Award Abstract #0618969
Acquisition of a Fluorescence Stereoscope and Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for Spectral Imaging of Plant Cells

NSF Org:	DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure
Initial Amendment Date:	July 26, 2006
Latest Amendment Date:	July 26, 2006
Award Number:	0618969
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Steven E. Ellis DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	August 1, 2006
Expires:	July 31, 2009 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$554342
Investigator(s):	Maria Harrison mjh78@cornell.edu (Principal Investigator) Gregory Martin (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Boyce Thompson Institute Plant Research 1 Tower Road Ithaca, NY 14853 607/254-1225
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9184, 1189
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

A grant has been awarded to the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research under the direction of Dr. Maria J. Harrison to acquire a fluorescence stereoscope and laser scanning confocal microscope that will be used in studies of plant cells. The microscopes will allow researchers and students to make observations of plant cells with improved depth of field and without autofluroescence of plant cells that makes viewing difficult under other types of microscopes. The instruments will have a direct benefit to ten primary and seven secondary users who study a variety of cellular and molecular plant structures and processes. Research topics include mycorhhizal bacterial associated with plants, bacterial virulence, differentiation of tissues in leaves, and interactions between plants and aphids that live on them, among others. The Boyce Thompson Institute is affiliated with Cornell University and SUNY-Cortland, through which a large number of students will have access to the microscopes for their courses and research. A summer internship program in plant genome research with a strong record of minority student involvement will also take advantage of research opportunities offered by the new equipment.

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