Bending Protein Models
It all began in the mid-90s, when Tim Herman, PhD, began folding backbone models of protein structures with steel wire, using a device called Byron’s Bender.
Tim was a faculty member of the Medical College of Wisconsin Biochemistry Department. He not only bent models of structures he was researching, but those of colleagues’ investigations.
Everything Changed with 3D Printing
Then everything changed when Tim attended a professional conference where he saw a 3D printed model of a protein – more commonly called rapid prototyping at the time. After returning to Milwaukee, Tim learned the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) had a rapid prototyping center. He soon engaged the staff in making a large green fluorescent protein model, which he showed at an international symposium, sparking researchers’ interest in physical models and leading him to open the Center for BioMolecular Modeling (CBM) at MSOE in 1998.
Tim subsequently launched 3D Molecular Designs, LLC* (3DMD), at the end of 1999, locating the business office in the basement of his and (wife) Diane’s home.
Grants Awarded to CBM & 3DMD
Tim secured his first NIH Science Education Partnership Award and began offering professional development courses for high school teachers, using 3D printed models, while 3DMD focused on producing 3D printed models for researchers. But once teachers saw models, they wanted durable classroom sets.
By that time 3DMD had received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award and ventured into making molds for water molecule models with embedded magnets. The resulting Water Kit©, remains one of 3DMD’s most endearing and popular kits. Now 3DMD has five product lines – plastic injection-molded kits, foam-stamped kits, 3D printed models, printed posters, and bioinformatic activities – resulting in 35 products. With funding from another SBIR grant, 3DMD is researching how to seamlessly link physical models and interactive digital media, to create augmented reality modules students will use with smartphones or tablets.
Designers
On the recommendation of his high school biology teacher, Mark Hoelzer joined the CBM after his high school graduation. He became crucial to all CBM instructional material development projects with his design and technical abilities. With Mark’s boundless energy he also worked part-time for 3DMD. Notably, he consistently raised 3DMD’s custom model capabilities and designed some of 3DMD’s most popular products.
Vito Gervasi, an engineer, is essential to designing molds for plastic injection molding. Vito became a 3DMD partner in 2005, as Mark did in 2019.
Family Business
Diane joined 3DMD as business manager in 2002 and became a partner in 2004 –the beginning of 3DMD becoming a family business. As 3DMD’s needs grew but resources remained limited, Diane began recruiting family members – often as volunteers. The first, Heather Ryan, who is their daughter, was familiar with their financial software and started in the business office. She quickly became indispensable and rose to director of operations. Through the years Tim, Diane and Heather have served as 3DMD’s leadership team.
Matt, their son and an IT professional, set up 3DMD’s first server and network – still in the basement of their home - in his free time. He continues to consult with 3DMD while maintaining a full-time IT position elsewhere. Heather and Matt became partners in 2019. In time Kris Herman, a former special education teacher who is married to Matt, joined 3DMD’s education team but also aided with technology. She also became indispensable and now serves as educator resources manager.
Recently Sean Ryan, a former counselor and photographer who is married to Heather, officially joined 3DMD as its full-time photographer and videographer. Even so, he photographed 3DMD products from the company’s earliest days and whenever needed over the years. Tim and Diane’s grandchildren come in to help with odd jobs when Tim calls on weekends. The oldest, Quinn, (Heather and Sean’s son) now works part-time in production.
CBM Merges with 3DMD
The CBM and 3DMD worked closely together, as sister organizations, for 22 years until the CBM merged with 3DMD in 2022. As the organizations grew, they specialized in different areas which now positions 3DMD for future growth and opportunities.
Unsung Heroes
3DMD would not be in its 23rd year without its remarkable staff and partners. Their talents, skills and creativity have forged 3DMD into the company it is today. Behind-the-scenes staff keep 3DMD moving forward. They are 3DMD’s unsung heroes.
Through the years 3DMD survived water falling through ceiling tiles, a magnet crisis, the pandemic’s first years, supply chain issues and recently a fire. Our first twenty-two years have been filled with moments worth remembering – many to be laughed about. These stories will best be told over wine and dinner with you, our educator friends.
*Michael Patrick, Ph.D. co-founded 3DMD with Tim and left the company in 2005.
Collaboration Area
Whether in a summer course, education advisory committee, or focus groups, we delight in collaborating with teachers, especially when they come to our Milwaukee office.
Production with our Injection Molding Press
Some of our most popular, and enduring, models are produced through these custom built presses.
Production with our Stamping Machine
This foam stamping machine creates kits that invite students to gather round the lab table and interact with complex ideas.
Our Video Production Studio
We produce webinars and videos to bring teachers the chance to use models and learn cutting edge science from the comfort of their own home or classroom.
Akbar Sultanov, MPP, MFA
Immersive Technologies Developer
Akbar Sultanov, MPP, MFA
Immersive Technologies Developer