CryoVR - Virtual Reality Augmented CryoEM Hands-on Training
DUIRI - Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship
Summer 2023
Accepted
Computer Graphics + Biological Science
Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) has emerged as a revolutionary method for solving high-resolution structures and studying the dynamics of macromolecular complexes and viruses in near-native states. It has become critical for structure-based drug design and medicine discovery. However, the availability of the equipment, and the time and cost needed for training, severely limit the opportunities for training. To solve these problems, an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Yingjie Chen (Computer Graphics Technology) and Dr. Wen Jiang (Biological Science) is developing a virtual reality-based training system, CryoVR, to prepare trainees before operating real-world cryoEM equipment. CryoVR helps users learn cryoEM experimental procedures in a virtual environment, allowing immersive training with step-by-step tutorials with vivid visual, audio, and text guidance. It can save per-trainee time on the physical instruments, reduce cost and the risk of impairing the expensive cryoEM instruments, and increase the training efficiency and capacity of the cryoEM facilities.
We welcome you to join the team, conduct research activities including human-subject evaluations, identify users' needs, design new features and develop new training modules.
Yingjie Chen
Wen Jiang
Virtual reality application research including design, development, and evaluate new features and training modules. The development tool is the game development engine Unreal. Students work closely with the advisors and two Ph.D. students, collectively developing the VR application.
https://www.purdue.edu/cryoVR
Undergraduates students that are:
1. Interested in VR development
2. Knowlege of game development engine Unreal
3. Knowledge of Adobe Premiere or other video/audio editing applications
4. Knowledge of 3D modeling.
5. GPA > 3.0
3
40 (estimated)