Workshop report: Analytical and Quantitative Light Microscopy (AQLM) Course

Aliyah Tate shares her workshop report from the Analytical and Quantitative Light Microscopy (AQLM) Course at Woods Hole. Aliyah’s attendance was supported with a JCS-FocalPlane Training Grant.

My time at the Analytical and Quantitative Light Microscopy (AQLM) Course in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, was incredibly impactful, and I am sincerely grateful to The Company of Biologists for awarding me the JCS-FocalPlane Training Grant, which helped make this remarkable experience possible. As a rising third-year graduate student, microscopy is an integral part of my thesis project; therefore, gaining a strong foundation in both the basics and advanced techniques is essential to my success. 

During the course, I had the unique opportunity to build a light microscope from scratch, which deepened my understanding of the fundamental components of microscopy and their collective role in producing high-quality images. Each day, we attended lectures tailored to the techniques we would later apply in hands-on laboratory sessions. These lectures were interactive, allowing us to ask questions and clarify concepts before putting theory into practice.  In the lab, we worked with state-of-the-art microscopes and were guided by company representatives who are experts in their respective technologies. Their insight into proper microscope usage and technique execution was invaluable. I also learned about several cutting-edge methods, including Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Super-Resolution Microscopy. As someone who frequently uses confocal imaging, I gained new strategies to enhance my 3D image acquisition and analysis. Furthermore, I acquired valuable skills in post-imaging analysis using tools like FIJI and CellProfiler. Beyond the technical knowledge, the course offered an exceptional opportunity to network with a diverse group of peers, including fellow graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty from institutions around the world. These new connections have already proven to be meaningful and will undoubtedly continue to support and shape my future career in science.

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