Seeing is Believing

UW Biology Department / Cabernard Lab

Requested:

$223,844

Status:

Declined

Awarded:

Abstract

Confocal microscopy offers a unique opportunity to observe cellular phenomena in a multitude of diverse model systems. However, existing instruments require extensive, complex training periods and are expensive to book and maintain. Because of this, existing labs are uninterested in training undergraduates because of limited instrument access, which may be shared with other lab staff, and limited expenses to pay for shared imaging instruments. Therefore, In order to expand undergraduate access to microscopy, funding for additional microscope equipment must be obtained. The Oxford BC43 Benchtop Confocal Microscope is an ideal investment to increase opportunities for undergraduate researchers. The BC43 is able to perform confocal microscopy, widefield imaging, and Transmitted Light Imaging, all in an easy-to-use interface. The BC43 is designed for simplicity and ease of access; mounting and imaging samples is straightforward and the user interface is intuitive and quick to pick up. Additionally, there is no need for changing eyepieces, and no complicated lasers and light paths. Because of this, the training barrier for entry is lower than traditional microscopes, which will translate to more professors having the time and resources to mentor more undergraduate students. Notably, this grant will complement the “Sharing is Caring” grant, which funds Imaris licenses for image analysis. The acquisition of the BC43 represents the completion of the experiment-to-analysis pipeline, which will give more undergraduate researchers the opportunity to participate in research at the UW, better preparing them for their future pursuits.

Access

The Cabernard lab will setup an online google calendar to sign up for imaging slots. Access will be given once trainig has been completed.

Dynamic Hand Sheet Former for Advanced Fibrous Materials Research

School of Environmental & Forest Sciences

Requested:

$130,870

Status:

Declined

Awarded:

Abstract

This proposal requests support for the acquisition of a Dynamic Sheet Former (DSF) to fill a critical need for manufacturing fibrous materials on campus. In this era of rising ecological considerations, sustainability and renewability must be considered at the forefront of materials design and process engineering to address the global challenge of sustainable routes to new technologies. To this aim, the Bioresource Science Engineering (BSE) program has begun incorporating naturally derived materials and cleaner fabrication processes into their curriculum, giving students a unique edge to become future sustainability leaders. This is best accomplished through experiential learning, which engages students in hands-on activities, promoting connections from concepts learned in the classroom to real-world situations. By combining interactive lectures, computational work and experimental lab projects, BSE is offering invaluable experience to prepare students for tomorrow's challenges, and the ability to expose students to cutting edge systems at scales relevant to current and upcoming industrial practices is critical. Currently, there are limited options to assemble bio-based fibrous components into macrostructures at UW: either bench-scale methods, or a 1972-pilot-size papermachine. The formers are limited in their control of fiber orientation and are not suited for mass production. Although the latter generates larger volumes of anisotropic products, its extensive demand in time, materials and energy precludes its implementation in large courses for rational design studies. The automated DSF bridges this gap by enabling the manufacturing highly-oriented sheets and laminated structures rapidly and with minimal material input, offering unprecedented opportunities for excellence in multidisciplinary education.

Access

When not in use for laboratory course work, equipment will be made available to UW personal and time can be reserved using the online calendar on the website for the Wollenberg Paper & Bioresource Science Laboratory.

3D imaging and modeling pipeline for student researchers

Department of Biology

Requested:

$50,860

Status:

Declined

Awarded:

Abstract

The development of three-dimensional (3D) imaging has revolutionized research and education by allowing the visualization and modeling of complex structures. Within biology, medicine, and engineering, 3D technology enables researchers to study biological and non-biological structures and construct detailed models of how these structures function. Although there are imaging facilities and workstations at UW, substantial technical limitations are preventing student researchers from making full use of these facilities, particularly within the biological sciences. First, there is a shortage of high-performance software capable of visualizing and processing complex 3D data, and integrating these data into mathematical modeling/simulations to investigate scientific questions. Open source alternatives exist, but are highly limited in performance and functionality. Second, there is a lack of imaging technologies that allow students to efficiently generate large 3D datasets, particularly for structures or objects in the order of a few centimeters in size. The currently available micro-Computed Tomography scanning facilities allow students to image internal anatomy in high resolution, but these procedures are highly time consuming and labor intensive for the purposes of imaging external shapes. All of these limitations have created an acute need for a high-throughput and user-friendly pipeline to image and model 3D objects, which can be easily accessed by students for research and training. Our proposal seeks funding to purchase three components that will form this pipeline: an AutoScan Inspec scanner for capturing 3D images, Amira Pro software for visualizing and processing 3D images, and COMSOL Multiphysics software for conducting physical simulations on 3D objects.

Access

Users will email the PI/student leads, who will provide access to a Google calendar where they can book a training session, time on the computers with the software for either in-person or remote use, as well as use of the scanner.

JESS, an automated, high-throughput, quantitative, capillary-based Western blot system for all students

Department of Medicine/Cardiology

Requested:

$95,000

Status:

Declined

Awarded:

Abstract

Western blotting is one of the most common molecular biology and biochemistry procedures used to detect and analyze a protein of interest in biological samples. Although all undergraduate students who study biological science, including medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, and marine biology, should be familiar with it, the complex and time-consuming nature of the western blot has prevented them from utilizing it to produce data. JESS is an automated, high-throughput, quantitative, capillary-based, next-generation western blot system that is easy to learn and much more efficient for producing data. We propose to install JESS in a laboratory within the University of Washington (UW) South Lake Union (SLU) campus. The proposed location of JESS on the UW SLU campus is not a barrier to student access to the technology. First, the SLU campus can be easily accessed by the shuttle bus system that operates between the main and SLU campus from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM every weekday. The ride takes approximately 15–20 min. Second, the Institute for Protein Design, which currently houses the one and only JESS at the UW, is a nationally renowned, research-focused institute and, although it is located on the main campus, does not provide students with easy access. One of the students from the lab emailed the IPD inquiring about the use of the equipment but has not received a reply for 7 days and as of the time of writing. In contrast, the SLU campus has traditionally allowed students to actively participate in its research activities.

Access

Once users successfully complete the 1 hour hands-on training in person, they will be given access to the Google calendar through which they can reserve the use of the system. Each session will be 4 hours, with two slots per day: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM.

Funding Status: Declined