improve the working atmosphere within the office and committed to making workplace climate a priority. Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) applauded her experience in the public and private sector and said he expects she will be confirmed. However, he also asked for assurances that she would “avoid conflicts of interest and undue outside influence over the nation’s scientific agenda or the appearance thereof,” referring to reporting by Politico about former Google CEO Eric Schmidt ’s close ties with the Biden administration and support his philanthropic initia tive, Schmidt Futures, has given to OSTP. Wicker added that Prabhakar has “business ties” with Schmidt, likely alluding to funding Schmidt Futures has provided to the non-profit re search organization Prabhakar founded after stepping down as head of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 2017. In reply, Prabhakar committed to prevent even ap pearances of conflicts of interest, though she also pointed out that OSTP’s founding statute enables it to draw on outside

resources. While Prabhakar’s confirmation appears likely, she faced hostile questions from Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) on issues such as gender-affirming medical care and the transition to clean energy sources, which sug gests her nomination will not secure the support needed to circumvent the Senate’s full-floor-vote process. Around theWorld WHO Continues Pandemic Preparedness Agreement Work in Geneva A draft of the World Health Organization’s pandemic preparedness agreement has circulated and includes provisions for better coordination of international responses while also considering the impact of climate change on public health. Although there are still many critical details that need to be ironed out, the document served as a framework for officials meeting in Geneva, Switzerland in mid-July to continue discussions. Some of the missing details include just how the goals will be accomplished and what the enforce ment mechanisms will be. This historic public health initiative was launched in December 2021 as a result of a consensus vote by the World Health Assembly to kickstart a global process to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

September 2022

6

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

Public Affairs

University Funding an Impediment to Research and Development in Kenya Emerging issues including, but not limited to, a cash crunch, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a lack of political support, in addition to other factors affecting individuals and institutions, have greatly impeded national funding to research institutions and universities. There are 102 public universities and cam puses in Kenya. Also, there are eleven research institutions in Kenya, which include: Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEM RI), KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya Agri cultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Industrial Research Institute, Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, National Crime Research Centre, National Museums of Kenya, Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, and Tourism Research Institute. The Universities Fund, which is managed by a Board of Trustees called the Universities Funding Board (UFB), was established under section 53 of the Universities Act (2012), purposely for financing Universities in the Republic of Kenya. Additionally, UFB advises the cabinet secretary on matters of university education financing and develops fair and transparent criteria for allocation of funds to universities. It has been reported that in 2018–2020, the levels of government funding to public universities were 66.4%, 60.7%, and 53.7%, respective ly, which falls below the required 80% government funding level. (https:/ufb.go.ke/). In the 2021/2022 financial year, the government cut the universities budget by 26%, which further hurt the already ailing institutions. Private universities that receive government-sponsored students have not been spared either under the student-based capitation funding. Declining government funding to public universities has resulted in unprecedented working conditions for staff due to pay cuts, lack of job security, increased workload, and/or delayed pay that have threatened university education and research. The reduced morale in teaching and research among the academic staff has led to low productivity in research. In order to remain afloat, individual universities have embraced cost-cutting measures which include, but are not limited to, university structural and governance reforms in order to remain solvent. On research funding, the Kenyan government has been allocating US$4,000,000 since 2008. This constant figure is currently low due to the current worldwide economic situation. Increased cost of research materials and equip ment makes the cost of research expensive. Members of the National Assembly can authorize funding through the Budget and Appropriations Committee and during deliberations of the Budget Proposal in Parliament. Also, the university managers, administrators, and staff unions should be engaged at forma tive stages where lobbying for higher budgetary allocation to universities and research can be achieved. Universities have

intensified applications for international research grants in order to raise funds to support research at their universi ties. Such measures have ensured that universities in Kenya remain competitive globally. In conclusion, countries that anchor their development agenda on research outputs will be successful. Such coun tries invest heavily in universities and research institutions. Therefore, it is important for the international community to strive for collaboration with universities in areas of biophys ics, physics, biology, engineering, medicine, and technology. Additionally, incentivizing research will spur researchers to invest more time, knowledge, and resources in research. Col laboration with researchers from Kenya and other countries in Africa on international research will serve as an initiative for

mentorship and will result in quality research. — Philip Amuyunzu Mang’are , BPS Ambassador

PicoBalance on DriveAFM Unparalleled sub-picogram mass measurements

New publication in Nat Commun: DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30781-y

nanosurf.com/picobalance

September 2022

7

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

Publications

Know the Editor Erdinc Sezgin Karolinska Institutet Associate Editor Biophysical Reports

Biophysical Society Supports Peer Review Week 2022 Each September, the international

scientific community takes the opportunity to recognize the importance of peer review to the scientific process. This year’s celebration will take place September 19–23 with the theme “Research Integrity: Creating

Erdinc Sezgin

What are you currently working on that excites you? In the lab, we are interested in how collective biophysical properties of membranes determine the physiological re sponses of cells. The most exciting part for me is to develop a tool to see something previously not observable. For this reason, we spend a considerable amount of time in the lab to develop new tools and methods (chemical probes, optical instruments, software) to look at membranes through new lenses. The moments I witness when a new method works as predicted (or in a surprising way) are priceless. Who would you like to sit next to at a dinner party (scientist or not)? My lab members and some science friends. Related to the previous question, the group of people I work with probably excites me the most. I have a fantastic group who are eager to learn, explore, and share. The collective mood of the group makes me come to the lab happy and excited every day. On top of that, they are really fun. Every lunch and dinner with them is full of interesting conversations and laughter.

and supporting trust in research.” This topic is a timely one, between the reproducibility crisis and public skepticism about the trustworthiness of science, including the reaction of some to science-based advice about the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a good opportunity to highlight the benefits of quality peer review and build confidence in the process. We rely on editors and peer reviewers to assess research before it is published, as well as to correct mistakes when they do occur. Academic publishers, institutions, societies, and researchers created Peer Review Week to shine a light on an activity that is essential to identifying, improving, and communicating high-quality scientific research, an activity that often goes underappreciated. The Biophysical Society thanks the editors and peer reviewers whose expertise and dedication ensures that we are publishing high quality work in the Society’s journals and that authors receive useful feedback about their submissions. More information about Peer Review Week can be found at www.peerreviewweek.wordpress.com.

Editor’s Pick Biophysical Journal Fluid-gel coexistence in lipid membranes under differential stress Samuel L. Foley, Amirali Hossein, Markus Deserno

“Despite the ubiquity of asymmetric membranes, they have not been studied nearly to the same extent as their symmetric analogs. This was largely due to the difficulty of preparing asymmetric model membranes, a challenge only recently overcome. An important but still poorly understood feature is the stress state in asymmetric mem branes, which couples to numerous properties. It was recently shown to give rise to a stiffening transition beyond sufficiently high asymmetry due to the emergence of gel domains in the compressed leaflet. In this paper, the authors introduce a theoretical model for this transition, which provides a way to infer the stress state of a membrane through observation of phase coexistence and has general implications for phase be havior in asymmetric systems.” Version of Record Published July 19, 2022 DOI:https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2022.07.021

September 2022

8

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

Member Corner

Members in the News Shasha Chong , California Institute of Technology and Society member since 2009, was named a Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research. Valentin Dunsing , University of Potsdam and Society

Shasha Chong

Valentin Dunsing Ido Levin

AidanWright

Gretchen Fujimura

member since 2017, was awarded an International Human Frontier Science Program Organization Long-Term Fellowship. Ido Levin , University of Washington and Society member since 2021, was awarded an International Human Frontier Science Program Organization Cross-Disciplinary Fellowship as well as a Fellowship from the Washington Research Foundation. Two BPS members were named Goldwater Scholars: Aidan Wright , United States Military Academy and Society member since 2021; and Gretchen Fujimura , Oregon State University and Society member since 2022.

Grants & Opportunities Sloan Research Fellowships The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation seeks nominations of out standing early career researchers for the Sloan Research Fellowships in the fields of chemistry, computer science, earth system science, economics, mathematics, neurosci ence, and physics. Who may apply: Candidates must hold a PhD, and be a tenure-track member of the faculty of a degree-granting institution of the United States or Canada, with a regular teaching obligation. Deadline: September 15, 2022 Website: https:/apsloan.smapply.io/prog/2023_sloan_ research_fellowships/

National Institutes of Health: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Research Specialist (Laboratory-based Scientist) Award This award is designed to encourage the development of stable research career opportunities for exceptional scientists who want to continue to pursue research within the context of an existing NCI-funded basic, translational, clinical, or population science cancer research program, but not serve as independent investigators. These non tenure-track scientists, such as researchers within a research program, are vital to sustaining the biomedical research enterprise. R50 clinical trials are not allowed. Deadline: November 2, 2022 Website: https:/grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/ PAR-22-187.html

Student Spotlight

Hammad Faizi Department of Mechanical Engineering Northwestern University

What skill have you learned in your studies that you find useful in other aspects of your life? One needs to be fearless in research and take up the challenge to foray into uncharted territories. Coming from a mechanical engineering background, I applied this myself in biophysics and brought new perspectives in the field. This attribute made me bolder and stronger to approach people fromdifferent backgrounds and strike up intellectual conversations.

Hammad Faizi

September 2022

9

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

Annual Meeting

Thank you to our sponsors: AIP Publishing axiVEND Bruker Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC Chroma Technology Delmic Elements srl Fluxion Biosciences HarvardBioscience HORIBA Scientific Journal of General Physiology (JGP) LUMICKS Mad City Labs Nanion Technologies Sophion Bioscience A/S Sutter Instrument Did you know…. that abstracts submitted to the Biophysics Education category will also be reviewed in an appropriate scientific abstract category for platform presentation consideration?

Top Reasons to Submit an Abstract before the October 1 Deadline: Professional Development. Enhance your CV as a presenting author. Publications Credit. Have your accepted abstract published and included in a supplement to Biophysical Journal . A Visible Platform. Submitting your abstract by the October 1 deadline grants you the opportunity to be considered for one of the more than 500 oral presentation slots in platform sessions or designated as one of the nearly 700 poster presentations held each day of the meeting. Strategic Connections. Increase your visibility and leadership potential by meeting other leading experts from around the world. Make a Difference. Enrich the experience of attendees and contribute to the sharing of ideas that is the basis of the biophysics community. The BPS ProgramCommittee reviews each submitted abstract. The high scientific quality of each abstract is what makes the BPS Annual Meeting the leading international forum for interdisciplinary research. Submit your abstract by October 1, 2022 to engage with this vital biophysics community. The Biophysical Society Annual Meeting has an outsized impact on scientific life. It spurs us to complete and craft our best stories for presentations, offers each year a newworld of advances, and builds a community among scientists that makes us all better. I treasure those relationships that get renewed and strengthened each year.

— Gail Robertson, BPS President, University of Wisconsin–Madison

September 2022

10

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

Annual Meeting

Biophysics Beyond the Boundaries

Student Research Achievement Awards

Undergraduate Poster Award Competition

The Student Research Achievement Awards (SRAA) competi tion provides students the opportunity to present their poster to senior researchers in their field. If you are a graduate student (master’s or PhD) presenting a poster, this is an ex cellent opportunity to hone your presentation skills. If you are a faculty member, please encourage your students attending the Annual Meeting to register for the competition. Participants must submit their abstract by the October 1 deadline and register for the SRAA competition by October 5, 2022. Travel Awards Looking for funding to present your research at the Annual Meeting? BPS provides Travel Awards for member students, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists of all career levels to recognize excellence in biophysics and to promote greater in teractions among biophysicists throughout the world. Awards range in size, depending on travel distance to the Annual Meeting, up to a maximum of $750. Members from all over the world may apply, even those living in the San Diego area. Applicants must submit an abstract by the October 1 deadline and apply for Travel Awards by October 5, 2022.

The Undergraduate Poster Award Competition provides students the opportunity to polish their presentation skills and be recognized for high-quality undergraduate research. Students are judged on the quality and scientific merit of the research, knowledge of the research problem, contribution to the project, and overall presentation of the poster. Judges look for students to present a clearly stated question, hypothesis, results, and conclusions. Applicants must submit their abstract by the late abstract submission deadline, January 5, 2023.

For more information and to apply online for the Student Research Achievement Awards, Travel Awards, and Undergraduate Poster Award Competition, visit www.biophysics.org/2023meeting/awards-competitions.

JUST-B Poster Session For the second year, the JUST-B (Justice for Underrepresented Scholars Training in Biophysics) Poster Session will celebrate the achievements of underrepresented and underserved students, postdocs, and early career researchers in the field of biophysics. To present your poster during this event, you must submit an abstract for the Annual Meeting and submit an application. For specific application requirements, please visit biophysics.org/2023meeting.

biophysics.org/ 2023meeting

September 2022

11

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

Communities

Subgroups Bioenergetics, Mitochondria andMetabolism

Mechanobiology Call for Nominations for Mechanobiology Subgroup Early Career Award The Mechanobiology Subgroup is pleased to call for nomina tions for its 2023 Early Career Award. This Early Investigator Award will recognize someone whose work has led to major advances in our understanding at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, and/or in how mechanical forces influence cell behaviour. The criteria for eligibility are detailed at https:/ www.biophysics.org/awards-funding/subgroup-awards. The award recipient will be granted an honorarium and will give a 30-minute talk at the Mechanobiology Subgroup symposium during the 2023 BPS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California on Saturday, February 18. The Mechanobiology Subgroup committee is looking forward to receiving your CV and your research statement at MechanobiologyBPS@gmail.com. See Membrane Structure and Function The Membrane Structure and Function Subgroup (MSAF) is pleased to announce that the following biophysicists will present exciting work at their symposium at the BPS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, on Saturday, February 18, 2023: Peter Tieleman , University of Calgary, Canada; Fen-Ching Tsai , Institut Curie, France; Frances Separovic , University of Melbourne, Australia; Jeffrey Klauda , University of Maryland, USA; Thais Enoki , Cornell University, USA; Toshihide Kobayashi , University of Strasbourg, France; and Marc Pilon , University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Please join the MSAF Subgroup at www.biophysics.org/subgroups. We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 MSAF symposium. Thomas E. Thompson Award This award celebrates the legacy of Thomas E. Thompson (1926–2021), a pioneer in the field of membrane structure and function, and a former president of the Biophysical Soci ety and editor-in-chief of the Biophysical Journal . The goals of the award are to promote excellence in research in membrane structure and function and to increase the visibility of MSAF members within the Biophysical Society. The winner will receive a $1,000 prize and will be invited to present an award lecture at the MSAF Subgroup symposium during the 2023 Annual Meeting. Nominees must have made an exceptional contribution to our understanding of membrane structure and function, must have an active research program, and must be current members of the MSAF Subgroup. Preference will be given to mid-career researchers who have not previously been recognized by a Biophysical Society award. you soon in San Diego! — Virgile Viasnoff , Chair

The Bioenergetics, Mitochondria and Metabolism Subgroup calls for nominations for the Young Bioenergeticist (YBA) and the Student Bioenergetics (SBA) awards. Both awards will be bestowed to an outstanding candidate presenting an abstract at the 2023 Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. During the Subgroup symposium, the winners will have the opportunity to present their work and will receive a cash prize. Award nominations will be accepted until January 4, 2023. For more information and the nomination procedure, please contact Elena Dedkova (ededkova@ucdavis.edu) and/or Sonia Cortassa (sonia.cortassa@nih.gov). — Sonia Cortassa and Elena Dedkova , Co-Chairs Biopolymers in Vivo We are very excited to preview the program for the 2023 Bio polymers in Vivo (BIV) Symposium, “Combining experiments, simulation and theory for studying biopolymers in vivo,” to be held on the first day of the 2023 Biophysical Society meet ing, Saturday February 18 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, in San Diego, California. Confirmed BIV speakers include: Margaret Cheung , Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Sarah Keane , University of Michigan; Milo Lin , University of Texas South western Medical Center; Thibault Mayor , University of British Columbia; Alison Sweeney , Yale University; Ben Lehner , Center for Genomic Regulation; and Alex Guseman , University of Pittsburgh. The symposium will end with a talk by the recipi ent of the BIV Young Faculty Award (https:/www.biophysics. org/awards-funding/subgroup-awards). If you are an early faculty member whose recent achievements focus on cut ting-edge investigations of biomolecular processes in living organisms, we highly encourage you to apply. The deadline is December 1, 2022. Alternatively, please consider encouraging your eligible colleagues to do so. Plans are underway for the Subgroup dinner and details will be published in an upcoming BPS Bulletin . Last, but not least, don’t forget to sign up or renew your BIV membership when you register for the BPS Annual Meeting. The BIV Subgroup Committee is looking forward to an exciting meeting! — Robert Best , Chair-Elect

September 2022

12

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

Communities

Start a BPS Student Chapter at Your Institution! The Fall Call for BPS Student Chapters is now open and accepting applications through November 14, 2022.

Nomination packets must include the following: a nomination letter from an MSAF member, two supporting letters, and the nominee’s curriculum vitae. Please submit nominations to ingela.parmryd@gu.se by November 1, 2022. The winner will be selected by the MSAF Subgroup Awards Committee. — Ingela Parmryd , Chair — Kandice Levental , Secretary-Treasurer Molecular Machines and Assemblies The Molecular Machines and Assemblies Subgroup is looking forward to another in-person meeting in 2023 in San Diego, California following the first in-person meeting in 2022 since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have an outstanding lineup of early-stage and mid-career speakers. We invite PhD students and postdocs to submit abstracts to be considered for flash talks during our Subgroup meeting. The Molecular Machines and Assemblies Subgroup is also soliciting nominations for the next Chair-Elect. The current Chair-Elect, Eric Galburt , will take over the Chair position after the 2023 meeting. Per Subgroup bylaws, we are seeking female candidates for the next Chair-Elect who would like to have a leadership role in the molecular machines and sin gle-molecule communities. Please contact me or Eric (egal burt@wustl.edu) if you are interested in standing for election. — Arne Gennerich , Chair (arne.gennerich@einsteinmed.edu) Multiscale Genome Organization The Multiscale Genome Organization (MGO) Subgroup is excited to announce a symposium on Saturday, February 18, 2023 with talks from Job Dekker , Dave Thirumalai , Igor Shara khov , Frank Alber , Mario Nicodemi , Shasha Chong , and Yaojun Zhang . Several poster awards ($100–500 prizes) and flash talks will be selected from posters submitted for the Annual Meeting. The awards are sponsored by the Journal of Molecular Biology , Genentech, Oxford Instruments, and Cell Press. Make sure to submit your abstract before the October 1 deadline for consideration. Please support us by joining the MGO Subgroup at www.biophysics.org/subgroups/multiscale-genome-organi zation. — Yamini Dalal and Anna Panchenko , Co-Chairs

Apply now to form a BPS Student Chapter at your in stitution and join a worldwide network of student leaders promoting the field of bio physics! BPS Student Chapters are

led by students and provide members with opportunities for professional development to enhance their academic experi ence. Chapters may be formed within a single institution, or regional Chapters may be developed among multiple neigh boring institutions anywhere in the world. Approved Chapters can also receive up to US$200 in matching reimbursable expenses to assist with getting started. Advisors, don’t miss this opportunity to help support the next generation of biophysicists. Share this exciting opportunity with students in your department and consider serving as a Chapter Sponsor. As a Chapter Sponsor, you will provide professional guidance, practical advice, and assistance to students. For more information, a complete list of instructions on forming a BPS Student Chapter, and a list of existing Chap ters, visit www.biophysics.org/student-chapters. Applications will be accepted through November 14, 2022. Have questions? Connect with us at studentchapters@bio physics.org.

Did you know there are 15 Subgroup Awards for researchers at varying career stages? Find out more information on eligibility and nominations at www.biophysics.org/awards-funding/subgroup-awards

September 2022

13

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

Communities

Tugba Nur Ozturk Education Committee

Tugba Nur Ozturk

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held? Yes, this is my first volunteer position at BPS. Outside of BPS, I volunteer as an executive council member of the Washing ton University in St. Louis Postdoc Society and co-chair the Career Development Committee. I am also a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Washington University. Why do you volunteer? On a professional level, I believe that every biophysicist should be volunteering so that all our input can change things for the better. Our experience, voice and effort can only im prove science and our community. Volunteering is my way of contributing to the BPS community and making sure that we plan effective and useful events to support biophysics educa tion and educators. On a personal level, volunteering allows me to get to know a lot of biophysicists and to work closely with invaluable colleagues. Some of these colleagues turned out to be great mentors. Among others, I feel grateful to Patricia Soto , Ashley Carter , Yadilette Rivera-Colón , and Elizabeth Yates for showing me how to be good at research, teaching, and mentorship while having fun! If I weren’t volunteering, I wouldn’t have met and worked with the amazing group of biophysicists on the Education Committee. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? My volunteering for the Education Committee was an ex traordinary support system during the lockdown. We had more frequent meetings as a committee and we had a blast of amazing ideas from these meetings.

For example, we wrote an article to share our experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in BPS’s education journal, The Biophysicist , and we initiated the Primarily Undergraduate In stitution (PUI) network to support PUI faculty as well as grad uate students and postdocs who are interested in working at PUIs. The PUI network is now an environment for current PUI faculty to share experiences with one another. Another opportunity for me was to represent the Education Commit tee on the organizing team for The Biophysicist Webinar Series that launched in 2021. I learned a lot from these webinars and got the chance to meet several scientists who care about biophysics education like me and are willing to share their experience and advice. I am glad that I volunteer for BPS! Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Yes. I absolutely encourage everyone to volunteer. It is a fun and rewarding experience that gives you the chance of expressing yourself and being a part of an amazing commu nity. Volunteering is a great way to find like-minded people to improve things together, be it the way we do science or the way we interact with each other. Especially in the beginning of training (whether it is for a PhD or postdoc position), volun teering can help you feel like you belong in the Society (and in science overall). When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? I work on understanding the complex world of membrane proteins and their interaction with lipids using computational modeling. I love doing research—it is demanding yet fun. On weekends, I try to take time off from research. I really enjoy reading books (especially science fiction), spending time with my pets, and playing board games.

Webinar 7: Using Curricular Material Repositories to Enhance the Learning Experience September 22, 2022, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM USA Eastern Webinar Series Register Today at www.thebiophysicist.org

September 2022

14

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