In the last email I highlighted the executive summary of the AAPB's fall strategic planning meeting. Since they are so important, here they are again. Please click here to find the entire strategic plan laid out in detail. Prior to the upcoming Annual Meeting, board members, section leaders, and committee chairs will receive specific assignments to meet the goals of the plan. You will be able to connect with these leaders and offer your support in helping get the tasks completed. Please do not hesitate to contact these members directly.

I want to thank everyone that was involved in this process including our executive management provided by Dave Stumph, Monta Greenfield, and Allison Mendrys. I also want to thank the Board members Gabriel Tan, John Arena, and Chris Gilbert for their work in developing this plan and commitment to psychophysiology and biofeedback.

By David L. Stumph, IOM CAE

AAPB Executive Director

Future thinking is one of the most important jobs that a Board and its executive team has in serving its constituents. In difficult economic times, it is especially important to understand the threats and challenges that are inherent as a result of the downturn and to set strategies that will guide the organization and its members to a more positive future.

Much has changed over the past few years. And much of that change has been driven by the downturn in the economy. Members typically hold on to their money longer before renewing their membership, registering for a conference, or making other important decisions that affect payment of funds. Members are also looking for more continuing education options that might not involve travel or less expensive, more localized educational opportunities. While online networking will never replace an in-person exchange of ideas and expertise, it is becoming more and more a part of the day-to-day human experience.

Read more on AAPB's future...

AAPB has cultivated an alliance with the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences (FABBS), who will be providing frequent updates.

The Federation promotes human potential and well-being by advancing the sciences of mind, brain, and behavior. As a coalition of scientific societies, we they communicate with policy makers and the public about the importance and contributions of basic and applied research in these sciences.

The 2010 calendar year brought new visibility to FABBS and the 23 scientific societies it represents. Our activities ranged from traditional advocacy for science funding to new areas such as advocating for the inclusion of our sciences alongside traditional STEM (science, technology, engineering, and technology) fields. In 2010, we also brought visibility to the FABBS Foundation with the development of educational activities in new areas. Through the efforts of three staff, two volunteer boards, and our numerous member society representatives, we are advancing the sciences of mind, brain, and behavior. Our major advocacy and education activities, as well as new tools for communicating with our member societies and the general public are highlighted below.

Read more on FABBS and their recent activities in their 2010 Annual Report and 2010 Year in Review.

Bernard (Bernie) Edelstein

AAPB regrets to announce that Bernard (Bernie) Edelstein, a prominent and distinguished member of AAPB, died on July 30, 2010. Bernie began work in the biofeedback profession in 1971. He received his MS in counseling from the University of Bridgeport. He worked as a biofeedback therapist and director of individual and group sessions at the Biofeedback Institute of New York. Bernie was a longtime member of AAPB and Biofeedback Society of America. He was a passionate proponent of biofeedback and believer in the Mind/Body connection. To send condolences, please contact Marjorie Edelstein, 22 Hickory Hill Road, Eastchester, NY 10709, (914) 779-1510

Dr. Thomas Hice Budzynski passed away on Monday, February 14 early in the morning. He was 77. This concluded an illustrious career, depicted by diverse and innovative projects. Tom developed the first analog-to-digital electromyography instrument in 1968 later partnering, Biofeedback Systems. Tom, a pioneer in the fields of Bio- and Neuro-feedback has taught at numerous universities. Best known for his research and writing in management of stress problems, he explored and developed training for acquisition of "twilight learning" and, investigated photic stimulation for clinical use and helped pioneer EEG training for cognitive restoration from brain damage. For the past 9 years Tom has been in private practice in Poulsbo, and was a Clinical Professor connected with the University of Washington. Tom's friends and colleagues stretch across the world, it would be unrealistic to try to gather in one place so we are taking communications from his facebook and by email or mail.

We are pleased to announce that Biofeedback's latest issue (Winter 2010) is now available online at http://www.aapb-biofeedback.com.

The Winter 2010 issue has a Special Section dedicated to the legacy of the "father of biofeedback," Neal Miller, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. In addition, there are fascinating feature articles on the history of biofeedback, the use of psychophysiological interventions to treat sex offenders, and the use of surface electromyography to reduce industrial injuries in a newspaper printing operation.  

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

In association with the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback