# Interactive, Self-Paced Traning Modules for the Cryo-EM Novice

> **NIH NIH R25** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2020 · $123,805

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
Cryo-EM has emerged as an indispensible tool to visualize biological structures at high resolution.
Despite the growing enthusiasm for this field, cryo-EM is a relatively inaccessible method for several
reasons: first, there are inadequate training materials for cryo-EM novices; second, there is a growing
expertise gap between experienced practitioners and newcomers; and third, few institutions have the
means to procure and maintain state-of-the-art instrumentation. To address these limitations, we
propose to create a self-paced, interactive online course using a media-rich and user-friendly approach
that targets cryo-EM newcomers. Our curriculum aims to bridge the expertise gap by providing practical
guidance on steps along the standard single particle cryo-EM project workflow. Our centralized
“CryoEM-101” website will bring cryo-EM principles and protocols to life using video, 3D animation, and
interactive simulations. The curriculum will cover pertinent topics divided into five chapters: sample
purification, grid preparation and optimization, grid screening and evaluation, data collection, and data
processing. Each chapter consists of an overview summary and a list of learning objectives, followed by
individual, digestible modules that focus on a specific concept along the workflow. Importantly, our
curriculum will teach users how to maximize their efforts using modest instrumentation. Overall, the
goal of this proposal is to guide newcomers to a point along their training where they can independently
prepare and optimize their cryo-EM specimens in preparation for high-quality data collection. We will
have an Advisory Board that consists of cryo-EM experts to evaluate our curriculum as it is developed.
Local cryo-EM trainees will be recruited to test the training material and feedback will be sought through
discussion group meetings and voluntary surveys. Upon launch of the Cryo-EM 101 website, the
course will be shared broadly through announcements at meetings, social media, and the design of a
massive open online course (MOOC).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9928958
- **Project number:** 5R25EY029124-03
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Janet Iwasa
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $123,805
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-05-01 → 2021-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9928958

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9928958, Interactive, Self-Paced Traning Modules for the Cryo-EM Novice (5R25EY029124-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9928958. Licensed CC0.

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