Dr. Joachim Frank Shares Groundbreaking Research with Students

                                                                                                                                                 By Kristen Patterson

Students, faculty, staff and community members filled Dawson Auditorium to hear Nobel Laureate Dr. Joachim Frank deliver Alabama A&M University's 24th Putcha Venkateswarlu Memorial Lecture Series on Friday, October 18.

For over two decades, the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics has proudly hosted the lecture series featuring Noble Laureates in Physics and Chemistry, establishing itself as a cornerstone of academic and scientific dialogue in the Huntsville-Madison region.

Frank, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and professor of biological sciences at Columbia University, was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work in cryo-electron microscopy, presented his award-winning lecture “Single-Particle Resonctruction of Biological Moleculres - Story in a Sample.”  

“Seeing a Nobel Prize winner on an HBCU campus is incredibly inspirational,” shared Taniya Rainge, a senior biology and computer science major from Montgomery, Alabama. “I found it the depth of research on microscopes and the significant changes in research methods fascinating. It encourages students like me who want to go into research.”

Frank has made significant contributions to understanding biomolecular structures, paving the way for advancements in pharmaceutical development and biomedical sciences. His lab at Columbia University is renowned for its cutting-edge electron microscopy techniques and computational methods for analyzing macromolecules.

Frank has received numerous accolades, including the 2014 Franklin Medal for Life Science and the 2017 Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences. His election to the National Academy of Sciences and fellowships in prestigious organizations further underscore his impact on the scientific community.

“This event is a unique opportunity to engage with one of the foremost scientists of our time,” noted Dr. Padmaja Guggilla, Chair of AAMU's Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics Department. “Students gained insights into the future of cryo-electron microscopy and its transformative effects on biological research.”

De‘Angelo N. Bailey, a junior physics major from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, emphasized the importance of networking at such events. “Meeting a Nobel Laureate is an incredible opportunity and a great way to ask questions and potentially gain valuable references for the future.”

The lecture also attracted students and faculty from neighboring institutions, including Robert Lister, a sophomore bio pre-med major at Oakwood University from San Diego. “My physics professor encouraged us to attend to learn about protein structures and their real-life applications,” said Lister. “It was eye-opening to see how different imaging techniques can reveal unseen structures.”

Latarshe Chisolm, a junior civil engineering major and member of AAMU’s PaRS Consortium, called the annual lecture series inspirational. “This experience has deepened my understanding of research processes,” said Chisolm. Meeting a Nobel winner is a remarkable opportunity for students to connect with leaders in science.”