Upgrade and expansion of microscopy and imaging suite for multifaceted studies

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I am requesting funds for the upgrade and replacement of key microscopy and imaging systems, central to all my research, including my NSERC-funded program on the chronobiology and control of biological processes in marine organisms. New equipment is urgently needed to: (1) re-align our imaging capacities to modern world-class standards that would enable us to remain competitive internationally and retain key collaborations; (2) meet the growing needs of students and other highly qualified personnel; and (3) maximize our research efficiency and originality by making use of the newest technologies in our field. We use brightfield, darkfield, phase-contrast and epi-fluorescence techniques to identify, measure and monitor specialized cells, developing gametes, fertilization events, embryonic and larval attributes, symbiotic associations, and gut contents, as well as to prepare videos and microphotographic plates for publication. My Discovery research program integrates concepts of reproductive biology, chronobiology and chemical ecology to disentangle the respective roles played by biological clocks, external cues and social interactions in reproductive processes. Its principal aim is to gain a finer understanding of benthic ecosystem functioning by identifying the drivers of multileveled biological rhythms in marine taxa, including possible phase shifts triggered by climate change. Microscopic investigations and the proposed tools are also at the core of my other fundamental and applied research foci, such as trophic ecology, species interactions, taxonomy, the biology of deep-sea corals and the effects of stressors (pollutants, ocean acidification) on calcification, lipid storage, growth and reproduction. Over 80% of the publications coming out of my lab depend on microscopy and imaging, and it is expected that the proposed suite of tools will directly support the training of 3 to 8 students/trainees annually. Their findings will not only provide insight into our evolutionary past but also help develop aquaculture techniques and time-scale-based management and conservation strategies.