MRI: Acquisition of Apotome/Fluorescence Microscope Imaging System for Enhanced Research in the Biological Sciences at Hope College

Hope College, Holland MI

Investigators

Abstract

A grant has been awarded to Hope College under the direction of Dr. Leah A. Chase to acquire a digital imaging system that will be used by biology and chemistry faculty in their research and teaching. The new microscope will provide better imaging of cells in studies of cell trafficking of proteins in brain tissue, movement of free fatty acids in brain cells, and effects of the brain on nutrition and reproductive viability. The imaging system allows for improved visibility of cells and their internal structures labeled with fluorescent markers. The instrument will be used in several classes, in particular those in a new neuroscience minor in the Biology Department. In addition, the imaging system will enhance the summer instructional program, which has recruited a large number of students from outside the Hope College campus, including a significant number of students from minority and underrepresented populations.