About the Workbench

The CBMS Bioimaging workbench spans five days of hands-on training and is aimed at biological and environmental science researchers (principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students) who are interested in learning about X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy and X-ray Absorption Micro-Spectroscopy. The goal of the workbench is to train and recruit new users in the application of these techniques. The course is especially useful for those interested in looking at trace element distribution and speciation on the subcellular and cellular levels in plant tissues and in plant-microbe-soil interactions.

The workbench will offer lectures and hands-on training to prepare samples, collect data, and analyze the data. On the last day of the workbench, participants will present the results of their analyzed data and receive feedback from course instructors. Additionally, there will be a session on beam time proposal writing to provide guidance for successful proposals.

At the completion of the workbench, participants will be able to prepare samples properly, interpret data, and assess potential artifacts in data collected to accurately present their findings.

The workbench is limited to 14 participants to ensure an interactive and hands-on experience. The selection of applicants is based on the application submitted and priority will be given to new users in the field that have a demonstrated need for synchrotron bioimaging techniques.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own samples and to discuss their projects with the workshop coordinators before sample preparation. There will be test samples for those who choose to participate without bringing samples.

Workshop Topics: X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy, X-ray Absorption Micro-Spectroscopy
Workshop Instructors: NSLS-II beamline scientists and invited speakers