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Facilitating the Advancement of Research and Education for Undergraduate Students by Incorporating Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (FAREUS-LSCM)
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla (UPR-Aguadilla) requests funding to acquire a Nikon AX Galvo Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (LSCM) with a TI2-E inverted platform and a four- laser configuration (405/488/561/640 nm) to establish transformative imaging capabilities at our resource-limited institution serving 96% Pell Grant recipients. This state-of-the-art instrument addresses a critical infrastructure gap, enabling high-resolution fluorescence imaging, live-cell microscopy, and quantitative analysis essential for competitive biomedical research and undergraduate education. The LSCM will directly support four active research projects spanning parasitology (monogenean host-specificity studies), plant pathology (coffee biocontrol development), environmental chemistry (metalloprotein biomarkers), and neuroscience (astrocyte dysfunction in diabetic epilepsy) while integrating into core laboratory courses including Immunology (BIOL 4009) and Undergraduate research courses (BIOL 3108 and QUIM 4999). Our multidisciplinary faculty, in partnership with the Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Facility (NIEF) Excellence Imaging Center, offers expertise in confocal microscopy, encompassing advanced imaging and specialized sample preparation techniques. This collaboration ensures effective implementation of the technology, sustained technical support, and high-quality training programs that will enhance research productivity and broaden educational impact. The broad, long-term objective is to transform UPR-Aguadilla from a primarily teaching institution into a research-active campus capable of producing graduate-school-ready students equipped with cutting-edge technical skills. Access to advanced confocal microscopy will stimulate new research collaborations, enhance faculty productivity, and provide 30-40 students annually with hands-on experience in modern imaging technologies currently absent from our curriculum. The instrument will strengthen our partnership with the emerging Natural History Museum of Puerto Rico for specimen digitization and support comprehensive outreach programs targeting 25-50 high school students annually through "Seeing Science Up Close" workshops. Expected outcomes include 1- 2 peer-reviewed publications within three years, establishment of 1-2 new institutional collaborations, and measurable enhancement of biomedical research capacity. This investment will significantly advance STEM education and research opportunities at UPR-Aguadilla while expanding access to cutting-edge scientific instrumentation for students pursuing biomedical careers and contributing to the development of skilled researchers in the biomedical sciences.
Communicating (Neuro)Science
In recent years, communicating one’s research to audiences outside of academia has grown in importance and time commitment for many researchers. Science Slams or University Open Days reliably draw large crowds, and the potential of social media to amplify any message has made it possible to reach interested recipients without the traditional press as a middleman. In this presentation, I will provide insights into science communication from my perspective as a neuroscience researcher, who enjoys spreading the word about how amazing insect brains are. We will have a look at the What?, Why? and How? of science communication. What do we generally mean by the term, and what forms can it take? Why should – or must – we engage in it? And how can we best achieve our aims with it? I will provide an overview of the current communication landscape, some food for (critical) thought, and many practical tips that help me when preparing to share my science with a wider audience.
So you want to be a neuroscientist?
Dr Juavinett will be presenting her book "So you want to be a neuroscientist?", which aims to give aspiring neuroscientists honest, informative insight about the field, as well as education and careers through it. The talk will be followed by a pub quiz (which is optional).
"Neuroscience? Isn't that for clever people": Bringing neuroscience to new audiences through public outreach and education
FENS Forum 2024
Scientific and public outreach of cell type taxonomy tools
FENS Forum 2024
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