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Newsletter SPRING 2016
2ND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA (BSC) WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA
JUNE 1ST TO 3RD
, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
2nd annual meeting of the
BSC: Winnipeg 2016
President’s message
Member spotlight
Fellow of the BSC
Obituary
Awards from the BSC
BSC mixer in LA!
BSC mixer in Baltimore!
Upcoming events
Membership
Trainee corner
BSC Executive
Biophysical techniques and discoveries have revolutionized research and technological developments, advancing materials research, bio-and nano-technologies, biosensing, medicine,
and pharmaceutical sciences.
This meeting is dedicated to the discussion of the latest developments in Biophysics. The symposium presents excellent opportunities to meet leading researchers during lectures and
informal discussions.
TOPICS INCLUDE: 1. Imaging 2. Biophysics of Lipids
3. Protein Folding and Dynamics 4. Theoretical Biophysics and many more….
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: David Chandler, University of California Berkeley Valerian Kagan, University of Pittsburgh John Katsaras, University of Tennessee Lewis Kay, University of Toronto
Susan Marqusee, University of California Berkeley Robert Matthews, University of Massachusetts Alex Mogliner, New York University Michael Schlame, New York University
Early Registration Deadline: April 7, 2016
Abstract Submission Deadline: April 28, 2016
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Mazdak Khajehpour, University of Manitoba Richard Epand, McMaster University Francis Lin, University of Manitoba
Brian Mark, University of Manitoba Stephanie Portet, University of Manitoba Jorg Stetefeld, University of Manitoba
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
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President’s Message Member spotlight John E. Baenziger Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa
The Biophysical Society of Canada (BSC) has been working
hard to build on our successes of 2015. We generated sufficient funds to support the travel of seven trainees to the 60
th annual
meeting of the Biophysical Society in Los Angeles, CA. As usual, we held a mixer at the conference, which was well attended by over 70 members. We were thrilled that Steve Burgess, Trevor Shaw and Walter Shaw from Avanti Polar Lipids and Shawnna Buttery from BBA Biomembranes attended the mixer to present the travel awards to our deserving trainees.
For the first time this year, the BSC sponsored a mixer at the
American Physical Society meeting in Baltimore, MD. The mixer was a great success, with almost 30 people in attendance (just about every Canadian Biophysicist at this meeting!).
The BSC is excited to announce that Dr. Lewis Kay has been
nominated as a “Fellow of the BSC” for his outstanding contributions to biomolecular solution NMR spectroscopy. Dr. Kay joins our past nominees in 2015, Drs. Ian C.P. Smith and Richard M. Epand. Dr. Kay will receive his award at the upcoming 2
nd Annual Meeting of the BSC (see below), where he will present
the National Lecture. Registration is now open for the 2
nd Annual Meeting of the
BSC, to be held in Winnipeg in June 1-3, 2016. The meeting boasts an exciting line-up of national and international speakers, with sessions devoted to imaging, the biophysics of lipids, protein folding and dynamics, theoretical biophysics, and much more.
Please join us in our continued efforts to build an exciting
biophysical community in Canada.
I hope to see all of you in Winnipeg!
Isabelle Marcotte
Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal
Isabelle Marcotte received her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2003 from Université Laval, where she studied membrane-peptide interactions by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy under the guidance of Prof. Michele Auger. She was also trained by Prof. Stéphane Gagné in solution NMR, and broadened her training in biophysics with two research visits in Prof. Frances Separovic’s lab in Melbourne, Australia. She then “moved” to protein fibers and to Switzerland to perform postdoctoral research on solid-state NMR studies of spider silk’s structure with Prof. Beat H. Meier at ETH-Zürich until she was hired in 2006 at the Department of Chemistry of the Université du Québec à Montréal. Her work on mussel byssus has been identified as one of the 50 scientific challenges to address before 2050 by Quebec Science popularization magazine in Quebec (Oct. 2012). In 2014, she received the Young Investigator Award of the Science Faculty of the Université du Québec à Montréal. She is Full Professor since 2015.
Her research program comprises three main themes in which complex biological systems are studied using solid- and solution-state NMR as well as complementary biophysical techniques (ITC, CD, FTIR spectroscopy). (1) Her first focus is on the study of membrane proteins and lipids. This includes the development and characterization of lipid model membranes. She has had a long interest in magnetically-oriented systems such as bicelles. This theme also comprises the study of membrane interactions, and the investigation of the hERG potassium channel involved in the long QT syndrome. (2) The second theme targets the study of the molecular structure and dynamics of protein fibers and their use in the development of new biomaterials. She has devoted much effort on the fascinating mussels’ anchoring threads (a.k.a. byssus). (3) Finally, her lab is developing solid-state NMR approaches to study the structure and molecular organization of intact unicellular microorganisms such as bacteria and microalgae. Her projects cover applications related to environmental issues and drug development.
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
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Fellow of the Biophysical Society of Canada
Prof. Lewis E. Kay University of Toronto Prof. Kay has made transformative contributions to the field of biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance
Dr. Lewis E. Kay received his B.Sc. in biochemistry from University of Alberta in 1983 and his Ph.D. in molecular biophysics from Yale University in 1988. After working at the National Institute of Health as postdoctoral fellow until 1991, he joined the Department of Biochemistry of University of Toronto. He was assistant professor from 1992 to 1994 and was subsequently appointed full professor of molecular genetics, biochemistry and chemistry.
Dr. Kay is currently one of the leading pioneers of biomolecular solution NMR. His international stature and the
caliber of his reputation are by far second-to-none as gauged by any academic and scholarly standard and by all possible research output metrics. To date, Dr. Kay has published over 400 papers and he earned more than 37,000 cumulative citations with an h-index in excess of 100. Each of these publications is an impressive piece of art, which is truly inspiring both in terms of general vision and of experimental and analytical approaches. Dr. Kay sustains an impressive and unparalleled steady stream of very high impact papers (Nature, Science, PNAS, JACS) and he is a very sought-after keynote speaker at essential all international NMR and structural biology meetings. In recognition of his stature and the impact of his contributions, Dr. Kay has received numerous very well deserved awards, including the “Top 40 Under 40” distinction, the HHMI membership, the Founders Medal of the International Conference on Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, the Laukien Prize of the Experimental NMR Conference, the Premiers Discovery Award for Life Sciences and Medicine from the Government of Ontario, the election to Fellow of the Canadian and British Royal Societies, the Khorana 2012 Prize, the promotion to University Professor and the NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial 2013 Fellowship. Dr. Kay has been a tremendously beneficial intellectual beacon for Canada. This is not only because of his pioneering contributions to science, but also because of his outstanding training skills. Dr. Kay has trained in his lab a new generation of leaders in NMR, who now hold key academic positions in North America, Europe and Asia. This impressive accomplishment is the result of both the inspiration Dr. Kay has offered to young researchers world-wide and the daily laboratory practice of Dr. Kay, who works very closely with his trainees at all stages of the scientific process. In addition, Dr. Kay has been immensely generous and supportive with the rest of the biophysical community in Canada and world-wide in many ways and forms, from sharing expertise and pulse sequences to providing expert advice on new projects and career choices.
Dr. Lewis E. Kay will be awarded the BSC Fellow title at the 2nd BSC Meeting to be held on June 1-3, 2016 in Winnipeg.
Obituary
Myer Bloom
Canadian Biophysicists lost a colleague, friend and leader
Myer Bloom, renowned Canadian biophysicist, died peacefully on February 9, 2016 in Vancouver, BC, after contending with Parkinson's disease for more than two decades. Myer was born in Montreal and pursued Physics first at McGill and then at the University of Illinois, where he worked with NMR pioneer Charlie Slichter. Myer spent most of his career at UBC, making fundamental discoveries in membrane biophysics. He was a great mentor who inspired many biophysicists and a wonderful collaborator, building a global family of colleagues and students. Myer's love of life, as well as physics, was legendary, and he is greatly missed. More information can be found at: http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/magazine/physicstoday/news/10.1063/PT.5.6208
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
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Travel Awards to the Biophysical Society Meeting 2016, Los Angeles
Sponsored by Avanti Polar Lipids and BBA Biomembranes
Gregory Gomes
Physics Ph.D. candidate University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Claudiu Gradinaru Work presented: Dimensions and dynamics of highly cooperative Sic1‐WD40 binding: single molecule FRET through a polymer physics lens.
Adrian Paz Ramos
Chemistry Ph.D. candidate Université de Montréal
Supervisor: Michel Lafleur Work presented: The chain length of free fatty acids influences the phase behaviour of stratum corneum model membranes: A
2H‐
NMR and IR investigation.
Morgan Robinson
Biology M.Sc. candidate University of Waterloo
Supervisor: Dr. Zoya Leonenko Work presented: Atomic Force spectroscopy for testing amyloid‐β aggregation inhibitors.
Nury Santisteban
Physics Ph.D. candidate Memorial University of Newfoundland
Supervisor: Dr. Valerie Booth Work presented:
2H NMR studies of living
bacteria interacting with antimicrobial peptides.
Bryan VanSchouwen
Chemistry PhD McMaster University
Supervisor: Dr. Giuseppe Melacini Work presented: Dynamical Basis of cGMP‐vs.‐cAMP Selectivity of Protein Kinase G.
Teresa Zulueta‐Coarasa
Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. candidate, University of Toronto
Supervisor: Dr. Rodrigo Fernandez‐Gonzalez Work presented: Mechanisms of phosphodiesterase interactions in cardiac cyclic nucleotide cross-talk signaling network.
Visit us at www.biophysicalsociety.ca for upcoming travel awards…
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
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Biophysical Society of Canada Mixer in L.A.
At the 60th Annual meeting of the Biophysical Society that was held in Los Angeles in February 2016, the Biophysical Society of Canada organized a mixer. During this exciting evening, the Trainee Travel Awards sponsored by Avanti Polar Lipids and BBA-Biomembranes were presented.
The Avanti Polar Lipids Trainee Travel Awards On the picture: Steve Burgess, Trevor Shaw and Walter Shaw from Avanti Polar Lipids, Adrian Paz Ramos, Brian VanSchouwen Teresa Zulueta-Coarasa, Morgan Robinson and Greg Gomes.
The BBA- Biomembranes Trainee Travel Awards On the picture: Shawnna Buttery from BBA Biomembranes, Zachary Roelen, Nury Santisteban and John Baenziger.
Thanks to all participants for this memorable evening!
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
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Biophysical Society of Canada Mixer in Baltimore
The Biophysical Society of Canada ventured into new territory this year, hosting a Canadian Biophysics mixer during the American Physical Society's March Meeting. The event was targeted at those members of the Canadian biophysics community whose research aligns more closely with Physics than the more biological focus of the Biophysical Society meeting. The event was a great success, with close to 30 Canadian biophysicists from all academic levels representing universities from coast to coast. Attendees enjoyed three hours of socializing and networking, and expressed a strong desire for this gathering to continue on an annual basis.
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
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Upcoming Events BSC Membership
2nd Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society of Canada Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 1-3 2016 Early registration: Before April 7th, 2016 Abstract submission: Before April 28th, 2016
http://meetings.biophysicalsociety.ca/
1st North American SMALP Conference Toronto, Ontario, April 29th, 2016 http://www.smalp.net/meetings.html
15th Annual graduate student organized Chemical Biophysics Symposium Toronto, Ontario, May 13-15, 2016
10th Annual graduate-student-organized Frontiers in Biophysics Simon Fraser University, BC, June 4, 2016
Engineering Approaches to Biomolecular Motors: From in vitro to in vivo Vancouver, British Columbia, June 14-17, 2016 Abstract submission: Before April 6th 2016 Early registration: Before April 10th 2016 http://www.biophysics.org/2016vancouver
99th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 5-9, 2016 http://www.csc2016.ca/
2016 Canadian Association of Physicists Congress Ottawa, Ontario, June 13-17, 2016 http://www.cap.ca/en/congress/2016
61st Biophysical Society Annual Meeting New Orleans, Louisiana, February 11 - 15, 2017
20th International Conference on Magnetic Resonance (ISMAR) Quebec City, Quebec, July 23-28, 2017 http://www.ismar2017.org/
2016 Membership Your membership dues in the Biophysical Society of Canada (BSC) are used primarily to support trainees (travel grants, awards, etc.). Funds are also used to promote Biophysics in Canada by sponsoring events, such as the BSC annual meeting and other Canadian Biophysics symposia. You can pay your 2016 membership dues by Paypal directly on the BSC website, by Interact e-transfer to Jenifer Thewalt, or by sending a check or money order payable in Canadian funds to the Biophysical Society of Canada to: Jenifer Thewalt Department of Physics Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, B.C. CANADA. V5A 1S6 Please also fill out the registration form, which can be downloaded from the BSC website, or send directly your contact information and those of your trainees by email to the BSC at [email protected].
For more information on joining the BSC, please go to the BSC web site: http://www.biophysicalsociety.ca/joinBSC.html 0r contact our membership secretary, Nancy Forde at [email protected].
Trainee Corner
The BSC executive has nominated three trainee representatives to the executive committee: Thibault Brulé, Robert Henderson, and William Jennings. If you are a trainee member of the BSC and have concerns or suggestions that you would like conveyed to the BSC executive, please contact one of your trainee representatives.
We look forward to your involvement in the BSC!
BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA NEWSLETTER SPRING 2016
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Members of the Executive of the Biophysical Society of Canada
President John E.Baenziger University of Ottawa [email protected]
Vice-President Zoya Leonenko University of Waterloo [email protected]
Past-President Bruce C.Hill Queen's University [email protected]
Treasurer Jennifer Thewalt Simon Fraser University [email protected]
Secretary & IUPAB Michèle Auger Université Laval [email protected]
Newsletter Steve Bourgault Université du Québec à Montréal [email protected]
Membership Nancy Forde Simon Fraser University [email protected]
Student Travel/2016 BSC meeting Mazdak Khajehpour University of Manitoba [email protected]
BSC Awards Giuseppe Melacini McMaster University [email protected]
Councilor Christopher M.Yip University of Toronto [email protected]
Trainee Representative Thibault Brulé Université de Montréal [email protected]
Trainee Representative Robert Henderson University of Waterloo [email protected]
Trainee Representative William Jennings McMaster University [email protected]
