Reflections from the Inter-Lab Journal Club
Over the past few months, the ASB Student Committee has hosted a series of Inter-Lab Journal Club meetings designed to foster collaboration, promote scientific exchange, and build community across biomechanics laboratories. These sessions created a valuable platform for students to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, explore research beyond their home labs, and connect meaningfully with peers. We’re excited to share highlights from participant feedback and preview upcoming improvements.
Students consistently praised the opportunity to learn about the diverse research agendas of other labs. Many found it eye-opening to explore literature outside their own fields and appreciated the broader scientific perspectives that emerged. Above all, the chance to connect with fellow students across labs helped strengthen the sense of a shared biomechanics community. As one attendee shared, “It was interesting to see what other labs are like,” while another emphasized the value of “discussing science with people from different labs.”
Participants also offered thoughtful suggestions for enhancing future sessions. Some noted that unfamiliar topics made it harder to contribute, and they expressed interest in more interactive formats—such as short presentations or practice talks—to boost engagement. Others proposed structured agendas and a system for submitting questions in advance, allowing for more inclusive participation. Across the board, there was strong enthusiasm for increased cross-lab collaboration.
In response, the Student Committee is evolving the Journal Club into a more dynamic Inter-Lab Series. This refreshed format will include concise three-minute thesis-style presentations to help students sharpen their communication skills and spark discussion. We will also introduce a shared agenda tool for submitting topics in advance, and host lab-led sessions featuring research projects, experimental methods, and real-world problem-solving. These changes are designed to promote deeper engagement, foster curiosity, and support professional development. Stay tuned for the relaunch—after the Annual Meeting!
Virtual Event Recap: Biomechanists in Industry
Our most popular ASB Virtual Event to date brought together four outstanding biomechanists—Kurt Beschorner, Hannah O’Day, Evan Dooley, and Melissa Boswell—to share their experiences working in industry or with industry from academia.
Dr. Beschorner emphasized that a successful Ph.D. is not solely defined by the research project itself, but by the ability to delve into the deepest and most profound levels of human knowledge within a specific area of expertise. He highlighted that the true value of a doctoral degree lies in mastering the process of independent inquiry, developing expertise that pushes the boundaries of what is known, and contributing original insights to the field. Hannah shared her framework for professional success: people, ideas, and execution—underscoring the value of relationship-building, generating insights, and following through with impact. Evan and Melissa reflected on the transition to industry, highlighting the importance of project planning, communication, and accountability.
Hannah encouraged students to align career choices with personal values, skills, interests, and financial goals—drawing inspiration from Becoming You by Suzy Welch. Melissa shared practical advice for making an impact in the workplace, such as identifying overlooked problems, exceeding expectations, and leading full-cycle projects. She emphasized that building a portfolio or personal website is a great way to demonstrate this impact to future employers.
You can find the recording on the ASB website in the Professional Development Series under Episode 11: Q&A Panel: Biomechanists in Industry!
Annual Meeting Planning – ASB 2025 in Pittsburgh
The ASB Student Committee is ramping up preparations to make the 2025 Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh the most exciting yet! We are planning on our signature student events—along with a few new twists:
Student Welcome Event
Kick off the annual meeting with ASB labs Bingo! This event is a great way to meet other students and start the conference with energy and connection.
Student Night Out at The Puttery
This year’s social night will be held at The Puttery—a mini-golf venue where students will be mixed into new groups to encourage cross-lab interaction and networking.
Mentor–Mentee Match
Be sure to sign up for the Mentor Match Program—a unique opportunity to connect with a senior scientist outside your lab. Receive valuable career advice, research feedback, and build long-term professional relationships.
Biomechanics Development Roundtables
Join roundtable discussions on current topics in biomechanics, guided by experienced mentors and peers. This is your chance to engage deeply with pressing issues in the field.
Graduate–First-Year Match Program
First time at ASB? We are launching a peer match program to pair first-year attendees with senior graduate students to help them feel supported and confident navigating the meeting.
Check out the Networking Tips sheet below and make sure to visit https://asbweb.org/student-information/ to find other tips for the ASB annual meeting!
Looking Ahead: World Congress of Biomechanics
Preparations are also underway for the World Congress of Biomechanics, co-hosted by the American, European, and Canadian biomechanics societies. This joint international meeting promises to be a landmark event, highlighting cutting-edge research from around the globe.
We sincerely thank Asal Aflatounian and Marty Kilbane for their hard work and time in helping represent ASB to organize the upcoming World Congress of Biomechanics.
For any questions or suggestions please contact asbstudentrep@asbweb.org.
