As people around the world are affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Biophysical Society is sharing stories from members about how their lives and research have been impacted.
Alabama-Mississippi Student Chapter of the Biophysical Society Officers
Courtney Petersen, President, Skye Travis, Vice-President, Maddie Shay, Secretary, and Ethan Gunn, Treasurer
Like many students around the world, the members of the Alabama-Mississippi (AL-MS) Student Chapter are concerned about research and academic progress amid the spread of COVID-19. We have remained optimistic, and are viewing this period of social distancing as an opportunity to re-prioritize. While university closures have postponed in-person meetings, events, and wet-lab work for the time being, we are still creating opportunities for personal and academic growth at every level.
For students of AL-MS BPS, the greatest challenge has been in the transition to a new learning format. In science, hands-on learning is absolutely essential, and the fear of a compromised educational experience is ubiquitous on the undergraduate and graduate levels. Losing in-person laboratory courses, experiencing decreased research productivity, and navigating lost and/or rescheduled events has caused a shift in mindsets—students have been forced to adapt. For the graduate students, this has meant taking telecommunication in stride: focusing attention on reviewing relevant literature, analyzing data, and compiling manuscripts. For undergraduates, this has meant completing coursework to the best of their ability while preparing for their next career step. Though the situation is uncertain, students will encounter unfamiliar situations often in their careers, and adaptation is a skill best acquired first-hand.
AL-MS BPS is also capitalizing on the abundance of time to develop our organization. Our executive members continue to meet virtually, planning engaging events that will help provide our community with a network of opportunities in the fall. We are scheduling faculty seminars in advance, scouting locations for possible lab tours, and making connections for outreach opportunities. We look towards the future with the knowledge that this situation will end, and when it does we will be ready to help enrich ourselves and our community as much as possible. In the meantime, support your neighbors and fellow scientists—we’ll see y’all in the fall.
Would you like to share your experience in this difficult and uncertain time? Email your perspective to [email protected].