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Recent nationwide surveys reveal significant decline in students' interest in Math and Sciences. The objective
of this project was to inspire young minds in using various techniques involved in Sciences including
Scanning Electron Microscopy. We used Scanning Electron Microscope in demonstrating various types of
Biological samples. An SEM Tabletop model in the past decade has revolutionized the use of Scanning
Electron Microscopes. Using SEM Tabletop model TM 1000 we studied biological specimens of fungal
spores, pollen grains, diatoms, plant fibers, dust mites, insect parts and leaf surfaces. We also used
fluorescence microscopy to view, to record and analyze various specimens with an Olympus BX40
microscope equipped with FITC and TRITC fluorescent filters, a mercury lamp source, DP-70 digital camera
with Image Pro 6.0 software. Micrographs were captured using bright field microscopy, the fluoresceinisothiocyanate
(FITC) filter, and the tetramethylrhodamine (TRITC) filter settings at 40X. A high pressure
mercury lamp or UV source was used to excite the storage molecules or proteins which exhibited
autofluorescence. We used fluorescent microscopy to confirm the localization of sugar beet viruses in plant
organs by viewing the vascular bundles in the thin sections of the leaves and other tissues. We worked with
the REU summer students on sample preparation and observation on various samples utilizing the SEM.
Critical Point Drying (CPD) and metal coating with the sputter coater was followed before observing some
cultured specimen and the samples that were soft in textures with high water content. SEM Top allowed
investigating the detailed morphological features that can be used for classroom teaching. Undergraduate and
graduate researchers studied biological samples of Arthropods, pollen grains and teeth collected from four
species of snakes using SEM. This project inspired the research students to pursue their career in higher
studies in science and 45% of the undergraduates participated in this project entered Graduate school.
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