Mike Tyka studied Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the University of Bristol. He obtained his PhD in Biophysics in 2007 and went on to work as a research fellow at the University of Washington and has been studying the structure and dynamics of protein molecules. In particular, he has been interested in protein folding and has been writing computer simulation software to better understand this fascinating process. Protein folding is the way our genetic code is interpreted from an abstract sequence of data into the functional enzymes and nano machines that drive our bodies.
Mike became involved in creating sculpture and art in 2009 when he helped design and construct Groovik's Cube, a 35ft tall, functional, multi-player Rubik's cube. Since then he's co-founded ALTSpace, a shared art studio in Seattle, and started creating sculptures of protein folds. He hopes to capture some of the hidden beauty of these amazing molecules, make it accessible to the general public, and maybe act as inspiration for those who want to learn more about these fascinating molecules that make life possible.
For more information on the pieces or for commissions contact him at:Email: mike.tyka@gmail.com
Seattle Met Magazine (Nov Issue): http://www.seattlemet.com/groovikscube
Groovik’s Cube on Q13 FoxNews: http://www.q13fox.com/videogallery/65109801/News/Kaci-Pac-Sci-Center
Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/photogalleries/localnews2016222326/2.html
IO9: http://io9.com/5840738/watch-people-constructing-a-26+foot+high-fully-playable-rubiks-cube
PCWorld: https://www.pcworld.com/article/240168/26foottall_rubiks_cube_is_even_harder_to_solve.html
Seattle PI: http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2011/09/13/seattles-giant-rubiks-cube-where-to-see-it/
Seattlest (Blog): http://seattlest.com/2011/09/20/attention_stoners_a_giant_rubiks_cu.php
Associated Press: Associated Press (Yahoo news)
TechFlash: http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2011/09/a-giant-grooviks-cube-in-seattle.html
SLOG (Seattle Stranger Blog): http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/09/13/grooviks-cubism-at-pacific-science-center