Ethan aligning mirrors for excitation beam
Author: James Batey | Major: Chemistry, Physics | Semester: Fall 2023
Hello everyone, my name is Ethan Batey, and I am a junior studying chemistry and physics here at the University of Arkansas! I work in the lab of Dr. Bin Dong, an assistant professor of analytical chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. My research in the group focuses on the development of new methodologies for single particle tracking (SPT), single molecule spectroscopy (SMLM), and super-resolution microscopy. Super-resolution microscopy has gained popularity in the last decade for its ability to distinguish structures and identify functions in valuable biological, physical, and chemical applications with nanometer precision. While there are many techniques available for conducting super-resolution imaging, light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has become one of the most popular in recent years. LSFM has achieved this popularity among researchers due to its ability to obtain multidimensional images with ultrahigh spatial and temporal resolution, enabling extremely fast and sensitive 3D imaging of large samples.
In principle, LSFM works by focusing a beam of light into an extremely thin sheet, usually only a few nanometers wide (around 150,000 times thinner than a human hair). This permits only a small section of the sample to be illuminated at once, enabling unmatched spatial resolution. However, the precision to which a sample can be imaged using this technique is dependent on the uniformity of the beam waist. In the Dong lab, we have developed a novel LSFM system that can synthetically expand this beam waist and drastically increase beam uniformity to achieve ultrahigh resolution of large volume samples for use in biophysical studies.
I found my place in the Dong lab the second semester of my sophomore year. I was intrigued by chemical research, and I began to read into faculty research areas in the department, I quickly became attracted to Dr. Dong’s work and immediately contacted him to discuss how I could join and support his research group.
Since joining the Dong lab in the Spring of 2022, I had worked on a few projects in SMLM and SPT. In the Spring of the following year, Dr. Dong brought up this idea for a large project constructing a new LSFM system. Over the next few months, I dug into the literature and designed the microscope. After much brainstorming and adjustments, we ordered the parts, constructed the instrument, and are currently in the testing stages of the project.
From working on this project, I learned an incredible amount about fluorescence microscopy, instrument design, coding, and more. However, most prominently to me, I learned the true time, effort, and dedication it takes to undertake a large project such as this. Without dedication, persistence, and end goal in mind, a project of this size would not be possible.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the indispensable support and mentorship I’ve received from Dr. Dong. He has not only taught me everything I know about chemical imaging and this project but consistently encourages, supports, and pushes me to become a better student and scientist.
Beyond Dr. Dong, I could not have achieved this without the help and support of the other lab members. Which have also become some of my greatest mentors and closest friends. Additionally, this is all possible because of the Honors College’s support in me and this project.