My research aims to understand how these protein complexes work by both structurally and functionally characterizing the complexes from a wide variety of organisms. The main approach we use for structure determination is single particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) in which we use an electron microscope to take “pictures” of thousands of individual protein complexes that we have isolated from cells. We then use HPC to combine all these images into a single 3D reconstruction of the protein complexes at near atomic resolution, allowing us to place all of the atoms that make up the proteins. The HPC facility is key to our research for two reasons: storage and processing. These structures provide an immense amount of information on how these complexes work to power life as we know it. 

Overcoming challenges is an inherent part of this scientific exploration, and collaboration with HPC experts remains central to Professor Letts' success in unraveling the mysteries of life's fundamental mechanisms.