Dr. Perkins is recognized for creating the world's best atomic force microscope (AFM) tailored to biological measurements, and using it to reveal 10 times greater detail than previously possible about the structure and dynamics of key membrane proteins. Membrane proteins are the gatekeepers of all cells, controlling which chemicals leave and enter cells, and are the target of half of all new drugs. Perkins' AFM technologies and results are already being applied to improve drug design and advance biomedical research on cancer and brain diseases, and to better understand normal physiology.
Dr. Perkins also received the Gold Medal Award for this work.