A video introduction to the Center for BioMolecular Modeling
The Center for BioMolecular Modeling (CBM) develops materials that bridge the gap between the research laboratory and the educational classroom. We believe that the invisible world of molecules becomes real when students have an opportunity to hold physical models in their hands. The physical models function as thinking tools that stimulate questions that are then addressed using computer visualization tools and activities.
Visit Our Lab
The CBM is located on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center Building at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Our lab has both a teaching space and a 3D printing lab space. Come and visit us!
Dr. Herman received his B.S. in chemistry from the University of Nebraska in 1972 and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Oregon State University in 1976. He pursued post-doctoral studies in molecular biology at Harvard Medical School from 1977-1980. He joined the biochemistry faculty at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1980, and for the next 18 years, taught graduate and medical students while directing research programs in areas ranging from the synthesis of chemically cleavable biotin-labeled nucleotide analogs to the development of novel approaches to structure-based drug design. In 1997, he began working with the MSOE Rapid Prototyping Center to apply this additive manufacturing technology to the production of physical models of proteins. He officially joined the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1998, as Director of the newly-created Center for BioMolecular Modeling. Dr. Herman's current research interests are focused in two areas: the application of rapid prototyping technology to the production of physical models of molecular structures, and science education research projects designed to measure the impact of physical and computer-based models of molecular structures on student learning.
Mark Hoelzer started working at the Center For BioMolecular Modeling in 2003 during his senior year at Kettle Moraine High School. In 2007 Mark earned his BFA with honors from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design with a major in Illustration and a Minor in Painting. After graduation, he took the position as Lead Designer for the CBM while working towards his MFA with an emphasis on New Media from the Academy of Art University, which was earned in 2014. With help from the CBM's undergraduate interns, Mark is responsible for the graphic design, model and activity design, animation design, Jmol development, illustration design, video/audio design and web design for the Center for BioMolecular Modeling.
Learn About Our Programs
We work closely with talented science educators and students from across the US as part of our Student and Teacher Programs.
What Teachers and Students are Saying About the CBM
"Models give the students an opportunity to discover on their own, rather than having you tell it to them."
"These curriculum modules tie what seems like a really abstract idea--some little change in a molecule you can’t even see—to their own health. That’s really compelling. This stuff isn’t in any textbook."
"The fact that they were so teacher-focused was refreshing."
"The CBM staff let us be learners, and they respected us."
"Watching the CBM staff, who are masters, and being given these models is wonderful. Now we have powerful knowledge and powerful examples that we can put in our kids’ heads. I’m so excited for the school year to start, I don’t want to have to wait two months!"
"It was an amazing workshop. Foundational pieces of biology are woven through these stories."
"It really opened up science to me as a student. Science isn't sitting in a classroom learning about rocks its about being in a lab doing research alongside your mentor."
The [MAPS] Team program has taught me the importance of actively participating in the scientific community, being professional, and having the ability to take something complex and put it into simpler yet accurate terms."
"This program has opened my eyes to an entirely new career field. I have learned so much through this experience and I am extremely grateful that I have experienced this."
