The DRC has, in collaboration with the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI), established a pilot scholarship program to support use of the WUCCI by its members to bring advanced cellular imaging and analysis tools to basic and translational studies of diabetes. The pilot program will provide a single $500 scholarship to DRC member laboratories for use in covering the costs of pilot cellular imaging studies using the WUCCI. The DRC has established resources for a total of 40 scholarships, and these are available to DRC members on a first come, first served basis.
Recent advances in cellular imaging enable unprecedented dynamic and spatial resolution in studies of cells, tissues, and organisms, creating exciting opportunities for discovery in a broad range of research aimed at understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie diabetes pathogenesis. The WUCCI provides access to cutting-edge microscopy and sample preparation equipment along with technical expertise to promote and facilitate the highest possible quality cellular imaging and analysis approaches. The WUCCI is located in the basement of the new 4515 McKinley Research Building.
The capabilities of the WUCCI are briefly summarized below:
Light Microscopy
Basic fluorescence microscopy / stereoscopy (widefield)
Confocal microscopy (both fixed and high-speed live cell on inverted and upright platforms)
TIRF microscopy (live cell)
Two-photon microscopy (both fixed tissue and in vivo intravital)
Super-resolution microscopy (both localization and structured illumination)
Electron & Ion Microscopy
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
3D EM using Focused Ion Beam (FIB-SEM)
TEM sample prep including embedding, thin section and deep etch EM
SEM sample prep including sputter coating and block finishing for 3DEM
Other Facilities
Wet / chemical lab space for sample prep including sample freezing
Sectioning space for thin section production for TEM
BSL-2 tissue culture space including BSCs and incubators (both CO2 and tri-gas)
Animal holding closet for short-term (< 24hr imaging studies)
More detailed information on the WUCCI and its staff and resources can be found on the WUCCI website. To qualify for a DRC-WUCCI Scholarship, you must be a current DRC member. DRC members are eligible for only one scholarship, and these are available on a first come, first served basis. To apply please contact Dr. David Piston piston@wustl.edu and complete the below scholarship application form.