The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) is one of the largest gatherings of underrepresented minorities in the field of STEM, held yearly at various locations throughout the United States. It brings together students from all over the country, as well as faculty and seasoned professionals in biomedical research. This year, the ABRCMS Conference was held in Anaheim, California, from November 13 to 16.

Three Biophysical Society representatives were at attendence at this year's conference: Joon Kwak, Elizabeth Vuong, and Daryl Eggers. Joon is the Programs Coordinator at the Society, while Elizabeth is the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Outreach. Daryl is a tenured full Professor at San Jose State University. He interacts daily with a highly diverse student population as their biochemistry instructor, academic advisor, and research advisor. His laboratory group is comprised mostly of undergraduate students who employ biophysical techniques to quantify the energetic contribution of water in binding and conformational equilibria. As a member of the LGBT community, Daryl is a dedicated to the inclusion of all students in all science-related activities.

BPS representatives enjoyed interacting with attendees, sharing information about the Society and the many applications that biophysics has in everyday life. Students who stopped by the booth gained additional perspective into the benefits of being involved with the Society at the early onset of their careers, as well as information on the 2020 BPS Annual Meeting in San Diego. For students whose main course of study was not obviously biophysics-related, Daryl provided helpful insight onto how their discipline may align with biophysics. Students were actively engaged in learning about biophysics and how additional post-graduate studies in the field could help propel their careers. 

The ABRCMS conference is a wonderful opportunity for educators and students to come together and recognize the hard work that students have put in over the course of their academic careers. It was pleasure for BPS representatives in hearing from students about their educational experiences and their aspirations for the future. 

Biophysical Society looks forward to seeing everyone at the 2020 ABRCMS Conference in San Antonio! Let us know if you're planning to attend!