Electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) is an emerging technique for solving structures of large macromolecular machines. It does not require crystalline order for the studied specimens. This unique capability makes cryo-EM extremely valuable in imaging and solving the structures and the dynamics of macromolecular machines.

We are using cryo-EM to study the assembly, maturation, and infection mechanism of viruses including dsDNA tailed bacteriophages and enveloped flaviviruses. We are also heavily involved in the development of cryo-EM techniques including image processing algorithms, high performance computing, data collection automation and reliable sample freezing. These technical enhancements are critical in pushing cryo-EM towards near atomic resolution single particle 3-D reconstructions and high resolution tomographic 3-D reconstructions, and to improve the cryo-EM project throughput to ultimately transform the current laborious and lengthy cryo-EM technique into an easily accessible and high throughput tool at the disposal of any biologist.