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?

My position on the Professional Opportunities for Women Committee (CPOW) is not my first volunteer position with the Biophysical Society (BPS). I was a member of the Minority Affairs Committee (MAC), which is now known as the Committee for Inclusion and Diversity (CID), for about six years.

Why do you volunteer?

I want to be a part of the outreach efforts in recruiting scientists at every stage (high school, undergrad, grad, etc.) to the Society. I want other biophysicists (and scientists who are interested in biophysically related topics) to experience BPS the way I did so many years ago. As a graduate student, winning a travel award gave me the chance to attend the BPS Annual Meeting, and I was beyond grateful for the opportunity. Out of all the scientific conferences I had attended, this was where I felt a sense of community. It was a place where I was constantly torn about which talks to attend because my scientific interests were highlighted at the forefront (unlike other conferences where I will go to specific sessions and that’s about it). I also knew that this Society genuinely saw the importance of diversifying and making the community more inclusive. My contribution as a scientist was valued.

What has been a highlight from your volunteer experience?

Honestly, participating in workshops organized by these committees. For example, getting to speak with students and postdocs during speed networking events. It was an opportunity to hear what they were experiencing and to offer some advice and insights.

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

I would say, “Take the plunge!” Volunteering gives you a chance to learn so much about what goes on behind the scenes to make BPS such a great community and scientific platform for dissemination of knowledge.