September 16-20, 2024, is National Postdoc Appreciation Week. Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has sponsored this annual celebration to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and scientific discovery. Check out the NPA website to view the virtual and in-person events being held this week.
This week, BPS will be highlighting postdoc members on the blog. Today, read about LaNell Williams, Princeton University.
What is your current position?
Associate Research Scholar in the Center for the Physics of Biological Functions, Princeton University
Please share a brief description of your research.
I study how a membrane-less organelle in an algae called Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii called the pyrenoid is assembled inside of algae via phase separation and other biophysical mechanisms.
Can you please provide a few potential applications of your research?
Assembling a pyrenoid in plants can contribute to food scarcity issues, but we can also learn about membrane-less organelle assembly more broadly.
How might your research be relevant to those who are not working in your specific field?
The broader condensates community can benefit from our research, in addition to people interested in hierarchical assembly processes in and outside of nature.
What is your favorite thing about biophysics?
The ability to apply fundamental physics to systems that are so complex.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I run, I participate in outreach efforts geared towards BIPOC in STEM, and I read quite often.
Do you have a website where our readers can view your recent research and follow your career? Or want to share professional social media handles?
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