The ASBMR helped Brya by providing a forum to present her science to get feedback and discover new directions for her research.

Dr. Brya Matthews is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Auckland in New Zealand with a research focus on skeletal stem cells and bone healing. With over 10 years in the field and six years as an ASBMR member, she shares what has helped her advance in her research and her career over the years.

How has the ASBMR helped you in your career?

I have been fortunate to receive a number of ASBMR awards for young and emerging investigators that have allowed me to participate in various ASBMR run or affiliated meetings, including a topical meeting and training session on bone and muscle, and the AIMM meeting in Snowmass. These smaller meetings are a great experience, and fantastic opportunity to meet both young and experienced investigators in a more relaxed setting. I am also a Rising Star Award recipient. It is a privilege to have this award to assist me with establishing my lab in New Zealand. As I have only been back a few months, I am still very much in the beginning phase, but it has certainly helped to cement a reputation as a promising new member of staff, which I hope will lead to other funding opportunities in the near future.

As an ASBMR member, what are benefits or resources that have been most valuable to you?

The ASBMR Annual Meeting has been my primary meeting in the field for some time, which I have attended annually since 2011. Presenting at this meeting has been a great opportunity and has always generated interesting feedback on my work. I have also received invitations to apply for academic jobs after presenting at ASBMR. The Annual Meeting is an invaluable time to meet with old colleagues and friends and connect with new ones, as well as getting a feel for what is going on in the field. The poster sessions are an excellent opportunity to discuss methodological details or unexpected findings.

It is difficult to document or quantify the impact that attending and participating in ASBMR meetings has had on my career, but I am sure that the impact is overwhelmingly positive. The meetings leave me energized with new ideas and directions in which to take my research. ASBMR presentations have certainly been a welcome addition to my CV and have factored into my ability to attract fellowship funding.

How have connections with other ASBMR members helped you in your career?

Most of my mentors have been ASBMR members, which has ensured my regular interaction with the Society and they have been great at facilitating introductions to other researchers while attending the Annual Meeting.

Join today and take advantage of the same benefits that have helped Brya excel in her career!