The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise recognize rising immigrant scientists living and working in the United States whose work represents a significant contribution to their field.

NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Shixin Liu receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for developing cutting-edge biophysical tools to directly visualize and understand the physiological function of nanometer-scale biomolecular machines such as those that carry out genome replication and gene transcription.

The Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise is a $50,000 prize awarded annually by the Vilcek Foundation as part of its prizes program. Awarded annually since 2006, the Vilcek Foundation prizes recognize and celebrate immigrant contributions to scientific research and discovery, and to artistic and cultural advancement in the United States. In addition to providing direct support to individual immigrant professionals, the prizes support the Vilcek Foundation's mission to raise public awareness of the value of immigration for a robust society.

A molecular biologist, Shixin Liu is fascinated by the dynamic nature and behavior of molecules in living cells. Liu directs the Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry at The Rockefeller University, where his research focuses on visualizing and understanding the dynamic behaviors and interactions of biomolecules using single-molecule visualization and manipulation techniques. "Our long-term goal is to establish a quantitative input-output relationship between environmental stimuli and gene expression profiles in both normal and diseased cells," says Liu. "This research gives us fundamental knowledge and a unique angle to attack disease mutations."

Born in Anhui province in China, Liu began undergraduate studies at the University of Science and Technology of China when he was just 14. At 19 he immigrated to the United States to pursue his PhD at Harvard University, where his work in the laboratory of Vilcek Prize winner Xiaowei Zhuang sparked his fascination with single-molecule biophysics.

As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, Liu continued his work in molecular biophysics, working under the mentorship of another Vilcek Prize-winning scientist, Carlos J. Bustamante. At Berkeley, Liu employed an exquisitely force-sensitive tool known as optical tweezers to investigate the operating mechanisms of molecular machines, including some of the most powerful motors found in nature.

"My scientific trajectory was really defined by my two amazing mentors... I think that's one of my best experiences: to be able to interact with people from around the world."

"My scientific trajectory was really defined by my two amazing mentors," says Liu. "I think that's one of my best experiences: to be able to interact with people from around the world. It's eye-opening—both in terms of how people think about science, and how they live their life."

Now a mentor to his own trainees, Liu is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists. "The most satisfying thing is to be able to now transform my knowledge and learning from my mentors to my own mentees."

As part of the Vilcek Foundation's prizes campaign, the foundation has published a biographical profile and video highlighting Liu's life and work on the Vilcek Foundation website.

Access the full article and video at the Vilcek Foundation: Shixin Liu: "Seeing is believing"

The Vilcek Foundation

The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences. The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation was inspired by the couple's respective careers in biomedical science and art history. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded over $7 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals and supported organizations with over $6 million in grants.

The Vilcek Foundation is a private operating foundation, a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3). To learn more, please visit vilcek.org.

Contact Information:
Elizabeth Boylan
Communications Manager
[email protected]
+12124722500


Original Source: Molecular Biologist Shixin Liu Receives $50,000 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science

Platform Pay Celebrates Women's History Month

LOS ANGELES, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - As Women's History Month continues, Platform Pay is celebrating the success of women in business and the success of their clients and customers. Platform Pay (PlatformPay.io) is an innovative business service provider that provides business owners BPO and payment consulting services to improve their business performance and streamline their business operations. PlatformPay.io understands the importance of supporting women in business and has seen the success of their many clients first-hand. 

From small business owners to entrepreneurs, women are making their mark in the business world and PlatformPay.io is proud to be part of their journey. According to the company, Women's History Month is an important time of the year to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in business. Women have made significant strides in the business world over the decades, and it's important to recognize and celebrate their achievements. 

Women's History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women in business. Platform Pay (PlatformPay.io) is doing this by increasing their outreach to women-owned businesses, offering mentorship and professional development opportunities for women in the workplace, and highlighting the successes of women in their organization. The company is also using this time to emphasize the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and promoting a culture of inclusion. The team at PlatformPay.io would like to encourage others to do the same. 

PlatformPay.io has made it easy for female customers to quickly and securely start or improve their existing business ventures, and access business tools to help them succeed. PlatformPay.io's services allows business owners to grow their brand quickly and securely. With their innovative services, female business owners can easily manage essential parts of their operations and track their success. 

PlatformPay.io also offers a suite of tools that can help female business owners grow their business, such as marketing tools and data analytics. With these tools, female business owners can identify their target market, track their success, and make informed decisions about their business.

PlatformPay.io is proud to be part of the success of female entrepreneurs and small business owners, and during Women's History Month they are recognizing the amazing contributions women have made to the business world. PlatformPay.io is proud to offer their services to help female business owners succeed and continue to make their mark in the business world.

To learn more about PlatformPay.io, visit their official website at https://platformpay.io or send an email to [email protected].

Contact Information:
Platform Pay
Management
[email protected]
+1 (855) 630-3452
Related Images


Original Source: Women's History Month: PlatformPay.io Celebrates Women in Business

NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: You never want to get in a position where you max out one of your credit cards if you can avoid it. However, you might find yourself in this situation at some point in your life. If it happens, you may wonder what this scenario does to your credit score.

Credit score inquiries can always tell you exactly what your score is at any time. You can do that to get an up-to-the-minute score, but you should also know what a maxed-out card does to your score in a more general sense. We'll discuss that right now.

What Is a Maxed-Out Credit Card?

Most credit cards have limits on them. It's possible to get a credit card with no limit, but most people don't want those. They feel the temptation might be too great to spend beyond their means.

A maxed-out credit card is one where you have spent the entire amount that you're capable of on that card. For instance, you might have a $10,000 limit on the card. If you try paying for something and get a message that the card is maxed out, that means you have exhausted that entire $10,000. You must pay some of it back before you can utilize that card again.

What Is Your Credit Score?

Your credit score is a particular number that is assigned to you based on several factors having to do with your credit. When someone talks about your credit score, they usually mean your FICO score. There are also the three major credit monitoring companies, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

Your FICO score ranges from 300 up to 850. The higher yours is, the better it is, and the more financial opportunities you have.

What Happens to Your Score with a Maxed-Out Card?

If you max out a credit card, that usually causes your credit score to lower. That is because, with a maxed-out credit card, you're sending a strong signal to the credit monitoring agencies that you have reached or are close to reaching your debt ceiling.

Your debt ceiling is how much you can borrow. You may have also heard this term used in relation to the federal government.

Part of how credit monitoring agencies devise your score is through your credit utilization rate. This is how much total credit you have available versus how much you are using. Credit utilization makes up quite a bit of your total score, 30%, in fact. Only your payment history matters more.

How to Come Back from a Maxed-Out Credit Card

Let's say you max out a credit card, and you see your credit score lower because of it. You probably won't be happy about that, but there is no reason to panic.

Remember that any time your score lowers, you can raise it again. There are some financial best practices you can follow that will bring your score back up. Your score is constantly in flux. 

In the case of a maxed-out credit card, the easiest way to raise your score is to pay off as much of the money you owe on the card as you can, as quickly as you can. When you do that, you are not using as much of your credit potential. Before long, your score should reflect that and start to rise.

Paying off the money on your maxed-out card also helps your payment history, which you might recall is another huge part of what makes up your credit score. You should have this in mind when you max out a credit card. Perhaps you're causing your credit score to lower temporarily, but there is no reason why you can't bring it back up again through some responsible financial habits. 

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence.

Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: This is What a Maxed-Out Credit Card Does to Your Credit Score

NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: The concept of the destination wedding is appealing to some people. There's nothing better than going somewhere exotic and saying your vows in a romantic setting while your friends and family watch and applaud. 

This dream wedding can get expensive quickly, though. Some guests might not be overjoyed by having to travel to a pricey destination to see you proclaim your undying love for your fiance. 

We've created a destination wedding planning guide that features some less expensive spots where you can tie the knot. These locales are romantic but not as expensive as many others.  

1. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is easily accessible from the U.S. It's less than 2,000 miles away, and you can fly there in under six hours. That's slightly less time than it takes to fly from one end of the country to the other.

Puerto Rico is also gorgeous. You have white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. You can get married on the beach behind one of the luxury hotels. 

After the ceremony, you can dance and have an open bar on the beach. The more adventurous can go kayaking in lakes where there are naturally phosphorescent plants that glow in the moonlight.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica emerges as another top option. You can fly from the U.S. and touch down in San 

Jose, Costa Rica's capital, in less than five hours.

There is a currency exchange rate there that's favorable to the U.S. dollar so that you can stretch your wedding budget further. You can use the rainforest or a gushing waterfall as the backdrop when you say your vows. 

After you're married, you can have all kinds of adventures if you're feeling up to it, from horseback riding to ziplining. The thrill seekers can enjoy these diversions while the rest of the party can hang back at the hotel, swimming in the pool or soaking up some sun.

3. Cancun

Cancun has a reputation as a party city, and there is that element of it. However, there are also cultural experiences that you'll likely enjoy either before or after the marriage ceremony. You can visit the underwater museum or travel by bus to see the incredible Mayan ruins nearby.

You can also make sure everyone gets rooms at an all-inclusive resort. These are ideal because you know how much you'll pay not just for the rooms but also for snacks, meals, and sometimes alcohol as well. 

Cancun also welcomes honeymooners and wedding parties with exclusive deals. Visit the websites of some of the prominent hotels to learn more. 

Any of These Would Work Great

If you're set on having a destination wedding, you can take pity on the wallets of your guests by booking accommodations at a reasonable locale. You might like Cancun for the Mayan ruins, underwater museum, and many beautiful beaches. It's not a long flight, and most hotels and resorts have all-inclusive packages ideally set up for wedding parties.

You might go with Costa Rica instead. That's less than a five-hour flight from the U.S., and the U.S. dollar has a favorable exchange rate. You can try ziplining or horseback riding after saying your vows. 

You can also go to Puerto Rico. It's not much further away than Costa Rica, and there are many possible wedding venues that you might rent. You can go with the traditional beach wedding, but you might also pick the rainforest as a backdrop, or you might even go with a convent or castle. You can shop in Old San Juan and dine at some amazing restaurants.

You'll be a hero when you invite your guests to an affordable, scenic spot for your destination wedding. You don't have to fly halfway around the globe to find somewhere suitable and memorable. 

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence.

Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Inexpensive Destination Wedding Locations That Don't Break the Bank

A Faith-based Business Coaching Program for Mommas

PATASKALA, Ohio, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - In addition to sleepless nights and the physical and mental demands of becoming a new mom, women today also must decide whether—and when—to return to their jobs. While most women do go back, they are then faced with juggling childcare schedules and work responsibilities, creating a frustrating cycle of exhaustion and burnout. That's where The Savvy Business Start-Up comes in. Supporting "mompreneurs" across the country, the entrepreneurship program helps more women find the careers of their dreams—from the comfort of home.

When moms evaluate job prospects, work-life balance and flexible work arrangements are their top two priorities, according to Flex Jobs. Yet many moms remain sidelined because companies lack the flexibility that working moms require.

"I have been there and I know exactly how it feels to be a new mom who wants to spend time with her baby but feels pulled in a million directions," said LaToya Johnson, founder of The Savvy Business Start-Up. "You can create your own dream job without having to give up that precious family time, and we are here to help!"

The Savvy Business Start-Up provides entrepreneurs with resources to support the launch and growth of a successful new business, including small-group sessions, checklists and milestones, tips for savvy goal-setting and more. They will gain real-world skills and knowledge when it comes to branding, pricing strategies, financial planning and more.

"I absolutely love working with new and expectant moms to help them identify their strengths and opportunities, giving them the opportunity to earn a living while still enjoying every minute with their families," Johnson added. "When your financial and personal needs are met, it's that much easier to be present and focused on your family."

For interested mompreneurs, The Savvy Business Start-Up offers a discovery call to learn more as well as ongoing memberships to support business growth and development.

About The Savvy Business Start-Up

A comprehensive business start-up success course, The Savvy Business Start-Up helps new entrepreneurs launch a business that connects with their passions and lifestyle, including branding, pricing strategies, financial planning and more. Discovery calls, coaching programs and memberships are now available. For more information, please visit https://www.thesavvybusinessstartup.com.

Contact Information:
LaToya Johnson
Mompreneur Coach
[email protected]


Original Source: New and Expectant Moms Find Stay-at-Home Job Opportunity With the Savvy Business Start-Up

NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: It's always crucial to watch out for scams. They have existed for as long as society has. As technology has advanced, so have the scams accompanying that new tech.

That is the case when it comes to credit card fraud. We will talk about that in this article, and we'll also talk about a significant weapon you can use to deter these threats.

Fraudsters Trying to Open Credit Cards in Your Name

One of the simplest tricks fraudsters might try is opening a credit card in your name. If they can do it successfully, they can charge items or services on the new card, and they will stick you with the bill. Many times, they'll try maxing out the credit card before you are even aware of what is happening.

If someone can open a credit card in your name, they must have your full name, birthdate, and similar personal information. They must also have your social security number, which is usually the most challenging for them to obtain.

If they do, they might have gotten it by going through your trash and using any documents with your social security number and other personal information on them. That's why it is crucial for you to shred those documents.

Stolen or Lost Cards

Someone using a card that you lost and charging things on it is another credit scam. They might also steal your card if they break into your residence and take it.

The way you deter this activity is to keep careful track of where your cards are at all times. If you ever misplace one, make sure you contact the company and cancel the card as quickly as possible. They can promptly send you a replacement.

Credit Card Skimming

Credit card skimming involves you inserting your card or swiping it at an inauthentic payment point. Scammers will put skimming devices on ATMs in the hopes that someone won't notice them.

To deter this, you should only use credit card payment points or cash machines in banks or other places that seem legit. If you use an ATM in a back alley, it's far more likely to have a card skimmer attached to it. 

Credit Fraud Alerts

These schemes are being perpetrated every day by unscrupulous individuals, but you have a major weapon on your side other than vigilance. You can also sign up for credit fraud alerts.

Various companies offer this service. You sign up with them and let them know all the credit cards in your name. Then, they monitor all activities having to do with those cards.

If they detect what they think could be fraudulent activity, they will immediately contact you. You can confirm it's fraud and shut down that card, or you can say the activity is legitimate and go on with your day.

If You Stay Vigilant, You Can Avoid Most Scams

You must watch out for credit scams in 2023. Some of the most prevalent ones include card theft or someone using a lost card. You must keep track of where your cards are and check your account every day to see whether there are any unrecognized charges.

You can also watch out for card skimming devices that some fraudsters attach to ATMs and other payment points. Avoid ATMs in bodegas and alleys, and don't swipe or insert your card if you ever see a suspicious device attached to the ATM.

You can also shred any documents with your social security number and other personal information. That can prevent someone from opening up a new card account in your name. You may also want to sign up for credit fraud alerts. Companies can provide you with this service for a nominal fee.

Follow these tips, and you can avoid credit scams in 2023.

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence.

Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: These Are the Credit Scams to Watch Out for in 2023

NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: A 2022 study of credit trends by the Fair Isaac Corporation found that many of the southern U.S. metropolitan areas had the country's lowest credit scores. Why is that?

Houston, Miami, and San Antonio residents have the lowest credit scores

While the national average FICO score sits at 716, cities in the South are seeing scores that don't even hit 700. Three of the largest cities, Houston, Miami, and San Antonio, averaged credit scores of 696, 695, and 694, respectively. What's causing this trend of lower credit levels south of the Mason Dixie?

Why do these cities have such low average credit scores?

One potential issue is a lack of prioritizing financial education, emphasizing credit report facts and the importance of credit scores. Many schools around the U.S. do not offer basic personal finance courses in their curriculums, making it difficult to set a good foundation for young adults to build strong credit.

Additionally, the cost of living in some southern cities is higher than those earning at the state minimum wage can easily afford, leading to high monthly payments on bills and a lack of available credit. Higher prices also mean that people may not be able to afford to keep up with their minimum monthly payments and end up defaulting on their loans.

There is also the potential issue of how state-sponsored aid could factor into things. Many New England and Midwest states had the country's highest average credit scores, ranging from 734 - 742. Interestingly, some of these states also offer generous state-sponsored care regarding healthcare, Medicaid expansion, and job development programs.

Conversely, Florida opted not to expand Medicaid with the Affordable Care Act, leaving many residents to face the burden of medical costs alone. Texas voted to reduce SNAP benefits (food stamps) recently, making it more difficult for families to afford the cost of food. While these aren't directly linked in the study, it's clear that there's a correlation between government aid availability and credit scores.

In general, the South faces many economic challenges impacting residents' finances. This includes a lack of jobs and lower wages, which can lead to less disposable income available to pay off debts. Southern cities also have a greater percentage of low-income residents who are more likely to need assistance with basic financial tasks like paying rent or bill payments.

What can residents do?

If you're in one of these cities and interested in getting your score above the average number, there are a few things you can do:

1. Learn about personal finance - One of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score is to learn about personal finance. Get involved in your community and find resources to teach you about budgeting, investing, and debt management.

2. Stay on top of your bills - Make sure you are always aware of what you're spending and pay all of your bills on time. This will help build a good credit history and show lenders you take responsibility for your finances.

3. Play by the rules - Don't overextend yourself or take on too many loans you can't afford to repay. Follow the guidelines set out by lenders and stick to a realistic repayment schedule. This will help improve your credit score over time.

4. Monitor your credit score regularly - All three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) offer one free yearly credit report. But there are other ways to monitor your credit score. Apps like CreditKarma and Mint can do "soft" pulls every week that show you any changes in your report without hurting your score.

The bottom line

Regardless of where you live in the US, the more you understand personal finance and how your credit score affects your borrowing options, the better off you'll be. Take some time to explore what options are available to you and put these steps into practice, and you'll be on your way to building a solid credit history.

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: How People in the South Can Raise Their Credit Scores

NEW YORK, March 14, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: If you plan on getting married in 2023, you're probably excited about that. You know that weddings can get pricey, though, and perhaps you're unsure about the best method of paying for this significant expense.

Maybe you're thinking about using a credit card to finance a wedding ring. Perhaps you're also going to use the card for the venue, the cake, the catering, and so forth. Many individuals getting married this year can see some significant benefits when they do that. We will talk about some of those right now. 

Credit Card Points

When you get certain credit cards, they'll come with introductory offers. You might sign up for one that gives you double points during the first six months you have that card or even the first year. This incentivizes you to spend more.

If you open a credit card account before your wedding, and you use that card for many of the expenses, you can rack up a ton of points that way. You can then put those points toward anything you need as you start your new life with your spouse, such as some new appliances.

Travel Rewards

You might also use a credit card to pay for your wedding expenses because you plan on taking your honeymoon right after, and you can use the points you built up for travel perks. If you're flying to Bermuda for a couple of blissful weeks with your new spouse, you can fly first class with some of your points. You might also upgrade your standard hotel room to a luxury suite.

Take Advantage of No-Interest Introductory Offers

Say that you open a new credit card account right before your wedding, and you get one with no interest on purchases made during the first six months or a year. You can put many wedding-related expenses on there, like paying for the venue, the DJ, the caterer, and the wedding cake.

Then, you don't have to worry about accumulating interest on what you charged to that card during the introductory period. You have six months or a year to pay everything off. That takes a lot of financial pressure off of you during that time.

If you do this, you also avoid paying the interest that you would if you got a loan through a bank or credit union to pay for the wedding expenses instead. If you did that, you would have to submit to a hard credit pull before the lending entity granted you the loan. A credit card is a much more attractive prospect.

Credit Cards for Wedding Expenses Make Sense

Individuals who use credit cards to pay for their weddings in 2023 have very compelling reasons for doing so. If you get a card with an introductory zero percent interest rate for the first six months or a year, you have that entire time to pay off your wedding expenses. You won't have to pay the interest rates you would if you got a personal loan from a credit union or bank.

You will also accumulate a lot of credit card points. You can cash those in and buy some appliances or other necessities that you and your spouse will need as you start your married life together. 

You can also get a credit card that gives you travel rewards. The wedding expenses you pay for with the card will translate to a ton of points you can use on your honeymoon. You can upgrade your flight, your hotel room, and anything else you feel is appropriate. 

You must always be responsible with your credit card spending, but your wedding is one time where using one for most or all of the purchases makes sense. Make sure to pay off the debt on your card when the payment period concludes, so you do not have to pay interest on your wedding-related expenditures.  

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence.

Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Why You Should Pay for Your Wedding With a Credit Card in 2023