The TMF is a better technology for scientific visualitzation, because it can be more precise. Just ask Jack Johnson of the Scripps Research Institute about TMF technology. These models have really increased the ability of scientists to understand how viruses dock. To hold an actual model in your hand of something that would be invisible to the naked eye, and be able to manipulate that model, allows a scientist to understand science in a whole new way. It is fed into a program that Mike and his grad student Dru Clark have written.
Researchers share information.
What they learn about molecules can be applicable to another researcher working on an unrelated project. Mike will be installing a molding operation into rapid prototyping technology. While Mike may be paid to do research and help researchers visualize science, Mike's passion is education. The SDSC Science Enrichment Program Mike is also one of SDSC's most popular tour guides. He generously donates his time to lead groups of k-12 students on tours of the San Diego Supercomputer Center several times a month.