Biophysical Society Newsletter | September 2017

9

BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

2017

SEPTEMBER

70 Days of Summer: 10 th Annual Summer Research Program in Biophysics Comes to a Close

This summer saw another inspiring and motivated group of undergraduate students participate in the Biophysical Society Summer Research Program in Biophysics. Hosted at the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, students were afforded the opportunity take part in the pro- gram’s mini-graduate school experience, attend- ing lectures by UNC faculty, seminars by visiting scholars, and conducting research throughout the summer. While the lectures provided a founda- tion in biophysics, the seminars provided a more in-depth look at specific research topics, and students were also able to network with visit- ing lecturers over lunch, receiving guidance on graduate school and career advice. Students also received a one-on-one mentoring experience working with their lab supervisors. According to one student, Xavier Bonner , “My favorite experi- ence from the Summer Research Program was the mentee-mentor relationship. I could ask my mentor anything pertaining to science or personal life. This program is immensely focused on mak- ing you the best scientist you can be, not just for a summer but levels beyond undergraduate and graduate life.” This year's students spent ten weeks assisting in the labs of UNC faculty members and working on independent research projects. Students had their first opportunity to present their research and receive feedback during poster sessions at the pro- gram’s Annual Alumni Reunion Weekend from June 30 to July 2, 2017. Previous program partici- pants joined the current class for a fun and infor- mative weekend that included an opening BBQ reception, scientific presentations from program alumni, and career talks featuring a diverse group of visiting scientists representing industry, govern- ment, and academia. Monica Cortez , an alumna from the 2016 class, attended this year’s reunion and plans to return again in future years. “I loved it so much,” says Cortez, “I will definitely be in attendance in future reunions because I gained a different perspective from being an alumna and

what it truly means to be a participant in this program. The prestige bestowed upon the participants and alumni is truly unique, and I will always look forward to expanding the BPS alumni family because you really do connect even when you are from different participant years.” Although students spent much of the summer im- mersed in biophysics, there was still time for social events including a week- end beach trip, an outdoor obstacle course, and a visit to an Escape Room. Dur- ing the course, students also participated in professional development sessions, fea- turing topics such as ethics in science, GRE prepara- tion, and writing a personal statement. During the final symposium, held at the Rizzo Conference

Summer Program Class of 2017.

Xavier Bonner (left) presents his poster during Summer Program Alumni Reunion Weekend.

Center in Chapel Hill on July 27, 2017, students concluded their experience by presenting their individual summer research projects to their peers, teaching assistants, mentors and course Co-Directors, Mike Jarstfer and Dorothy Erie , and Program Director Emeritus, Barry Lentz . Many of the students hope to present their research at the upcoming 2018 Biophysical Society Annual Meeting. The Biophysical Society thanks the National Institute of General Medical Sciences for funding the 2017 Summer Program in Biophys- ics. Applications for the 2018 program will be available this fall. For more information visit www.biophysics.org.