Project Summary Recent progress in cell imaging and molecular fluorescent tags has provided opportunities to perform a wide variety of cell-based assays using cell imagers. Experiments that previously required fluorescent microscopes on a slide-by-slide basis can now be run in a high through-put format up to 384 samples at a time and quantified using new algorithms and software which saves time and resources. In the St. Mary's University Biology department, all students take the Cell and Molecular Methods laboratory course during their sophomore year to introduce them to advanced biological techniques such as cell imaging and cell-based assays. Previous assays have been performed using our fluorescent microscopes but were time-consuming and were limited by the number of microscopes available. Here, we propose that the Incucyte SX5 Live- Cell Analysis system will provide advanced, high throughput, and more variety of cell-based assays. It Is a versatile imaging system that combines bright field and fluorescent channels for comprehensive whole-well live-cell imaging. Its advanced software package allows for accurate data quantification and analysis, supporting various biological assays such as apoptosis, cell cycle, and cytotoxicity. Operating within a standard tissue culture incubator, it maintains precise environmental control, enabling uninterrupted incubation and simultaneous imaging of up to six microplates. The user-friendly software facilitates experiment setup, visual inspection, and the generation of publication-ready graphs. Additionally, it provides fluorescence calibration, seamless networked access, and ample data storage capacity for efficient data management. This imaging system would provide an opportunity for our researchers and students involved in a variety of biology areas to perform advanced high-throughput experiments. In this proposal, we outline biology faculty that would utilize the instrument in their research and teaching labs. Additionally, future collaborations with other departments including engineering, chemistry, and environmental science may find this imager useful as well. Furthermore, this system will provide our faculty with a powerful tool to generate high-quality data, facilitating the preparation of future NIH-funded grant proposals and driving the advancement of biomedical research on our campus. Aligned with our mission, commitment to diversity, and dedication to excellence in teaching and research, the addition of a live cell imager at St. Mary's University represents a significant step forward in advancing cutting-edge research in biology and STEM fields. Empowering our faculty and students with state-of-the-art technology will enable us to make substantial contributions to the scientific community and shape the future of biomedical research.