Biophysical Society - July 2014 Newsletter

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BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

2014

JULY

Student Spotlight

LAURA K. GUNTHER Wayne State University Takeshi Sakamoto Lab

Q: What initially attracted you to biophysics? When I was an undergraduate student in the bio- medical physics program at my university, I was excited to participate in the interdisciplinary re- search offered, such as in vitro studies and studies of the mechanical function of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Since I am very interested in both physics and biology, I was excited to be able to bridge the two subjects that I loved. Q: What specific areas are you studying? My doctoral studies have focused on studying the effect of the N-terminal of cardiac troponin I on the actomyosin ATPase cycle. I am also study- ing an intrinsically disordered protein known as TRIOBP as well as the mechanism by which the nonprocessive molecular motor, myosin 5c, becomes processive. Q: What is your current research project? Currently, I am measuring the detailed steps of the actomyosin ATPase cycle (ATP binding, phosphate dissociation, ADP dissociation, etc.) in myofibrils obtained from transgenic mouse hearts

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their undergraduate science career, what would it be? Don’t be afraid of hard work and don’t ever hesi- tate to ask for help if you need it. Your professors have a passion for the subject matter they teach, and want nothing more than to see you succeed. Q: Why did you join the Biophysical Society? I joined the Biophysical Society to stay connected with the most recent developments in the bio- physics world. In addition, BPS offers multiple opportunities to reach out to other biophysicists at the Annual Meeting and to share our scientific research through its publications. Q: What (or who) inspires you scientifically? My unquenched curiosity and love for learning is what inspires me scientifically. As a physicist, I al- ways ask ‘why?’ and always have an urge to answer the question at mind. Takeshi Sakamoto, Laura’s PI says: Laura is a student in my lab who is extremely passionate about her work and her projects. Her determination and self-motivation allows for her to persevere through anything she sets her mind to. She has a first author paper that just came out in "Nature Scientific Reports" and is third and fourth author on two others. I think she is a very good role model and is always willing to explore something new.

by using stopped flowmetry. Q: What do you hope to do after graduation?

Suggest a Student or Postdoc to Spotlight Do you have a spotlight-worthy

I plan to pursue a postdoctoral position. I believe it is incredibly important to undertake a postdoc- toral position in order to gain additional expertise, experience, and productivity before commencing a career as an independent investigator. After suf- ficient years as a postdoctoral fellow, I intend on pursuing a faculty appointment in academia.

student or postdoc in your lab? Send his/her name to society@biophysics.org.