Baird, Teaster Jr.

Statement of interest

The ASBMB has been instrumental in my journey as a scientist and educator. From my first ASBMB meeting as a graduate student to my being selected as an ASBMB fellow two years ago, I have considered the ASBMB to be my scientific home. It would be an honor to serve on the Council and give back to the society.

I became a biochemist because of my fascination with enzymes. I became an educator because I have a talent, which I still work to further develop, for making complex scientific concepts more accessible to science novices. Cultivating these two passions over my 20-plus year career as a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at San Francisco State University has been fulfilling. However, it was the work that I did with the ASBMB that allowed me to appreciate what was possible with the support of a professional society.

Serving as a member of the ASBMB Student Chapters Steering Committee and the former Public Outreach Committee afforded me valuable opportunities from which to learn and work with groups of exceptional and committed colleagues. Through those committees, I saw the impact of contributing to educational and outreach efforts on a national level.

We are in a point in time when misinformation and science denial are trending. I think it is more important than ever that the ASBMB uses its resources and influence in creative ways to help combat these trends while continuing to advance biochemistry and molecular biology. I believe we can do this as a professional society by supporting and promoting creative, innovative and bold ideas in science, education, outreach and advocacy. As a member of the Council, I would support the society’s ideas and goals and serve the greater BMB community through this lens.

Education and training

• B.S., Tougaloo College
• Ph.D., Duke University
• Postdoc, University of California, San Francisco

Awards and honors

• ASBMB Fellow (2021)
• San Francisco State University Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching (2015)
• National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2007 to 2012)
• National Science Foundation Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship (2000 to 2002)
• UNCF/Merck Postdoctoral Fellowship (1998 to 2000)
• Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship (1995 to 1997)
• Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research Award (1992)
• Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Scholar (1990 to 1992)

Experience

• Member, ASBMB Public Outreach (now the Science Outreach and Communication) Committee (2014 to 2017)
• Member, ASBMB Core Assessments Steering Committee (2012 to 2014)
• Member, ASBMB Student Chapters Steering Committee (2008 to 2015)
• Regional Co-Director, ASBMB Student Chapters (2008 to 2015)