Structural biology provides a powerful three-dimensional perspective on biological macromolecules, enabling deep mechanistic insights into the molecular processes that underlie cellular function. The primary mission of the Center for Structural Biology (CSB) is to promote transformative advances in structural biology across Penn State, supporting and enhancing the research efforts of our vibrant and interdisciplinary scientific community.
The CSB embraces the full spectrum of structural biology approaches—including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM, cryo-ET), biomolecular interaction, small-angle scattering, biophysical characterization (single molecule, spectroscopy), mass spectroscopy and computational modeling. Recent investments by the University have strengthened these capabilities through new instrumentation and the recruitment of expert faculty across multiple techniques.
Importantly, the CSB fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration by linking structural biology with biomedical engineering, computational sciences, materials science, and machine learning. In doing so, it serves as a hub for innovation and integration, connecting researchers across departments, colleges, and campuses to accelerate discovery and technological advancement in structural biology.
The CSB also works closely with the NIH Research Training Grant (T32) Molecular Machines Mechanism and Structure (M3S) to support advanced training and development across three departments—BMB, BME, and Chemistry—and two colleges: the Eberly College of Science and the College of Engineering.