SLAC EXPERTS

Aina Cohen

Division Director of Structural Molecular Biology (SMB), Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL)

Portrait of Aina Cohen (Jacqueline Ramseyer Orrell/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Areas of research: structural biology; X-ray crystallography; synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers; COVID-19 research and drug discovery; protein dynamics; experimental automation

The bright X-rays produced at synchrotrons enable scientists to apply the technique of X-ray crystallography to visualize the macromolecular structures and interactions involved in biological processes.  This provides fundamental knowledge about how life works, and can drive transformative advancements in medicine and sustainable chemistry.”