Microscopy Imaging Center for Research through Observation (MICRO) Core

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PROJECT SUMMARY –Microscopy Imaging Center for Research through Observation (MICRO) Advanced microscopy is a fundamental tool in biology that allows scientists to visualize and characterize microbiomes. The Microscopy Imaging Center for Research through Observation (MICRO) Core of the Integrative Center for Environmental Microbiomes and Human Health (ICEMHH) is providing comprehensive imaging instrumentation and technical expertise at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) to support research that characterizes microorganisms and their relationship to each other, to host tissues, and to their environment. During Phase 1, the MICRO Core expanded the Biological Electron Microscope Facility by moving into a new laboratory space, adding instrumentation and services. MICRO has the only transmission and scanning electron microscopes (TEM & SEM) in the state of Hawaiʻi supporting biological and biomedical research. The MICRO Core acquired a state-of-the-art confocal laser scanning microscope, and laser microdissection and optical tweezers. Dr. Alexander Culley, an expert in microbiology and virology, will be the Project Leader during Phase 2. One goal will be to modernize and replace aging equipment, add an image analysis workstation, incorporate histology for light microscopy, and develop training modules. An area of focus will be to introduce users to emerging imaging and data analysis techniques, in particular rapidly evolving fluorescence-imaging technologies to advance studies of microorganisms and their microbiomes. Webinars and workshops led by experts in the new technologies will be tailored to the needs of MICRO users. The MICRO Core will continue to be available to researchers across the UHM campus, other local research and educational institutions, and visiting scientists. The MICRO Core will support and broaden the research programs of former, current and newly proposed COBRE Research Project Leaders (RPLs) and their affiliates by providing essential infrastructure and expertise to advance their research and foster collaborations that will positively impact the careers of RPLs and more established investigators. The MICRO Core will foster the growth of the ICEMHH by (i) bringing the Center visibility through its research and training efforts, (ii) keeping its researchers up-to-date on advancing instrumentation and technologies in microscopy and imaging, and (iii) contributing to research capacity.