Society news briefs: October 2021
Find out everything that’s been going on lately with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
New MCP AE Jyoti Choudhary

Jyoti Choudhary joined the journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics as an associate editor in August. Choudhary is the head of the proteomics core facility at the Institute of Cancer Research in London. She studies the organization dynamics of protein networks in cancer progression and resistance. Her group is also interested in understanding the impact of genetic variations on the proteome using mass spectrometry.
Tabor award nominations due Oct. 31

The JBC Herbert Tabor Early Career Investigator Awards recognize the rising stars of biological chemistry. These talented scientists are the first authors of the most high-quality, impactful papers published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry each year. Help us find this year’s awardees by nominating the authors on your favorite 2020 JBC papers! Send your list to george.demartino@utsouthwestern.edu, the award committee chair by Oct. 31. See past winners here.
Oct. 28–30: Serine proteases in pericellular proteolysis and signaling

This meeting continues the ASBMB tradition of bringing together membrane-anchored serine protease enthusiasts — this year entirely online and with an expanded focus on other related proteases with overlapping substrates and functions in the pericellular environment. Register by Oct. 27. Learn more here.
On-demand webinars
Access recently added member content, including the following titles:
- Mentoring from both sides: How to find, be and utilize a great mentor
- Using 3D to teach structure–function relationships
- Inclusive teaching: Supporting undergrads and grads in in-person and remote classrooms and labs
- Workshop and networking for inclusive practices and inclusive course content
- Improving visual literacy using AR and LEGO® bricks in biology classrooms
- Science policy and advocacy for early-career researchers
Explore the full library at ASBMB.
Call for ASBMB fellows nominations

We are now accepting nominations for ASBMB fellows. Selection as a fellow is an honor bestowed on our most distinguished members. Fellows are recognized for their meritorious efforts to advance the molecular life sciences through sustained outstanding accomplishments in areas such as scientific research, education, mentorship, commitment to diversity and service to the society and scientific community. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 12. Learn more.
Join the Art of Science Communication mailing list

Did you miss out on the most recent Art of Science Communication course? Do you want to have priority notification the next time we host the course? Join the ASC mailing list to receive access to the course application two days before it is widely available. Mailing list recipients also receive information about relevant science communication offerings from ASBMB. Stay in the know by signing up.
Student chapter applications and renewals due Nov. 30
Join a national community of undergraduate students and faculty members promoting BMB research, education and outreach. Chapter students are eligible for a number of benefits, including travel awards to support attendance at the ASBMB annual meeting, summer research funding, and selection for the ASBMB Honor Society, ΧΩΛ. Chapters also can apply for funding to organize regional meetings or support outreach initiatives. Renewals and applications for new chapters are due Nov. 30. Learn more about student chapter benefits.
Real, reliable and recognizable: Building your personal brand

In conjunction with National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the ASBMB hosted a workshop on building your personal brand. If you missed it, you can access the tips and tricks on demand. Erica Gobrogge of Van Andel Research Institute was the speaker.
Improving federal scientific integrity policies.

In response to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy request for information on improving integrity policies, the ASBMB submitted comments in July recommending that OSTP strengthen whistleblower protections, refine conflict-of-interest policies, remedy funding inequities and make scientific integrity matters public. Read the letter and others here.
Advocacy team eyes FY22 appropriations
In late September, Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution that will extend fiscal 2021 spending levels through early December. The ASBMB public affairs staff is working to make the case for fiscal 2022 appropriation that increases baseline funding for science funding agencies.
Society veteran retires

Longtime ASBMB staff member Maria Hernandez retired in July. She joined the society in 1982 and held various positions over the years. She served on the Journal of Biological Chemistry, membership and accounting teams.
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition weekly.
Learn moreFeatured jobs
from the ASBMB career center
Get the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in People
People highlights or most popular articles

ASBMB names 2025 fellows
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honors 24 members for their service to the society and accomplishments in research, education, mentorship, diversity and inclusion and advocacy.

When Batman meets Poison Ivy
Jessica Desamero had learned to love science communication by the time she was challenged to explain the role of DNA secondary structure in halting cancer cell growth to an 8th-grade level audience.

The monopoly defined: Who holds the power of science communication?
“At the official competition, out of 12 presenters, only two were from R2 institutions, and the other 10 were from R1 institutions. And just two had distinguishable non-American accents.”

In memoriam: Donald A. Bryant
He was a professor emeritus at Penn State University who discovered how cyanobacteria adapt to far-red light and was a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for over 35 years.

Yes, I have an accent — just like you
When the author, a native Polish speaker, presented her science as a grad student, she had to wrap her tongue around the English term “fluorescence cross-correlation microscopy.”

Professorships for Booker; scholarship for Entzminger
Squire Booker has been appointed to two honorary professorships at Penn State University. Inayah Entzminger received a a BestColleges scholarship to support their sixth year in the biochemistry Ph.D. program at CUNY.