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BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
9
SEPTEMBER
2017
70 Days of Summer: 10
th
Annual Summer
Research Program in Biophysics Comes
to a Close
This summer saw another inspiring and motivated
group of undergraduate students participate in the
Biophysical Society Summer Research Program
in Biophysics. Hosted at the University of North
Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, students were
afforded the opportunity take part in the pro-
gram’s mini-graduate school experience, attend-
ing lectures by UNC faculty, seminars by visiting
scholars, and conducting research throughout the
summer. While the lectures provided a founda-
tion in biophysics, the seminars provided a more
in-depth look at specific research topics, and
students were also able to network with visit-
ing lecturers over lunch, receiving guidance on
graduate school and career advice. Students also
received a one-on-one mentoring experience
working with their lab supervisors. According to
one student,
Xavier Bonner
, “My favorite experi-
ence from the Summer Research Program was
the mentee-mentor relationship. I could ask my
mentor anything pertaining to science or personal
life. This program is immensely focused on mak-
ing you the best scientist you can be, not just for
a summer but levels beyond undergraduate and
graduate life.”
This year's students spent ten weeks assisting in
the labs of UNC faculty members and working on
independent research projects. Students had their
first opportunity to present their research and
receive feedback during poster sessions at the pro-
gram’s Annual Alumni Reunion Weekend from
June 30 to July 2, 2017. Previous program partici-
pants joined the current class for a fun and infor-
mative weekend that included an opening BBQ
reception, scientific presentations from program
alumni, and career talks featuring a diverse group
of visiting scientists representing industry, govern-
ment, and academia.
Monica Cortez
, an alumna
from the 2016 class, attended this year’s reunion
and plans to return again in future years. “I loved
it so much,” says Cortez, “I will definitely be in
attendance in future reunions because I gained a
different perspective from being an alumna and
what it truly means to be a
participant in this program.
The prestige bestowed upon
the participants and alumni
is truly unique, and I will
always look forward to
expanding the BPS alumni
family because you really do
connect even when you are
from different participant
years.”
Although students spent
much of the summer im-
mersed in biophysics, there
was still time for social
events including a week-
end beach trip, an outdoor
obstacle course, and a visit
to an Escape Room. Dur-
ing the course, students also
participated in professional
development sessions, fea-
turing topics such as ethics
in science, GRE prepara-
tion, and writing a personal
statement.
During the final symposium,
held at the Rizzo Conference
Center in Chapel Hill on July 27, 2017, students
concluded their experience by presenting their
individual summer research projects to their
peers, teaching assistants, mentors and course
Co-Directors,
Mike Jarstfer
and
Dorothy Erie
, and
Program Director Emeritus,
Barry Lentz
. Many
of the students hope to present their research at
the upcoming 2018 Biophysical Society Annual
Meeting. The Biophysical Society thanks the
National Institute of General Medical Sciences for
funding the 2017 Summer Program in Biophys-
ics. Applications for the 2018 program will be
available this fall. For more information visit
www.biophysics.org.Summer Program Class of 2017.
Xavier Bonner (left) presents his poster during
Summer Program Alumni Reunion Weekend.