NSF Grant Expands Research & Training Capabilities at L&C

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Lewis & Clark College a $306,119 grant to purchase a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Confocal microscopy is an advanced, high-resolution, fluorescence imaging technique that has multiple advantages over traditional wide-field fluorescence microscopy and is a particularly powerful tool for live imaging experiments. This project is supported by NSF’s very competitive Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program.

The lead Principal Investigator on this project is Dr. Tamily Weissman, Assistant Professor of Biology, and co-PIs include Associate Professor of Biology Greg Hermann, Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Professor of Science Janis Lochner, Professor of Biology Deborah Lycan and Professor of Physics Bethe Scalettar. The PIs have specific research projects that will be enabled by the purchase of an LSCM, focusing on live imaging of whole organisms or cultured neurons. In addition to strengthening cutting-edge live imaging capabilities at Lewis & Clark, this microscope will broadly advance research and training in the biology, chemistry, and physics departments. Additionally it will be integrated into the curriculum for Lewis & Clark Students.  More information about this project is available at http://www.lclark.edu/live/news/23495-powerful-microscope-provides-new-focus-for and here.
August 2013