Solid Models for Teaching and Research

尽管分子模型在100多年的研究和教学中发挥了关键作用，但今天这些模型主要是由计算机图形显示生成的，这些显示在某些方面很强大，但在另一些方面缺乏。为了平衡这种情况，已经编写了一个计算机程序(STUPT)，通过使用蛋白质数据库中的原子坐标来创建选定大分子区域的固体模型。这些模型是用蜡、木材或其他材料建造的，其比例与商业上可获得的原子模型相对应。这利用了一台专用的计算机数控(CNC)铣床，能够加工木材(主轴速度为10,000 rpm)，并且足够大，可以建立最典型的大分子结合或受体位点的模型。一名教育顾问协助准备学习指南和课堂材料，教授高中生物和化学进修生。P.I.积极参与生物化学本科生和研究生的教学。研究应用来自他的实验室和与其他团队的合作。

Although molecular models have played a crucial role in research and teaching for over 100 years, today these models primarily are generated by computer graphics displays that are powerful in some respects but lacking in others. In order to bring balance to this situation, a computer program (SCULPT) has been written to create solid models of selected regions of macromolecules by using atomic coordinates from the Protein Data Bank. These model are constructed in wax, wood, or other materials to a scale corresponding to commercially available atomic models. This utilizes a dedicated computer numeric controlled (CNC) milling machine capable of machining wood (10,000rmp spindle speed) and large enough to build a model of most typical macromolecular binding or receptor sites. An educational consultant assists with the preparation of study guides and classroom materials for teaching high school advanced placement biology and chemistry students. The P.I. is actively involved in undergraduate and graduate teaching of biochemistry students. Research applications are derived from his laboratory and from collaborations with other groups.