Aquisition of a Multi-User Flourescence Microscopy Suite for Research and Education

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This award provides support for acquisition of a modern light microscope for shared use by faculty, graduate and undergraduate students investigating problems in microbial ecology, vertebrate neurobiology, and plant physiology.. Recent technical advances in microscopy have revolutionized understanding of the biological world by permitting, among others, the tracing of functional consequences of trace gene expression and the inference of subcellular and genetic structure. The funds provided will aid in purchase of a research-grade, inverted light microscope with flexible fluorescence and digital imaging capabilities. The instrument will enable research in three specific areas: microbial behavioral ecology and genetic diversity in environmental samples, mammalian neuronal synaptogenesis, and plant cellular morphogenesis. The instrument will also be used to improve laboratory course experiences for undergraduate and graduate students, and to introduce students to modern techniques for the quantitative visualization of cellular information.