This proposal presents a plan for acquiring a confocal microscope at the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering that will enable multidisciplinary investigations in bioengineering and biophysics and will provide opportunities for faculty and students to conduct research to increase fundamental biophysical understanding of phenomena at the cell and molecular levels. The specific research projects include investigations of 1) biosynthetic helical membranes, 2) biomaterial remodeling in capillary morphogenesis, 3) role of mechanical forces generated by osteoblasts, and 4) model systems for studying self-assembly. Approximately 15% of the student body is interested in pursuing a bioengineering concentration as a part of their general engineering degree, and these are the students who would most likely benefit from acquisition of the confocal microscope.
