Cryogenic electron imaging of macromolecules and subcellular components related to human health

Wah Chiu earned his Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Ph.D. in Biophysics, both from the University of California, Berkeley. He is currently the Wallenberg-Bienenstock Inaugural Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University. Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging at the SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Chiu has made substantial contributions to the development of single-particle CryoEM, enabling atomic-level structural determination of molecular machines such as viruses, chaperonins, membrane channels, and RNA molecules. His pioneering work has significantly advanced our understanding of the intricate structure-function relationships of these biological entities.  

Recently, Dr. Chiu's research has shifted towards the development of cryogenic electron volume imaging and tomography. This innovative approach aims to characterize subcellular structural features of tissues, organoids, and cells in their native environment, in both normal and pathological states. Furthermore, his research assesses these structures within the context of therapeutic interventions, providing critical insights into the effectiveness of various treatments in human diseases.  

Dr. Chiu's remarkable contributions to the field have been recognized by his election as a member of both the Academia Sinica in Taiwan and the United States National Academy of Sciences.