Leading ASBMB, serving science

When I was a child, my grandfather gave me a subscription to National Geographic. I waited eagerly each month for the delivery of the yellow-bordered magazine, and I pored over its pages, learning about all facets of life and the universe — from the tiny and aquatic to the gigantic and terrestrial, from the molecular and medical to the societal and psychological, and even stuff that was literally out of this world. 

While I did not take an academic path to science, I’ve been fortunate to build a professional life as an advocate for science in other ways. I’ve spent my career advancing science and scientists, particularly the life sciences community and the solutions, therapies and cures that it makes possible. I’ve seen science through various lenses, including a health advocacy group, a U.S. senator and a major U.S. philanthropy. For the past 17 years, while serving in professional society staff leadership, I’ve seen it through members’ eyes.

As I come aboard as the chief executive officer of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, I find it especially rewarding to see science through your eyes.

In my first 120 days, I’ve done a lot of listening to and learning from ASBMB members, volunteer leaders and staff — especially while attending the fantastic annual meeting in San Antonio. I’ve wanted to hear what you think makes  ASBMB special, what science you think is hottest and on the horizon, what programs are most helpful to different parts of our community, and why you engage in society activities and renew your membership.

As ASBMB President Joan Conaway mentions in her column in this issue, we want to hear a lot more.  The society is still rebounding from the challenges of COVID-19 and navigating an ever more complicated world, so we will be working to set a course for the future as an effective and efficient organization offering exceptional member value, and we want your input. In fact, be on the lookout this summer for the 2024 ASBMB Membership Survey — it’s a chance to tell us what’s most important to you.

As members, you know that professional societies are key to protecting and advancing the future of science, and I couldn’t agree more. Collective action is crucial.  My former boss, U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, used to say, “Each one of us can make a difference, but together we can create change.” This statement has stuck with me throughout my career, and it is at the heart of scientific societies. 

In good times and difficult ones, scientific societies are your place to convene, debate and learn, whether in the pages of the journals, in a webinar or at our annual meeting. ASBMB also supports the pipeline of future scientists who will take up the baton. And, finally, it’s where you know people are advocating for you in Washington and communicating your achievements to the broader world. The message from ASBMB is focused on the indispensable role of fundamental science.

Scientists need ASBMB more than ever, and ASBMB supports its members. So, ASBMB needs you now more than ever to ensure we remain a leading voice serving the molecular life sciences. Together, we can continue to make a difference for science. I am honored to lead this community in close partnership with its volunteer leadership, and I look forward to working with all of you to build ASBMB’s future together.