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David Agard is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), where he leads a research group focused on uncovering the structural basis of biological function at the molecular and cellular levels. His lab specializes in advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and fluorescence light microscopy, developing novel imaging technologies to study dynamic cellular processes. His research interests span structural biology , molecular chaperone function (particularly Hsp90 and its role in disease), microtubule nucleation , centrosome and cilium structure , and the structure of phage-encoded tubulins . He is deeply involved in methodological innovations in cryo-EM data processing , including deconvolution, heterogeneous reconstruction, and tomography, enabling atomic-level insights into complex biological systems. Recent publications highlight his lab’s work on the structural mechanisms of Hsp90-client regulation, microtubule organization, phage nucleus formation, and high-resolution imaging techniques using functionalized graphene-oxide grids. His work increasingly integrates AI-driven structural modeling and in situ approaches to understand macromolecular complexes in their native cellular context. Dr. Agard has made seminal contributions to understanding the ATPase cycle of Hsp90, the architecture of the gamma-tubulin complex, and the structural dynamics of viral and cellular tubulins. His research bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology, with implications for cancer, neurodegeneration, and antimicrobial strategies.

• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biophysics
• Cryo-Electron Microscopy
• +9 more

Owen Pornillos is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah. His research focuses on HIV biochemistry and structural biology, virus-host interactions, and innate anti-viral defenses. He integrates structural biology techniques (NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryoEM, cryoET), biophysics, biochemistry, and molecular virology in his work. B.S., University of the Philippines Ph.D., University of Utah His lab investigates: Structural and functional analysis of HIV capsids during virion maturation Atomic-level modeling of viral assembly mechanisms Host innate immune response proteins like TRIM5α Development of experimental platforms using biochemical reconstitutions Applications of fluorescence microscopy and virus imaging Exploitation of viral mechanisms for novel delivery systems The 2023-2011 publications highlight expertise in molecular switches, capsid dynamics, TRIM5-mediated defenses, and structural biology of retroviral processes. Awards and student mentorship details are not explicitly stated in the provided text. For collaborations or inquiries, contact owen@biochem.utah.edu .

• HIV Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Virus-host Interactions
• +3 more

Wenxiang Cao is a Research Scientist in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on the biophysical and biochemical mechanisms of protein enzymes and the mechanical properties of protein polymers. He holds a PhD in Physics from Northeastern University (2003) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University (2008). Key research areas include actin filament mechanics, cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-ET) method development, and the structural basis of protein interactions. Notable contributions include studies on cation-induced stiffening of actin filaments and phosphate release mechanisms in actin-branching complexes. His work frequently involves collaborations with researchers like Enrique De La Cruz and Chuck Sindelar, yielding over 60 peer-reviewed publications. Awards include an American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (2006). Current affiliations include the Yale School of Medicine and the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry department. Research highlights include quantitative studies of ENPP1 variants in bone disease and structural analysis of bacterial microcompartments using Cryo-ET.

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Protein Enzymology
• +3 more

Yi-Wei Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He also serves as Associate Director of the Institute of Structural Biology and leads the Beckman Center for CryoEM and CryoET. His research focuses on visualizing macromolecular machines in their native cellular environments using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Chung Hua University, Taiwan (2004) Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Academia Sinica & National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan (2010) Certification in Research Mentor Training: Effective Communication and Aligning Expectations, University of Pennsylvania (2022) Certification in Research Mentor Training: Fostering Independence, University of Pennsylvania (2025) Dr. Chang's research lies at the intersection of structural biology, microbiology, and bioengineering. His lab specializes in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to study the 3D architecture of macromolecular complexes within intact cells. His work spans structural parasitology , host-pathogen interactions , mammalian cell biology , and microbial systems . A key focus is understanding the molecular mechanisms of apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma , particularly their secretory systems and gliding motility. He also develops advanced methodologies including correlative light-electron microscopy and cryo-plasma FIB milling for thick tissue samples. His recent publications in high-impact journals such as Science , Cell , Nature Communications , and Nature Microbiology demonstrate a strong trend toward in situ structural biology , revealing native conformations of macromolecular machines involved in viral replication, parasite invasion, chromatin organization, and cellular motility. These studies increasingly integrate cutting-edge sample preparation and multimodal imaging techniques. Scientific Awards: Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering (2019) ASPIRE Award, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research (2019) Catalysts Fellow, The EMBO Journal (2022) FIB-Milling Sample Preparation for Cellular CryoET Award, The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation (2022) Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease, The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (2023) Dr. Chang leads an active research group supported by major grants from foundations including Packard, Beckman, Burroughs Wellcome, and the Mark Foundation. He mentors trainees in interdisciplinary research combining biology, engineering, and imaging. His lab is part of the Beckman Center for CryoEM and CryoET, where he plays a leadership role in advancing cryo-ET infrastructure and applications. Future work will continue to push the boundaries of in situ structural biology , particularly in complex tissues and infectious disease models. Laboratory and Team: The Chang Lab at the University of Pennsylvania is dedicated to pioneering cryo-ET applications in cellular and microbial systems. The team collaborates widely with experts in parasitology, cell biology, and bioengineering to uncover structural mechanisms underlying fundamental biological processes.

• Structural Biology
• Cryo-electron Tomography
• Cellular Imaging
• +7 more

Nancy Hom is a Research Scientist in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Lee Lab at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. She contributes to interdisciplinary research spanning virology, structural biology, and pharmacokinetics of drugs of abuse during pregnancy. Key collaborations: Lee Lab, UWPKDAP program Research focus: Viral membrane fusion mechanisms and drug disposition in maternal-fetal systems Dr. Hom specializes in cryo-electron tomography and mutational scanning of viral proteins, with expertise in HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza virus dynamics. Her work involves quantitative proteomic analysis of neurotrophic factor-induced protein synthesis and clathrin-driven nanomaterial organization. Selected publications include structural studies on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein stability (2023), mutational tolerance of influenza M1 matrix protein (2019), and cryoET visualization of viral fusion intermediates (2024). Her research informs maternal-fetal drug exposure modeling through the NIH-funded UWPKDAP program. Contact: nancyhom@uw.edu | Phone: (206) 616-2811

• Virology
• Structural Biology
• Drug Metabolism
• +3 more

Steven Ludtke is a Professor in the Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology department at Baylor College of Medicine . He serves as the Charles C. Bell Jr. Professor of Structural Biology, Director of the CryoEM/ET Core, Co-Director of the Center for Computational and Integrative Biomedical Research (CIBR), and Deputy Director of Advanced Technical Cores. His lab focuses on advancing cryo-electron microscopy (CryoEM) and tomography (CryoET) for high-resolution structural analysis of biological systems. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Rice University (1996) M.A. in Physics, Rice University (1993) B.S. in Physics, California Institute of Technology (1990) Ludtke's research spans CryoEM/CryoET methodology , quantitative image processing , and structural studies of macromolecular assemblies, membrane proteins, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. His group developed the EMAN software suite , widely used in the field with over 30,000 downloads. Recent work explores in-situ structural biology using CryoET, enabling visualization of biomolecules within native cellular environments. The 15 most recent articles highlight trends in computational CryoEM/ET tools (e.g., deep learning for variability analysis), structural elucidation of ion channels (IP3R) and efflux pumps (AcrAB-TolC), and applications to pathogens like Toxoplasma and Candida glabrata . Key themes include 3D reconstruction algorithms , subtomogram averaging , and in-situ macromolecular architecture . Scientific Awards include the Burton Medal (MSA, 2008), multiple NRSA fellowships, and recognition as Outstanding Lecturer in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences (2020, 2023). His leadership in the CryoEM field is further evidenced by roles in EMDataBank and EMX initiative . Ludtke's lab collaborates on diverse biological systems, from individual proteins to whole-cell analysis, and contributes to cancer research via the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center . His work bridges methodological innovation with biomedical applications, particularly in membrane biology and disease mechanisms.

• Cryo-electron Microscopy (CryoEM)
• Cryo-electron Tomography (CryoET)
• Quantitative Image Processing
• +6 more

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.

• Cryo-electron Microscopy
• Quantitative Image Processing
• Structural Biology
• +5 more

Zhen Chen is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He holds a B.Sc. from Peking University (2009), M.A. from Rice University (2012), and Ph.D. from Rockefeller University (2019). Prior to his current role, he served as a Visiting Associate at Caltech (2023). His research focuses on biophysical principles of cilia biology, cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryoET), and AlphaFold2-assisted modeling to study protein dynamics and cellular structures. Education: B.Sc., Peking University, 2009 M.A., Rice University, 2012 Ph.D., Rockefeller University, 2019 Visiting Associate, Caltech, 2023 Research interests include: Ciliary motion mechanisms and assembly In situ cryoET for cellular imaging AlphaFold2 integration for structural biology Reproductive biology at atomic resolution Development of knockout mouse models Recent funding and recognitions include grants from the Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation (2024), Caltech Center for Evolutionary Science (2024), and Merkin Institute (2024). His lab collaborates on advancing cryoET and AI-driven structural analysis tools. Labs/Teams: Zhen Chen’s lab at Caltech focuses on structural cell biology, combining cryoET, chemical biology, and computational modeling to address fundamental biological questions. The team recently developed the AreTomo software for cryoET data processing.

• Structural Biology
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• +7 more

Pierre Nottelet is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), affiliated with the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. His research focuses on advancing the understanding of cell-matrix interactions at the molecular level through a pioneering workflow combining 3D bioprinted matrices and Cryo-Electron Tomography (CryoET), enabling detailed visualization of cellular structures in their native 3D environment. Education: Ph.D. in Structural Biology (2018–2022) – European Institute of Chemistry and Biology (IECB), Bordeaux, France Master in Organic Chemistry and Life Science (2016–2018) – University of Bordeaux, France Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry (2013–2016) – University of Bordeaux, France Research Interests: Dr. Nottelet’s work bridges structural biology, cell biology, and tissue engineering. He specializes in using CryoET to study cellular interactions within 3D bioprinted matrices, with applications in regenerative medicine and molecular oncology (e.g., KRAS oncogene G-quadruplex structures). His research also explores bacterial nanomachines and protein-ligand interactions.

• Structural Biology
• Cell-Matrix Interactions
• 3D Bioprinting
• +5 more

Qun Liu is a Structural Biologist at Brookhaven National Laboratory's Biology Department, where he joined as a Principal Investigator in 2015 with a joint appointment from NSLS-II. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor and faculty member in the Biochemistry and Structural Biology and Molecular and Cell Biology Programs at Stony Brook University. Ph.D. in biophysics from Cornell University Postdoctoral research at Cornell Synchrotron Light Source (CHESS) Former scientist at New York Structural Biology Center Worked with New York Consortium on Membrane Protein Structure Dr. Liu's research spans structural biology of membrane proteins, investigating metal transporters, lipid metabolizing enzymes, and protein-quality control mechanisms. His host-pathogen interaction studies focus on molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity, particularly relevant to emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. In cellular structural biology, he leverages NSLS-II synchrotron X-rays and LBMS cryo-EM facilities to study cellular responses to environmental stimuli. His technological research develops experimental and computational methods including correlative X-ray imaging, cryoFIB-SEM/cryoET, and advanced computational data analysis techniques. Analysis of Dr. Liu's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating AI and deep learning with structural biology. His work increasingly combines AlphaFold with traditional methods like X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, while maintaining focus on metal transport mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and novel imaging techniques. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in computational approaches to structural analysis while addressing fundamental biological questions. Brookhaven's Top 10 Discoveries of 2024 Scientists Find a New Way to Help Plants Fight Diseases Zinc Transporter Has Built-in Self-regulating Sensor Structure of 'Oil-Eating' Enzyme Opens Door to Bioengineered Catalysts As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Liu leads interdisciplinary research that bridges multiple Brookhaven facilities including NSLS-II, Laboratory for BioMolecular Structure (LBMS), Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), and Computation and Data Sciences (CDS). His work exemplifies the integration of experimental and computational approaches to solve complex biological problems at multiple scales. Dr. Liu's laboratory focuses on integrative multiscale imaging approaches, developing technologies in correlative microscopy and computational data analysis. His team works at the intersection of biology, physics, and computational science to advance structural characterization capabilities, with particular emphasis on cellular and molecular structure-function relationships in health and disease contexts.

• Structural Biology
• Membrane Proteins
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +4 more