For National Volunteer Week 2022, the Biophysical Society is highlighting some of our many dedicated volunteers. 

 

Is this your first volunteer position for BPS? If not, what other positions have you held?

Yes, I started as a Committee for Inclusion and Diversity (CID) member in 2015 because another member recommended me and because I was inspired by a former undergraduate research student who attended the Biophysics Summer Research Program at the University of North Carolina. I am currently serving my second term, and my experience has been even more rewarding and impactful than I anticipated.

Why do you volunteer?

The biggest reason to be on CID is to learn about the very impressive and inspiring biophysicists from around the world as we evaluate applications for travel awards. I get to learn about their inspirational backgrounds and research. I have had and continue to have many incredible role models (who often do not look like me or did not grow up very much like I did) who were hugely impactful to me at critical times in my career. This is one of the small and fun ways I am paying it forward.

What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience?

Every year, I look forward to participating in the “Speed Networking” sessions at the Biophysical Society Meeting. It’s wonderful to meet (even if briefly) so many different undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and fellow professors and to get to know about how they got there and where they hope to go.

Do you have advice for others who might be thinking about volunteering?

If you have an interest in one of the BPS committees, but even if you feel wholly unqualified, just go ahead and ask a member of the committee to get connected anyway. You will quickly discover that no one is really an expert, and all of our unique backgrounds can provide critical perspectives to move the ball forward.

When not volunteering for BPS, what do you work on?

When I am not leading a small interdisciplinary research group or teaching physics and computer science, I enjoy training for half or full marathons with my wife, walking my dog, enjoying a good meal, and strumming my ukulele.