Professional Development & Networking

Sunday, February 21, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
This “breakfast” for undergraduate students offers a valuable networking and social opportunity to meet other students, Biophysical Society Committee members, and scientists at all career levels to discuss academic goals and questions, and to develop a biophysics career path. The Breakfast will include a panel discussion on academic and career paths in biophysics, with opportunities for questions and answers from the audience - come prepared to find out about the course of study that aspiring biophysicists undertake, what it means to be a biophysicist, and how biophysicists make important discoveries. Space for this session is limited to the first 100 attendees.

Career Panel:

Angel Payan, University of California, San Diego

Andres Betancourt, Aji Bio-Pharma Services

Dr. Annette Medina, Gilead 

Career Talk:

Dr. Carmilia Jimenez, Ajimoto Biopharma Services

 The World Outside the Lab: Following Your IDP Roadmap to the Career You Want

Sunday, February 21, 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Finding a job is easy, finding the job you want requires a plan! In this interactive workshop, you will be guided through the creation of your Individual Development Plan (IDP) and will develop strategies for utilizing your IDP to find, land, and succeed in a career that fits you best. Learn how to identify what you desire and require a job, evaluate how well potential career fields match your needs, and develop goals to prepare for and land a position you will find satisfying and rewarding. Don't settle for just any job, join us and plot your course to a fulfilling career! Speaker Heather Dillon has over a decade of experience in recruitment and advising, and has assisted hundreds of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and their job searches and application materials and is devoted to helping trainees succeed in their chosen professions by providing career guidance and advice through seminars, workshops, and individual meetings.

Speaker Information: 

Heather Dillon, MSc

Career and Professional Development Program Manager 

Office of Postdoctoral and Research Scholar Affairs

University of California, San Diego

Speaker Biography:

As Career and Professional Development Program Manager in the Office of Postdoctoral and Research Scholar Affairs at the University of California, San Diego, Heather Dillon develops, coordinates, and presents programs to meet the training and professional development needs of the UCSD postdoctoral community. Heather graduated with Highest Honors from the University of California, Davis with a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and has a Master's degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from Dartmouth College. With over a decade of experience in recruitment and advising, Heather has assisted hundreds of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and their job searches and application materials and is devoted to helping trainees succeed in their chosen professions by providing career guidance and advice through seminars, workshops, and individual meetings.

  Education & Career Opportunities Fair

Sunday, February 21, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
This fair will provide opportunities for candidates to meet with representatives from educational institutions as well as industry and government agencies. Students and postdoctoral candidates will be able to meet with representatives from colleges and universities with leading programs in biophysics. Attendees can connect with representatives from industry and agencies who will provide information about employment and funding opportunities at their institutions/companies. 

Stop by the fair to learn about the variety of opportunities available and to talk one-on-one with representatives from participating organizations. 

Representatives interested in reserving a table at this fair to display information about their institution/company’s biophysics-related opportunities must complete a registration form and submit the registration fee in advance. All those attending the Annual Meeting are encouraged to attend. Registration deadline was January 24. There will be no onsite registration. 

 Teaching Science Like We Do Science

Sunday, February 21, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM

This interactive, hands-on workshop focuses on practice-applicable, easy-to-use strategies and tools that educators at any level of biophysical science education can use to assess what their students take away from their teaching, and where changes to their educational methods might be appropriate.

In the first hour of the workshop, we will review a set of assessment techniques commonly used in science education. Guided by provided workshop resources, participants will have opportunities to share first-hand experiences in round table discussion and collaborate, regardless of the extent of previous knowledge, to compose a personal assessment toolbox that aligns with their course objectives.

In the second hour, we will discuss how results from course assessment can be used to inform curricular decisions regarding program effectiveness. This bigger picture approach is not only relevant to program directors or department chairs, but will also result in a better awareness of every instructor of the holistic nature of a student's education.

 Science and Research in the Global Political Landscape: The US and China

Sunday, February 21, 2:30 PM–4:00 PM

Science has always thrived on collaborations, with many significant scientific advances resulting from the coordinated efforts of multiple research teams, frequently based in different countries. China's recent increased investment in science and technology has been accompanied by increasing numbers of international scientific collaborations involving scientists at Chinese institutions, with collaborations with US scientists comprising the largest share.  

The high level of US-China scientific collaboration has coincided with trade disputes and concerns about intellectual property theft. The United States Congress has begun to actively pursue legislation to protect the products of US research efforts from foreign governments. At the same time, the US agencies overseeing federal research grants have initiated into grantees with undisclosed collaborative agreements with foreign governments amidst allegations of 'double-dipping.'

As US-China tensions continue to rise, what are the long-term repercussions for scientific research - an endeavor that has always thrived on collaborative efforts and global perspectives? What is the impact of university and federal agency investigations on the participation of Chinese nationals in the US scientific enterprise?

Moderator: 
Dorothy Beckett, University of Maryland

Speakers: 

Michael Lauer, NIH

Frank H. Wu, University of California Hastings College of the Law

Tai-Ming Cheung, University of California San Diego

Sandra Brown, University of California San Diego

 PI to PI, A Wine & Cheese Mixer

Sunday, February 21, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
You finally have a job working in biophysics, in industry or academia, with some funding and a lab, but you’ve realized that the career challenges continue. Come relax and network with your contemporaries and senior biophysicists over a beer or glass of wine. This event is a great chance to compare notes with colleagues and discuss one-on-one your unique solutions to issues that arise in the time between getting your job and getting your next promotion, including management of lab staff, getting your work published, and renewing your funding. Refreshments will be provided, with cash bar.

 Student Research Achievement Award (SRAA) Poster Competition

Sunday, February 21, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
This session features students who are presenting posters at the Annual Meeting and have indicated at the time of abstract submission that they wish to participate in the competition. During the competition, students will give a five-to-seven minute oral presentation of their posters to one or more judges. Winners will be recognized on Monday evening prior to the Biophysical Society Lecture. For more information click here.

  Graduate Student Breakfast

Monday, February 22, 7:30 AM–8:30 AM
This breakfast presents an opportunity for graduate student Annual Meeting attendees to meet and discuss the issues they face in their current career stage. Limited to the first 100 attendees.

Speakers:

Jeanne Small, NSF

Martin Guthold, Wake Forest University

 New Member Welcome Coffee

Monday, February 22, 10:15 AM–11:15 AM
All new Biophysical Society members are invited to participate in an informal gathering to meet members of the Society’s council and programs, find out about the Society’s activities, get acquainted with other new members, and enjoy refreshments. Current members are encouraged to come meet the new members.

 Annual Meeting of the Student Chapters

Monday, February 22, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Join BPS Student Chapters from all over the world for a poster session and workshop. Attendees will meet Student Chapter officers and representatives and learn about each chapter. The interactive workshop aims to establish chapter interactions, communications, and planning for future Student Chapter Annual Meeting sessions. 

Moderators:

Seth Weinberg, Ohio State University

Ashley Carter, Amherst College

 The Nuts and Bolts of Preparing Your NSF Grant

Monday, February 22, 12:30 PM–2:00 PM
The National Science Foundation’s Biological Sciences Directorate strongly supports biophysics researchers through its Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. The division awarded over $160 million in funding to researchers in 41 states. At this session, program directors and officers with expertise in biophysics will be providing details on the NSF grant-making process as it currently stands with a particular emphasis on grant writing and submission for new and early career investigators.

Moderator: Eric Sundberg, Emory University School of Medicine

Panel: Marcia Newcomer, NSF 

 How Does Congress Set the Federal Budget for Biomedical Research?

Monday, February 22, 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
The Congressional appropriations process for setting the federal budget is often fought out over many months, and rarely straightforward. The funding of agencies such as the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundations (NSF) are a small part of the $1.4 trillion discretionary budget set annually by the House and Senate. 

This workshop will review the overall process, including distinctions between authorization and appropriations, discretionary and non-discretionary spending, and the Presidential and Congressional budgets. Understanding where grant giving agencies fit into the broader federal budget will aid you in advocating for the basic and biomedical research budgets that truly address national needs. Learn how you can lend your voice to the Biophysical Society's advocacy for sustained, predictable funding for scientific research.

Moderator: Jonathan King, MIT

Speakers:

Angela Diaz, University of California San Diego

Leah Cairns, Congressional Science Fellow

Eric Sundberg, Emory University School of Medicine

 Biophysics 101: An Introduction to Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Its Application to Biological Systems

Monday, February 22, 1:30 PM–3:00 PM
Molecular dynamics (MD) is a computer simulation technique for studying structural dynamics and thermodynamics properties of molecular systems. The atoms and molecules are allowed to interact for a fixed period of time, giving a view of the dynamic "evolution" of the system. Given its high temporal and spatial resolutions, the methodology can be considered as a "computational microscope" to allow for visualization of molecular systems and processes, and molecular properties underlying macroscopic behavior observed experimentally. 

MD is now an indispensable biophysical tool that closely complements many experimental techniques. The technique has benefitted tremendously from substantial boost in our computational power and from algorithmic advances, and it can currently describe rather complex biological phenomena. The speakers will introduce the basic theory and system building steps for a MD simulation and present some of the recent successful biophysical applications of the technique including examples of combining the methodology with experimental data.

Speakers:

Esmael Haddadian, The University of Chicago

Chris Chipot, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

 How to Get Your Scientific Paper Published

Monday, February 22, 2:15 PM–3:45 PM
This panel discussion, sponsored by the Publications Committee, will focus on the practical issues involved in publishing a scientific paper. Panelists include Biophysical Journal editors and Publication Committee members who have extensive experience in writing, reviewing, and editing papers. They will provide general information on the dos and don'ts of submitting research manuscripts to journal for publication. For authors, topics encompass writing for your audience (and identifying the appropriate journal), writing the cover letter, managing reviews, and suggestions for responding to critiques and even rejection of a paper. For reviewers, topics include how to write a useful critique. Attendees are encouraged to pose questions and raise topics for discussion.

Moderator: Kathleen Hall, Washington University in Saint Louis

Panelists: 
Jason Kahn, University of Maryland: Selecting the Right Journal for Your Paper
Vasanthi Jayaraman, University of Texas Health Science Center: The Path of a Manuscript
Will Hancock, Pennsylvania State University: How to Craft a Narrative
Carlos Baiz, University of Texas at Austin: Design of Effective Figures

 Beyond Reporting: How To Be An Ally To Those Experiencing Harassment

Monday, February 22, 2:30 PM–4:00 PM
It can be difficult to know how best to support individuals experiencing harassment, or to know what to do or say if you observe problematic conduct. In this workshop, participants will learn what it means to be an ally to those experiencing harassment, ways to be an effective ally, and will discuss common concerns of would-be allies. Participants will also learn practical, experience-based actions, strategies, and conversations colleagues can utilize in order to support targets of harassment.

Speaker: Kristina K. Larsen, Esq., Kristina Larsen Law

 Speed Networking

Monday, February 22, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM
Career development and networking is important in science, but can be a big time commitment. Here we offer refreshments and the chance to speed network, an exciting way to connect with a large number of biophysicists (including Biophysical Society committee members) in a short amount of time. Mid-career and more experienced scientists could learn how to get more involved in the Society or network for open positions in their labs. Early career scientists could discuss career goals and challenges, get advice on tenure or grant writing, or find out how to gain recognition for their work. Graduate students and postdocs could make contacts to find their next position. After introductions, each person will have short 3-5 minute meetings with consecutive new contacts. During this time you can exchange information and ask questions. When time is up, you select the next person to talk to. By the end of the event, each participant will have had meaningful interactions with over half a dozen colleagues and the opportunity to meet many more. It's that simple!

 Postdoc to Faculty Q&A: Transitions Forum and Luncheon

Tuesday, February 23, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM 
This question-and-answer luncheon is designed for postdocs finishing and actively applying for academic faculty positions. Discussion will be led by a panel of new faculty in basic science and/or medical school departments and experienced faculty who have served as department chairs and/or part of faculty search committees. Topics for discussion include how to prepare the curriculum vitae, the interview process, networking, how to negotiate the job offer, and advice for new faculty as they balance research with their department obligations. P

Pre-registration was required by the January 8 deadline to reserve a boxed lunch. Attendance is limited to the first 60 participants. If you do not register in advance, you are welcome to participate in the discussion on a space-available basis.

Chairs:

David Warshaw, University of Vermont

Stephen Cannon, University of California, Los Angeles

Speakers: 

Howard Young, Professor, University of Alberta

David Jones, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

Sarah Heissler, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University

Krishna Chinthalapudi, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University

David Warshaw, Chair, Vermont

Stephen Cannon, Chair, UCLA

 Funding Opportunities for Faculty at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions 

Tuesday, February 23, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Information regarding how PUI faculty can generate funds to support their undergraduate research laboratory will be covered in this session. 

Presenters:
Wilson Francisco, NSF

Silvia Ronco, Research Corporation for Science Achievement

Joe Gindhart, NIH

 Climate Change We Want to See: Mitigating Unconscious Bias in the Biophysical Professions

Tuesday, February 23, 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Why does the same uncontrollable, subconscious feeling that tells us to flock to a flower and flee from an insect rear its head in our professional lives? Whether it's instantaneous like a microaggression or spans decades like salary disparities, it matters. We are talking about bias. We all have it and we can never escape it fully, so let's learn how to deal with it. 

Heather Metcalf, PhD and Aspen Russell of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) will be presenting an hour-long workshop on unconscious bias. In this workshop, participants will learn the history of bias, how it manifests in STEM, and lastly, how to work together to enact solutions to actively combat against it so we don't have to wait until after the year 2100 for women in biophysical professions to finally reach parity. 

Speakers: 

Heather Metcalf, Chief Research Officer, Association for Women in Science

Aspen Russell, Research Assistant, Association for Women in Science  

 The Nuts and Bolts of Preparing Your NIH Grant

Tuesday, February 23, 1:30 PM–3:00 PM
The National Institutes of Health is the world’s largest funder of fundamental biomedical research. You have likely spent years training and are now ready to apply for a NIH grant. But where do you start? At this session, program directors and officers with expertise in biophysics will be providing details on the NIH grant-making process as it currently stands, with a particular emphasis on grant writing and submission for new and early career investigators.

Moderator: Eric Sundberg, Emory University School of Medicine 

Speaker: 

Michele McGuirl, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Peter Preusch, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Ruth Grossman, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Eleazar Cohen, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Manana Sukhareva, National Institutes of Health (NIH)

 Dinner Meet-ups

Sunday - Tuesday, 6:00 PM
Local students will be waiting at the Society Booth to meet up with attendees who want to experience the local flavor of San Diego.