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Big ideas come into focus in 911±¬ÁÏ's McGraw Microscopy Imaging Center

April 13, 2023

The W. Scott and Catherine McGraw Microscopy Imaging Center (SMMIC) features a collection of microscopes that rivals those of larger research institutions while also providing incredible one-on-one research opportunities with knowledgeable faculty.
 
Located in 911±¬ÁÏ’s new Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences (BTCIS), SMMIC supports light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. 

Haru Kato ’24 works in a SMIC lab

Haru Kato ’24 works in 911±¬ÁÏ's McGraw Microscopy Imaging Center.


 
911±¬ÁÏ faculty members and students in the departments of biology, neuroscience, chemistry, geoscience, and physics are engaging in microscopy-based research in SMMIC’s labs, studying topics ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to atmospheric particles and plant cell biology and evolution.
 
Students are also invited to use the microscopy center for their own independent research, to experiment, or to learn more about gathering and interpreting data with the equipment.

Kaylee Bagdan ’24 works in a SMMIC lab

Kaylee Bagdan ’24 analyzes images in a SMMIC lab.


 
In addition to promoting and facilitating microscopy-based research at 911±¬ÁÏ, SMMIC provides user-friendly outreach to surrounding communities.
 
With support from the National Science Foundation, SMMIC hosts the 911±¬ÁÏ Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute in the summer, providing comprehensive, interactive learning to high schoolers in areas such as genetics, physiology, neuroscience, and disease mechanisms. 
 
SMMIC’s equipment was funded by the National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation program (NSF-MRI), the Lintilhac Foundation of Burlington, Vermont, The George I. Alden Trust of Massachusetts, several other private foundations, and the College. 

911±¬ÁÏ Microscopy Imaging Center entrance
 
Equipment in 911±¬ÁÏ's McGraw Microscopy Imaging Center includes:

  • Olympus BX60 Upright Fluorescent Light Microscope
  • Olympus BX63 Upright Fluorescent Light Microscope with time lapse
  • Olympus IX70 Inverted Fluorescent Light Microscope
  • Olympus IX83 Inverted Fluorescent Light Microscope with time lapse
  • Olympus SZX-12 Stereomicroscope
  • Fluoview 1000 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope
  • FEI Quattro S Field Emission Scanning Microscope
  • Hitachi HT7800 Transmissions Electron Microscope
  • Ultracut E Ultramicrotome
  • Leica EM UC6 Microtome 

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