This Biophysics Week, we're highlighting some of the outstanding members of our Student Chapter program. Today, we'll hear from Natesan Mani, a PhD student at Northeastern University Student Chapter of the Biophysical Society.

What inspired you to study biophysics?
I was awestruck when I first saw a Molecular Dynamics trajectory. Being able to visualize the dynamic image of a glycoprotein wriggling around was something that immediately caught my interest.

What do you think makes the study of biophysics unique?
I think the ability to describe how a biomolecular system would behave based on how it moves and interacts with the environment around it is truly unique. 

What skill have you learned in your studies that you find useful in other aspects of your life?
Breaking down a problem into steps and trying to figure out ways to solve individual steps. Also, the ability to accept mistakes and failures as a part of the process. 

What is your dream career?
Working in the biotech/consulting world and being in a position of leadership to make a direct contribution to the company and the people that we serve.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I was proud to be a recipient of the BPS Tavel award in 2025 and being given the opportunity to present my work at a platform talk. I am also happy to be the founding President of the Northeastern Biophysical Society Student Chapter (NEBPS)

What advice do you have for someone thinking about studying biophysics?
Biophysics is highly interdisciplinary with the potential to revolutionize domains across multiple industries. This is a great field of study, and you should definitely take a plunge!