Steven J Ludtke

Steven J. Ludtke is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Baylor College of Medicine, holding the Charles C. Bell Jr. Professorship in Structural Biology. He directs the CryoEM/ET Core and co-directs the Center for Computational and Integrative Biomedical Research. His roles include membership in the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and deputy directorship of the Advanced Technical Cores.

Education: PhD in Physics (Rice University, 1996), MA in Physics (Rice University, 1993), BS in Physics (Caltech, 1990).

Research focuses on CryoEM/CryoET and quantitative image processing, including structural biology of macromolecules and cellular components. Key projects involve developing the EMAN software suite, which is widely used for single-particle analysis and tomography. Recent work emphasizes in-situ structural biology, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and lipid metabolism.

Publications highlight advances in cryoEM methodology, structural insights into ion channels (e.g., IP3R), and collaborations on nuclear pore complexes and viral assembly. Awards include the Burton Medal and recognition as an outstanding lecturer.

Grants: NIH-funded projects include EMAN software development (R01 GM080139), cryoEM technology (P41 GM103832), and HIV RNA studies (U54 GM103297). Lab members include Snekalatha Raveendran (Laboratory Manager).

Labs/Teams: CryoEM Core, Center for Computational and Integrative Biomedical Research, and collaborations on structural biology initiatives.