Automated Live-Cell Imaging Platform with Convertible Fluorescence Microscope - Abstract We request funds to acquire the Discover Echo Revolution microscope, a hybrid upright/inverted digital imaging system, for integration into the Imaging Core Facility at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), a resource-limited research environment. This versatile platform supports high-resolution fluorescence and brightfield imaging and includes integrated incubation technology for live-cell imaging under controlled environmental conditions. Its compact footprint, intuitive digital interface, and multi-mode flexibility make it ideally suited for a shared core facility serving a broad range of biomedical research programs. NSU currently lacks comparable instrumentation, and existing workflows are constrained by microscopes with limited capabilities. The Echo Revolution’s flexible design supports imaging of a wide range of biological samples including live and fixed cells, tissue sections, organoids and multiwell plate assays, making it highly compatible with the needs of NSU investigators. These capabilities align directly with NIH-funded projects in Alzheimer’s disease, immune-mediated bone loss, cancer biology, and neural development across the Colleges of Psychology, Pharmacy, Dental Medicine, and Allopathic Medicine. It will also support external customers, including regional academic collaborators and start-up biotech partners through NSU’s core facilities broadening the microscope’s impact and promoting cross-institutional collaboration. The instrument will fill a critical gap in our imaging infrastructure, enabling advanced analysis of dynamic cellular processes and providing access to cutting-edge imaging tools for our growing research community. The system will also support hands-on training for undergraduate and graduate students through a laboratory course and PI-led projects. Oversight of this resource will be provided by expert technical staff, including Kim Kusser (Imaging Core Manager) and Dr. Horacio Novaira (Cell Therapy Core Manager), ensuring proper use, training, and maintenance. Administrative oversight will be provided by the Division of Research and the Scientific Director for Research Facilities, Dr. Robin Krueger, who will ensure strategic alignment, sustainability, and accessibility across user groups. By strengthening imaging capacity at a resource-limited institution, this equipment will enhance NIH-funded research, accelerate early-stage investigator success, and support excellence in biomedical science. NSU is fully committed to providing the technical and administrative support to sustain this resource for long-term, shared research community benefit.
