Cryo-EM Workshop
From grid to model in one intensive week—hands-on training that takes you through the full cryo-EM pipeline, taught by the people who run it every day.
Who It's For
Designed for trainees ready to get hands-on with real data—from first exposure to refining advanced workflows.
This workshop is for you if…
- ✓ You're a graduate student, postdoc, or research scientist working toward structural biology projects.
- ✓ You have a target protein or complex and want to learn how cryo-EM could solve its structure.
- ✓ You want hands-on time with real microscope data, not just lecture slides.
- ✓ You're building toward independent cryo-EM data processing in your own lab.
Prerequisites
- • Basic familiarity with protein structure and biochemistry.
- • Comfort working from the command line (helpful, not required).
- • A laptop capable of running remote-desktop / SSH sessions.
- • No prior cryo-EM experience required.
What You'll Learn
A two-phase curriculum carrying you from specimen to structure.
Sample to Data Collection
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01
Specimen Preparation & Vitrification
Grid selection, blotting parameters, and screening for ice quality.
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02
Microscope Alignment & Screening
Setting up Köhler illumination, coma-free alignment, and grid atlas screening.
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03
Automated Data Collection
Configuring collection software for high-throughput movie acquisition.
Processing to Model
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04
Motion Correction & CTF Estimation
Preprocessing raw movies into analysis-ready micrographs.
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05
Particle Picking & 2D Classification
Template-based and reference-free picking, cleaning particle stacks.
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06
3D Reconstruction & Refinement
Ab-initio models, heterogeneous refinement, and resolution assessment.
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07
Model Building & Validation in ChimeraX
Fitting, real-space refinement, and figure generation from the final map.
Format & Logistics
Everything you need to plan around the workshop.
Announced per cohort
5-day intensive format
Nashville, TN
On-site, microscope access required
~25 participants
Small cohort, hands-on ratio
Contact for details
See registration for details
What's included
Instructors
Led by the lab's structural biology team and collaborators.
Principal Investigator, Atoms2Community — cryo-EM structure determination of membrane transporters.
Cryo-EM Facility Staff Scientist — microscope operation & data collection.
Computational structural biologist — image processing & model building.
Reserve your seat
Registration opens per cohort. Email us to be added to the notification list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the workshop. [answers — placeholder]
Do I need prior cryo-EM experience?
No. The workshop is designed to take you from first exposure through a full processing pipeline.
What should I bring?
A laptop capable of SSH/remote-desktop access. All datasets, compute, and software are provided.
Is funding or travel support available?
Limited support may be available for trainees affiliated with partner institutions.
Can I bring my own sample?
Depending on cohort size and scheduling, some participants may screen their own specimens.
What happens after I register?
You'll receive a confirmation email with pre-workshop materials and logistics closer to the date.
What is the cancellation / refund policy?
Details are provided at checkout through our registration partner.