The Biology Imaging Suite at Trent University has taken the necessary precautions and executed a carefully co-ordinated re-opening to allow students and researchers to return to the Suite able to pick up where they left off in March when the pandemic necessitated a shutdown.
 

“Work facilitated in the Biology Imaging Suite is essential for students to finish off degrees or participate in upcoming poster presentations and conferences,” shared Debbie Lietz, lab demonstrator and technician. “Collaborators from within and outside of Trent University are working to meet deadlines for submission dates to scientific journals.”

Back to vital learning, science and study

M.Sc. Environmental & Life Sciences student Morgan Wilson-Smillie is a teaching assistant in the Imaging Suite. She prepares slides in the lab for class and uses a microscope with a built-in camera to share specimens with students studying remotely.

“The students love the microscope,” reflects Ms. Wilson-Smillie who feels access to the microscope and lab makes all the difference to her seminars. “It is helping students make clear histological connections, in more detail, between the structure and function of tissue samples.”

Josephine Esposto is using a Transmission Electron Microscope to research structural analyses of the key protein in ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in the lab. The M.Sc. Environmental & Life Sciences student discovered a new way to aggregate or combine the protein to conform into identical structures found in the nervous system disease.

“To access these instruments and the professional experts means the world to me,” shared Ms. Esposto.

Safe return to lab proves essential

To re-open, vetted procedures including protective gear and proper PPE, constant cleaning of high-use areas and scheduled lab time were put in place. Students and supervisors were required to undergo training and provide a certificate before returning to work on campus.

“Since this specific lab was of utmost importance for a lot of research endeavours, Ms. Lietz and the team implemented rules and sanitation guidelines that allowed every researcher to safely use the Imaging Biology Suite,” said Ms. Esposto.

“I am very thankful to be back in the lab, to use the technology for my research and to teach my students the best way I can in the face of the global pandemic,” states Ms. Wilson-Smillie.

Learn more about Trent’s Biology program.