The Society For Biomaterials is a very well-run and unique professional society because of its size and focus. I joined SFB in 1987 while doing a post doc at the University of Washington and have enjoyed membership over a span of 27 years! Most of that time has been spent in industry. Key benefits for me are staying abreast of technology, getting re-educated with new technology or a different technology. I have made many excellent contacts that are helpful at work when I need to bring in a subject matter expert, either from academia or service providers. SFB meetings have made that possible, and are truly unique in our industry. I like the hallway conversations best. The size of the meeting meets meet the 'Goldilocks criteria": not too big, not too small, but just right. It is easy to start up a conversation with thought leaders. My favorite memory was at the meeting in Charlotte in 2015, Helen Lu and I were program co-chairs. That was a great meeting because of the team that worked hard to pull it off, down to the last poster presenter. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a team pull together and create something magnificent out of thin air essentially. I think what I like most about attending SFB meetings is that it keeps me in contact with old friends and I have made some cool new friends who share a common interest. I have also benefitted from the leadership experiences, being involved with SIG leadership, the Program Committee and helping out with various other activities. It takes some time, which sometimes eats into my personal time, but I find it rewarding in the end.

I have been a member of the Society for Biomaterials since I was a graduate student.  The Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting is the one meeting that I attend every year.  It is a great place to connect with friends and colleagues and to stay up to date on current biomaterials research.

SFB has been my home society since 2005 because it is the best fit to my research interests: measuring stem cell-material interactions. I have toured many other venues but keep coming back to SFB due to the high quality of the member scientists. Another draw has been the multiple opportunities to take on leadership roles. There are many elected and appointed positions, opportunities to organize scientific sessions at the annual meetings, and requests to contribute content to the website and society publications. I have benefited greatly from my involvement in SFB, which has provided me a forum for building many, lasting professional contacts that have borne fruit for years.

I have been an active member of SFB for more than 20 years as a student, post-doc, and faculty member. In addition to outstanding diverse professional opportunities for scientific discussions, networking and interactions with industry and government, the Society has provided a nurturing environment where I have developed many good and lasting friendships and had a lot of fun!

I view the SFB as the premier forum for biomaterials research.  The Society makes it easy to locate expertise to help with new ideas and R&D efforts.  I look forward to the annual meeting to catch up with colleagues and learn about new technologies.  The regional “Biomaterials Days” are a great opportunity for companies and academic institutions to connect locally for sharing projects and potential employment.