Biophysical Society Bulletin | September 2023

Communities

Bill Wimley Publications Committee

Bill Wimley

selves to me at an Annual Meeting and thanked me because I was the editor for their very first paper, which was published in Biophysical Journal . Also, as a member of the Publications Committee, I participated in the interview process for select ing the Editors-in-Chief of the Society journals. It was inspir ing to interact with scientists, such as our current editors, who have such great passion for scientific publishing and clear visions for the future of BPS publications. Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering? Do it! Go to the Society’s “Get Involved” website for ideas and opportunities (https:/www.biophysics.org/get-involved). Or ganize a local chapter. Participate in Subgroup activities. Apply to join a committee that you find interesting or useful. How did I become a member of the Publications Committee? I ap plied. Volunteering is satisfying. In these volunteer activities, you will meet colleagues who will be part of your professional network far into the future. When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on? I find great inspiration in the beauty of the original world wide web—the natural world. In my spare time, I take my cam era out into the forests and marshes and swamps of South Louisiana and photograph the wildlife, small and large. I learn about my subjects and then share the photos on social media (Instagram: @bill_wimley). Because I am an educator, it is satisfying to share the interesting or insightful information I discover.

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held? Over my long career, I have enjoyed serving the Biophysical Society in many ways. In addition to my current two terms of service on the Publications Committee, I was also an Editorial Board Member for Biophysical Journal . I was Chair of the Mem brane Structure and Function Subgroup, which enabled me to organize a stimulating Saturday Subgroup Symposium for the Annual Meeting. I have also judged student posters many times for the Student Research Achievement Award compe tition. This is an activity that I especially enjoy because it lets me interact with the next generation of scientists. Why do you volunteer? Academic science is not an easy enterprise. Professional and scientific societies, such as BPS, are critical sources of sup port. By organizing conferences, publishing Society journals, and creating outreach activities, BPS supports the exchange of ideas and provides opportunities for networking, collab oration, and growth. BPS has been my scientific home for three decades. So, I volunteer because it enables me to give something back to the Society and to participate in the many Society activities that support scientists at all career stages. What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience? An Editorial Board Member for Biophysical Journal must make difficult decisions. This is not always easy, but there are also rewards. Once, an early career scientist introduced them

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