Project Summary
Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) has become a break-through structural biology method for scientists to
study biological specimens in their native environment. An increasing number of scientists are eager to use this
powerful technology since it provides a new way to study significant outstanding biology problems that were
impossible to explore just a few years ago. However, cryoEM is complex and involves, in addition to theoretical
background, operating multiple devices that require a strict protocol and sequence as well as accurate and
trained hand-eye coordination as mistakes in operation would risk instrument downtime and costly repairs.
Becoming a proficient cryoEM user requires extensive hands-on practice under the supervision of expert users
and current best-practice approaches to train users involve thorough and repeated hands-on observation,
supervision and practice on site. However, due to the research demands for machine and staff time, as well as
potentially high cost, novice users often have limited access to such facilities and are therefore restricted in their
training and in opportunities for productive application of cryoEM in their research. The goal of this project is to
develop a virtual reality (VR) augmented interactive training system, CryoVR, to provide virtual hands-on, self-
paced cryoEM training to familiarize novice users with operational procedures, thereby reducing the need for
practice with costly cryoEM devices; using this approach to complement existing theoretical and protocol training
will save time, reduce cost, and lower the risk of impairing cryoEM instruments. This VR approach will be
available online, enabling training far before practical training necessitates time on the instrument. In addition,
return users, who may have last used cryoEM months or years previously, can use CryoVR to rehearse and
refresh their skills before returning to the facility. We pursue this goal with three aims: Aim 1) Use state-of-the-
art VR devices to address the needs for orienting new users to cryoEM instruments (e.g. plunge freezers,
electron microscopes, etc.), developing mastery over sequence of operations and method of using instruments
to perform specific key tasks (e.g. glow discharging grids, plunge-freezing sample grids, cryo-transfer of grids to
TEM column, TEM operation, etc.), and providing sufficient review for returning non-expert users; Aim 2) In order
to ensure the accuracy and usability of CryoVR, we will evaluate our VR instructional materials, their impact and
outcomes through the collection of voluntary participant feedbacks; and Aim 3) In order to maximize availability
of CryoVR, we will establish distribution methods for both online and downloadable software. The proposed
approach is innovative in cryoEM training and will be effective and efficient due to the stability and applicability
of modern VR technologies, practices, and theories. The project is significant as it will greatly improve the
efficiency, and reduce the cost and risk of cryoEM training, which in turn leads to increased capacity for training
new users. The low-cost VR hardware and freely accessible software will benefit all cryoEM facilities and their
users on a national and international scale.