About the Lab

The Francis Tsai Lab of Structural Biochemistry is in the Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine. The focus of our research is molecular chaperones and transcription regulation.
Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research
The Welch Foundation selected Dr. Francis T.F. Tsai, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology, as the recipient of the 2008 Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research for his innovative work on determining three-dimensional structures of molecular chaperones and multi-component protein assemblies involved in transcription regulation. Dr. Tsai's research focuses on how large, energy-dependent molecular machines operate in a cell.
The Welch Foundation, one of the nation's oldest and largest sources of private funding of basic research in chemistry, presents the award annually to "honor up-and-coming young scientists at Texas colleges and universities who are 40 years of age or younger." Recipients are recognized for expanding the frontiers of chemistry through their innovate research endeavors. The award was presented at a luncheon on Feb. 13, 2008, and consisted of $100,000, a certificate and a crystal sculpture.

2008 Hackerman Award - Dr. Francis T.F. Tsai
Dr. Francis T.F. Tsai was awarded the 2008 Hackerman Award for his innovative work on determining three-dimensional structures of molecular chaperones and multi-component protein assemblies involved in transcription regulation.
Macromolecular X-Ray Crystallography Core
The Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography Core provides a cost-efficient solution for scientists, researchers, and trainees at Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Medical Center to pursue high-resolution structural studies. Francis T.F. Tsai, D.Phil. serves as the core academic director.