Sean Chen, CBC Undergraduate attends the Annual Biophysical Society Meeting in Philadelphia, PA.
"Thanks to the friends and family of Michael A. Wells. The Michael A. Wells Memorial Scholarship allowed me to afford lodging for the duration of Biophysical research Society 2024 (BPS2024), the conference registration fee, abstract registration fee (24-A-2289-BPS if you would like to read it), the student membership fee, and roundtrip airfare to Philadelphia.
As an emerging researcher in the biophysical sciences, I received valuable feedback on the quality of my research as well as my overall communication skills as I presented at the Undergraduate Poster Award Competition (UPAC). I made and maintained connections with people involved in biophysics who have given me insight into how to further my research project. I also attended sessions that have given me a greater technical background for research in lipid membrane biophysics. Finally, I met with representatives from biophysics graduate programs and was able to ask in-depth questions about their institutions.
At BPS2024, I had the opportunity to present my research in the UPAC as well as having received written and verbal feedback on various aspects of my presentation. Two professors from the University of Pennsylvania pointed out a flaw in the preparation of my samples. They also mentioned possible ways forward for me to solve said flaw as well as implications on the interpretation of my results. They provided a future direction to explore as well as a concrete route to improve the validity of my results. A scientist from the STFC in the UK wrote his Ph.D thesis in a niche area that might have applications to my research. I maintain regular contact with him in determining how to best proceed with this information.
A particular platform talk that was of great interest to me was one that gave an introduction to lipid experimental methods. They described in vitro and in silico analysis techniques in order to better produce data on lipid membranes. One technique, has particular interest to me as it would remedy the flaw pointed out by the two professors from UPenn I had met the day prior. It is also a field of research being carried out by the UArizona making it a highly practical consideration.
Overall, the 68th Annual BPS2024 was a wonderful experience and a great success. Funded in great part by the Michael A. Wells Memorial Scholarship, my attendance has expanded my view of biophysical research. It was also an incredible opportunity to meet new people, especially with the variety across subfields and stages of their careers. Attending BPS2024 was invaluable to receive constructive feedback on my research work thus far as well. As an undergraduate, it was also informative to meet face-to-face with people who direct the graduate research programs I am interested in attending."
