An award has been made to Wake Forest University under the direction of Dr. Anita K. McCauley for the acquisition of a laser scanning confocal microscope that will be used in research and education in biology and physics. The instrument will allow fluorescent imaging in thick tissues in biological samples, and of nanoparticles in various studies in physics. This provides a more three-dimensional view of the samples than available with conventional microscopes. Research projects that will be enhanced include studies of gene regulation of plant proteins, gene expression in bee brains, cellular behavior in insects, and excitable nanostructures in thin films. The institution will establish collaborations with several nearby colleges, including a historically Black college.