Virtual Reality Augmented Hands-on Cryo-EM Training

Project Summary Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) revolutionized structural biology, providing a powerful method to study biological specimens in their native environment. However, a major bottleneck hindering the wider use of cryoEM is the lack of trained professionals capable of proficiently operating the instruments. CryoEM is complex and involves, in addition to an extensive biophysical theoretical background, operation of multiple devices that requires strict procedures, as well as accurate hand-eye coordination as mistakes in operation can damage expensive instrumentation. Current best-practices for user training involve repeated on-site hands-on practice and training with one-on-one supervision by experts. The high demand for instrument usage and staff assistance for cryoEM data collection often limits the opportunities for hands-on training needed by new cryoEM users. The goal of this project is to develop a virtual reality (VR) augmented interactive training system, CryoVR, to provide virtual hands-on, engaging, and self-paced cryoEM training to familiarize novice users with operational procedures, thereby reducing the need for one-on-one training and on-site practice on costly, in-demand cryoEM devices. Additionally, we see the benefit of this training platform as a review exercise for users who may have gone through long periods between instrument usage. We pursue this goal with three aims: Aim 1) Expanding the current CryoVR project to cover a wider range of instruments in single particle cryoEM, cryo-electron tomography, and cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy. This will address the need for orienting new users to cryoEM instruments, developing virtual mastery over a sequence of operations to perform specific key tasks from plunge-freezing of sample grids to TEM operation, and providing sufficient review for returning non- expert users. It is designed to be an integrated part of the cryoEM education curriculum as a pre-training before onsite hands-on training on the physical instruments; Aim 2) Improving users’ learning experience through new interactive features, such as guided, multimodal learning embedded in VR, enabling lab layout customization, personalized customization to enhance inclusion and accessibility, hazard simulation for safety training, and refining hand-gestures and reinforcing constraints for more faithful simulation of the physical actions; and Aim 3) Dissemination, evaluation, and sustainable development. We will evaluate CryoVR’s instructional materials, their impact, and outcomes through voluntary human subject studies and expert interviews. We will establish distribution channels and sustainable development plans to maximize the long-term impact of CryoVR on the community and public. The proposed approach is innovative in cryoEM training and will be effective, efficient, and engaging due to the applicability of modern VR technologies and education theories. This project is significant as it will greatly reduce the time, cost, and risk of cryoEM training, which in turn will lead to increased capacity for facilities to train new users. The low-cost VR hardware and easily accessible CryoVR software will benefit all cryoEM facilities and their users on a national and international scale.