Ferrin uses computation and computers to understand molecules
Tom Ferrin, PhD, faculty member in the UCSF School of Pharmacy, is an expert in the use of computation and computer-generated images and simulations of biological molecules to understand how molecules act and interact. He uses this knowledge to better understand biology and to solve biological problems such as those involved in drug design. The challenge is daunting, says Ferrin, "If humans have an estimated 100,000 proteins, you see how large the number of possible combinations there are." Ferrin directs the UCSF Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics, which is known worldwide for its science and software. Learn more about Ferrin and his work in Science Café, a UCSF weekly column highlighting the culture, conduct, and community of science.