MRI: Acquisition of a Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for Biological Imaging in Research and Teaching

College Of William And Mary, Williamsburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

This Major Research Instrumentation award funds the acquisition of a laser-scanning inverted confocal microscope for research and research training in cellular, molecular and developmental biology at the College of William and Mary. A wide range of research and research training initiatives at the college of William & Mary use the new confocal microscope for research on topics that include: stem cell development, sex determination, protein traffic control in cells, plant evolution and development, and DNA repair mechanisms. The new system capabilities allow for imagining of cellular dynamics within tissues at near-real time, and facilitate the utilization of new techniques that enable cutting-edge research and research training. Through research collaborations with faculty and students at regional institutions and other outreach initiatives where confocal microscopy has been an important training tool, the William and Mary Biology Department provides modern research and research training to students who might otherwise not have this opportunity. The results of these research and teaching efforts will be broadly disseminated through abstracts and peer reviewed publications, as well as by active participation of students and faculty at professional meetings.