Microscope Imaging System Upgrade

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Dr. Zhu's research program, which focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which human cells maintain their genome integrity, is completely dependent upon a widefield fluorescence microscope imaging system to capture and analyze cell and DNA images. This imaging system is 18 years old and can break down at any time. Indeed, the computer workstation of this imaging system did break down in 2020. This breakdown forced trainees in Dr. Zhu's lab to stop all research activity requiring this imaging system and severely hampered their research progress needed for timely completion of their studies. This breakdown also disrupted a timely completion of cell biology experiments needed for manuscript revision and publication, resulting in a delay in dissemination. The breakdown lasted two months until a makeshift solution was found. However, this temporary solution can fall apart at any moment. Aside from the computer workstation, several other components of the imaging systems are either near the end of their life or no longer compatible with new technology, including the power supply, camera, and fluorescence filtersets. Therefore, it is quite urgent that this aging microscope imaging system receive a comprehensive upgrade involving multiple new components, including a computer workstation, image acquisition software, monochrome camera, LED light source and filterset. This upgrade will make this microscope imaging system once again be a reliable workhorse instrument in Dr. Zhu's research program for years to come. The upgraded imaging system will be critical to enabling trainees' research output without disruption, thereby enhancing their research competitiveness as well as completing their degree/studies in a timely manner. Therefore, the upgraded imaging system will be critical to supporting and advancing Dr. Zhu's research program for years to come. Fluorescence microscope imaging systems are widely used in biological, biomedical, bioengineering, and health-related research labs throughout universities, research institutes, hospitals, government agencies as well as industries such as biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The skill that trainees acquire through the use of this instrument will make them attractive to a wide range of employers that work with and/or require knowledge about microscope imaging.