# Microscopy Imaging Center for Research through Observation (MICRO) Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · 2023 · $158,812

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY –Microscopy Imaging Center for Research through Observation (MICRO)
Advanced microscopy is a fundamental tool in biology that allows scientists to visualize and characterize
microbiomes. The Microscopy Imaging Center for Research through Observation (MICRO) Core of the
Integrative Center for Environmental Microbiomes and Human Health (ICEMHH) is providing comprehensive
imaging instrumentation and technical expertise at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) to support
research that characterizes microorganisms and their relationship to each other, to host tissues, and to their
environment. During Phase 1, the MICRO Core expanded the Biological Electron Microscope Facility by
moving into a new laboratory space, adding instrumentation and services. MICRO has the only transmission
and scanning electron microscopes (TEM & SEM) in the state of Hawaiʻi supporting biological and biomedical
research. The MICRO Core acquired a state-of-the-art confocal laser scanning microscope, and laser
microdissection and optical tweezers. Dr. Alexander Culley, an expert in microbiology and virology, will be the
Project Leader during Phase 2. One goal will be to modernize and replace aging equipment, add an image
analysis workstation, incorporate histology for light microscopy, and develop training modules. An area of focus
will be to introduce users to emerging imaging and data analysis techniques, in particular rapidly evolving
fluorescence-imaging technologies to advance studies of microorganisms and their microbiomes. Webinars
and workshops led by experts in the new technologies will be tailored to the needs of MICRO users. The
MICRO Core will continue to be available to researchers across the UHM campus, other local research and
educational institutions, and visiting scientists. The MICRO Core will support and broaden the research
programs of former, current and newly proposed COBRE Research Project Leaders (RPLs) and their affiliates
by providing essential infrastructure and expertise to advance their research and foster collaborations that will
positively impact the careers of RPLs and more established investigators. The MICRO Core will foster the
growth of the ICEMHH by (i) bringing the Center visibility through its research and training efforts, (ii) keeping
its researchers up-to-date on advancing instrumentation and technologies in microscopy and imaging, and (iii)
contributing to research capacity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10712773
- **Project number:** 2P20GM125508-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
- **Principal Investigator:** Alexander Culley
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $158,812
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2018-08-15 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10712773

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10712773, Microscopy Imaging Center for Research through Observation (MICRO) Core (2P20GM125508-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10712773. Licensed CC0.

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