Steven Ludtke

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.