Microscopy and Imaging Facility
Discover new perspectives and bring your curiosity to life in the CMU Microscopy and Imaging Facility, located on the first floor of the Biosciences building. Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, develop valuable technical skills, and explore the science behind the world around you. Whether you’re examining tiny cellular structures or investigating the physical properties of materials, you’ll have opportunities to apply microscopy techniques across biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics, geology, and engineering. Build the practical experience and scientific knowledge you need to stand out as you prepare for graduate school, laboratory careers, or future opportunities in research and innovation.
Tools for exploration and discovery
Compound Light Microscope and Dissecting/Stereoscope
Get a closer look at the world around you with hands-on access to CMU’s compound light and dissecting microscopes. Whether you're exploring new concepts in the classroom or conducting your own research, you'll have the tools and resources to build valuable laboratory skills. You’ll also have access to equipment and supplies to learn histological techniques and prepare slides for light microscopy. Take your skills even further with BIO 330 and BIO 331, offered every fall semester.
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
Take your exploration to the next level with CMU’s Hitachi HT7700 Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscope (S/TEM). Equipped with a LaB6 filament and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) capabilities, this advanced instrument allows you to investigate materials and structures at the microscopic level while gaining hands-on experience with powerful imaging technology. Develop specialized skills that can set you apart in research, graduate school, and future careers. Expand your knowledge even further with BIO 550, offered every fall semester.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Discover the incredible details of the microscopic world with CMU’s Hitachi 3400N-II Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, including environmental secondary electron, backscatter, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and cathodoluminescence detectors, this powerful instrument gives you the opportunity to explore surface structures, examine materials, and uncover details beyond the reach of traditional light microscopy. Gain hands-on experience with specialized technology while developing valuable skills for research, graduate school, and future careers in science. Take your expertise even further with BIO 552, offered every spring semester.
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM)
Explore cells, tissues, and other microscopic structures in remarkable detail using CMU’s confocal laser scanning microscopes. You’ll have access to the advanced Nikon AXR CLSM, along with the Nikon A1R CLSM, giving you hands-on experience with sophisticated imaging technology used in modern research. Both systems feature Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) capabilities, while the newer AXR expands your imaging possibilities with an additional set of lasers. Build your skills with advanced microscopy techniques and prepare for future opportunities in research, graduate school, and scientific careers. You can take your experience even further with BIO 553, offered every spring semester.
Widefield Fluorescence Microscope
Explore living cells and uncover intricate details with CMU’s Leica DMi8 inverted compound light microscope. Featuring widefield fluorescence and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) capabilities, this advanced imaging system helps you investigate cellular structures and processes with precision. Capture images in color or black and white using connected cameras and specialized computer software that supports detailed image analysis and data collection. Gain hands-on experience with modern imaging technology, develop valuable research skills, and prepare for future opportunities in scientific discovery and innovation.
Sample preparation Equipment
Bring your research into sharper focus with CMU’s advanced confocal laser scanning microscopes. You’ll have access to the Nikon AXR Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), featuring cutting-edge imaging technology and expanded laser capabilities that allow you to explore intricate cellular structures in remarkable detail. You can also work with the Nikon A1R CLSM, an additional imaging resource available for teaching and research. Both microscopes feature Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) capabilities, giving you powerful tools to visualize specimens and investigate the microscopic world. Build hands-on experience with advanced imaging techniques and develop specialized skills that prepare you for graduate school, scientific research, and future careers. Expand your expertise with BIO 553, offered every spring semester.
Flow Cytometry
Discover what individual cells can tell you with hands-on experience in flow cytometry at CMU. Using the Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX analyzer, you can explore the physical and chemical properties of cells, detect fluorescent markers, and investigate specific cell populations for deeper study. Equipped with blue (488 nm) and red (638 nm) lasers, this advanced technology allows you to analyze thousands of cells per second and explore questions across a variety of scientific disciplines.
From examining immune system cells and studying cell communication in slime molds to counting algae in lake water and investigating disease mechanisms using bacterial models, you’ll discover how flow cytometry can help answer real-world research questions. Build practical laboratory skills, explore your scientific interests, and gain valuable experience that prepares you for future research and careers in science.
Careers in microscopy
Turn your curiosity about the microscopic world into a career. Experience with microscopy and imaging technology can open doors to opportunities in scientific research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, materials analysis, and more. Through hands-on learning at CMU’s Microscopy and Imaging Facility, you can develop valuable technical skills, gain experience with advanced laboratory equipment, and explore techniques used by professionals across a range of industries. Whether you plan to pursue graduate school, work in a research laboratory, or enter a science-focused career, the experience you gain at CMU can help you take the next step toward your future.
Some notable careers of alumni include:
- Microscopist at MPI Research
- Microscopist at Johns Hopkins
- Electron Microscopist in the Vaccine Research Center Election Microscopy Unit of the Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research
- Electron Microscopy Sample Prep Specialist at Thomas Scientific (selling and supporting EM instrumentation in industry)
- Analytical Technologist in the Microscopy Facility at Dow Chemical
- Microscopy Facility Supervisor at CMU
- Scanning Electron Microscopist at Michigan State University’s Center for Advanced Microscopy
- Assistant professor in the Translational Neuroscience department at Michigan State University
- EM Specialist at University of Michigan
- Research specialist
- Continuing on to medical school is also a very common occurrence with microscopy majors – many hospitals utilize microscopy (both light and electron) as an analytical tool for research and diagnosis of diseases
Rates and usage fees
The CMU Microscopy and Imaging Facility provides access to specialized equipment and advanced imaging technology to support teaching, research, and scientific discovery. Explore the rates and usage fees below to learn more about the costs associated with using the facility’s equipment and resources. Whether you’re planning a research project or looking for the right tools for your work, understanding these fees can help you prepare for your time in the facility.
Flow Cytometer (CytoFLEX)*:
| Task | cost |
|---|---|
| Set-Up Fee | $15/use |
| Internal Users | $35/hour |
| External Academic Users | $60/hour |
| External Non-Academic/Commercial Users | $165/hour |
Microscopes
| Microscopes*: | SEM | Confocal | tem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Users (without technician) | $15/hour | $15/hour | $15/hour |
| Internal Users (with technician) | $25/hour | $25/hour | $25/hour |
| External Academic Users (with technician) | $35/hour | $35/hour | $90/hour |
| External Non-Academic Users (with technician) | $80/hour | $80/hour | $135/hour |
* All rated will be increasing effective July 1, 2029. The fee schedule will be updated here at that time.