Microscopy At Western University
We Support the Education and Research Endeavors of Microscopists at Western University.
Microscopy is a technology central to many scientific disciplines and has been subject to significant capital investments by faculties, departments, and individual faculty members at Western University. However, the rapid evolution of new imaging technologies and their associated, complex methodologies necessitates formalized training, active collaboration between microscopists, practical mentorship of trainees, and leveraging of the expertise and technologies already available in Western’s established cores facilities. Micrographia@Western brings together microscopists from across Western University, including the affiliated hospitals and colleges, to promote microscopy education and the use of microscopy in research.
Contact us at micrographia@uwo.ca
Primary Functions:
1. Provide microscopy training via courses, seminars, and other events.
2. Promote mentorship and collaboration between microscopists.
3. Enhance research at Western through the adoption of microscopy-based approaches.
4. Promote the existing microscope technologies and expertise available in Western’s core facilities.
5. Promote the coordinated acquisition of leading-edge microscopy technology, and assist in the adoption of these new technologies, by Western researchers.
Research
Add microscopy to your research program, or expand upon your current microscopy expertice. Microscopy@Western can link you to new collaborators, assist your grant preparation, and provide advice on microscopy techniques which may benefit your research.
Training
We offer a variety of formal courses on microscopy and image analysis, mentorship program, educational Lunch-and-Learn events, and other opportunities to expand your microscopy knowledge and skills.
Community
We are an enthusiastic group of microscopists dedicated to building a supportive community of microscopists at Western University. Join Us to become part of this community.
Leadership
Dr. Bryan Heit – Co-Director, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Bryan is the lead investigator of the Phagocyte Biology Lab and specializes in live cell and super-resolution microscopy. As co-director, Bryan is responsible for overseeing the operations of Micrographia@Western, setting educational priorities, and establishing subcommittees to oversee specific events. In addition, he represents the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry within Micrographia@Western.
Dr. Joshua Pemberton – Co-Director, Faculty of Science.
Josh recently started as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology, where he will use advanced live-cell and ultrastructural imaging techniques to investigate the spatial organization of subcellular lipid metabolism. As co-director, Joshua is responsible for overseeing the operations of Micrographia@Western, setting educational priorities, and establishing subcommittees to oversee specific events. In addition, he represents the Faculty of Science within Micrographia@Western.
Karen Nygard – Core Facility
Representative, Biotron.
Karen is a Technical Specialist from the Biotron Integrated Microscopy Facility. Karen ensures a strong voice for Core facilities in the operations of Micrographia@Western.
Rachel Nicholson – Trainee Representative, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Rachel is a MSc student in the Phagocyte Biology Lab. Her work focuses on the use of the super-resolution microscopy technique Single-Particle Tracking (SPT), to better understand the diffusion and characteristics of phagocytic membrane proteins involved in efferocytosis. As the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry trainee representative, she provides a strong voice in Micrographia@Western for all Schulich trainees.
Marc Courchesne – Trainee Representative, Faculty of Science
Marc is a PhD student in the Department of Biology under Dr. Robert Cumming. His work involves using confocal microscopy to understand changes in brain energy metabolism across lifespan and with neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, he is a research assistant from the Biotron Integrated Microscopy Facility, and will represent Faculty of Science trainees within Micrographia@Western.
Governance
Download our governance document here. These were formally adopted by Micrographia@Western on August 9, 2024.
Our Vision
We strive to build a microscopy community at Western University that is collegial, collaborative, and globally competitive.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support research at Western University through producing highly skilled trainees capable of delivering quality scientific results via a range of microscopy techniques, and by directly supporting researchers in the design of experiments and funding applications.