As I write my final column as Community Chair, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve the American Society of Biomechanics. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of volunteers, committee members, Affinity Group leaders, sponsors, and ASB leadership who have helped strengthen our community and expand opportunities for our members.
When I first assumed this role, our efforts focused on building a foundation for long-term engagement within ASB. Together, we established policies and procedures for Affinity Groups and Non-Profit Partners, creating pathways for collaboration, networking, and community building. These efforts laid the groundwork for future growth and helped position the committee for lasting impact.
As our work evolved, so did the enthusiasm of our membership. More than 40 volunteers became involved through committee initiatives and subcommittees, helping transform ideas into meaningful programs and opportunities. During this time, we established two Affinity Groups, three Non-Profit Partners, which expanded mentorship and networking opportunities, strengthened collaborations within ASB.
Among the accomplishments that I am most proud of is the continued growth of the Carlo De Luca Biomechanics Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (B-SURE) Program. Through the support of the Carlo De Luca Foundation, ASB mentors, and dedicated volunteers, B-SURE has provided transformative research experiences to undergraduate students across the country. Likewise, the NextGen Travel Awards have helped students and trainees engage with the biomechanics community, present their work, and develop professional networks that will support their future careers.
2026 Community Committee Award Recipients
The Community Committee is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Carlo De Luca B-SURE Awards and the 2026 NextGen Biomechanics Travel Awards.
2026 Carlo De Luca B-SURE Award Recipients
- Heaven Alakraa, Brown University
- Shane Buchbinder, Lewis & Clark College
- Dan Castro-Portela, Stevenson University
- Kamsi Nwankwo, The Ohio State University
- Olivia Ryan, Stevenson University
- Hope Turner, Stevenson University
- Danell Zepeda, California State University-San Marcos
2026 NextGen Travel Award Recipients
- Jazmin Cruz, Texas Tech University
- Justin Dennis, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- Maliheh Fakhar, University of Maryland
- Caitlyn Finnerty, Boston University
- Halime Gulle, University of South Florida
- Yale Hughes, University of Arkansas
- Mariana Masteling, University of Michigan
- Jonaz Moreno Jaramillo, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Junwoo Park, Yonsei University, South Korea
- Prachi Pisay, Old Dominion University
- Bria Smith, Auburn University
- Nicholas Tom, The Ohio State University
- Nathaly Villacis, University of Michigan
- Jania Williams, University of Nebraska-Omaha
Congratulations to all award recipients. We look forward to watching your continued growth and contributions to the field of biomechanics.
As I conclude my service as Community Chair, I am excited about the future of this committee and the Society. I am especially pleased to welcome Dr. Jennifer Nichols of the University of Florida as the next Community Chair. Dr. Nichols has been an active contributor to ASB and brings tremendous enthusiasm, leadership, and vision to this role. I am confident that under her leadership, the Community Committee will continue to expand opportunities for members and strengthen the sense of community that makes ASB such a special organization.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving in this role. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career, and I look forward to continuing to support ASB as a member, mentor, and advocate for our biomechanics community.