The Biological Imaging Facility is a core microscope imaging lab that specializes in Widefield, Laser scanning confocal, Spinning Disk confocal, and Super-resolution epifluorescence microscopy (SIM, PALM, StORM, TIRF).

Cleared and stained 500 micron thick mouse brain section. AF488 stains the blood vessels green, and AF647 primarily labels the dopaminergic neurons magenta. This large piece of tissue measures 15mm x 6mm x 0.5mm. This huge sample was collected using tiling and Z-stacking on the BioImaging Facility Zeiss 880 confocal with a 20x/0.8NA objective over the course of 17 hours. The resulting images were stitched using Zen Stitch Module. The entire image is shown using Imaris maximum intensity projection.

Dr. Martin Chin

The College of Natural Resource’s Biological Imaging Facility functions as an instructional and research laboratory for all aspects of modern light microscopy, including confocal and super-resolution microscopy, image processing and analysis, and most microscopical techniques for developmental and cell biology. Computer image processing and analysis is taught on an individual basis. Microscopy is taught on two levels:

In addition, the Facility offers a one-week workshop in Plant & Animal Microtechnique designed to train the student in modern and classical methods in making microscope slide preparations.

There are full time staff members who provide training in the correct use of the advanced microscopes in the BIF. We also provide training and consultation in advanced techniques of microscope imaging, image processing and analysis; including deconvolution and particle analysis of 3D image datasets.

BIF Training and Use Policy

  • Please consult this Campus site to see what is required before coming to Campus and to the BIF.
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If you wish to be trained, please complete this Google Form, then contact Denise Schichnes. Once you have completed this training form and are trained, you will be authorized to reserve instrument time and enter the BIF.


  • If you are already trained feel free to reserve instrument time yourself. Contact us for the Calendar signup credentials.



There are four core laboratories on campus that offer expertise, instruction, and instrumentation in microscopy for research.

  • The CNR Biological Imaging Facility (This lab): widefield, confocal, and super-resolution epifluorescence microscopy, live-cell imaging, microtechnique, training in digital image processing and analysis. Located in 381 Koshland Hall
  • Molecular Imaging Center: Two-photon, SPIM, confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, live-cell imaging, and FLIM. Located in Weill, Li Ka Shing, and Barker Halls.
  • Electron Microscope Laboratory: Transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Located in Barker Hall.
  • CIRM/QB3 Shared Stem Cell Facility: Available for the study of stem cells. Located in Stanley Hall
  • The Golub Microscope Collection: Web site dedicated to Dr. Orville J. Golub’s collection of antique microscopes from the 17th–20th Centuries. The collection is located in VLSB. Dr. Steve Ruzin is the Curator.