This Biophysics Week, we're highlighting some of the outstanding members of our Student Chapter program. Today, we'll hear from Esmeralda Flores Cabrera, a senior at the UC Irvine Biophysical Society Student Chapter.

 

What inspired you to study biophysics? 
I found myself quite curious in understanding how biological systems function and how molecules behavior under certain conditions. It was my principal investigator, Dr. Melanie Cocco, who inspired me to study biophysics. In her lab, I was able to study two different proteins, hemoglobin and DinB homolog polymerase, and I found studying such small molecules to be fascinating work.   

 

What do you think makes the study of biophysics unique? 
In my opinion, biophysics is unique because it involves the principles of physics, mathematics, and chemistry to understand the biological system found in various organisms, from bacteria to human beings.  

 

What skill have you learned in your studies that you find useful in other aspects of your life? 
Studying biophysics and being part of a research team helped me in becoming a better critical thinker, problem-solver, and communicator/writer. As an undergraduate, I use these skills when I am completing assignments or presenting in front of my peers.  

 

What is your dream career? 
I aspire to work in research and drug development.  

 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? 
I take great pride in presenting a poster at the 2025 Biophysical Society Annual Meeting. My team and I presented on the cold denaturation of DinB homolog polymerase; I made consensus sequences and utilized Chimera to create homology models for thermophilic, mesophilic, and psychrophilic bacterial organisms.  

 

What advice do you have for someone thinking about studying biophysics? 
If you have an interest in studying biophysics, explore it. It might turn out to be the field of research that you dedicate your life’s work to. I would suggest to attend seminars or seek a research position as an undergraduate; that is the best way to determine if you have a deep interest in biophysics.