Imaging Structure & Function in the Nervous System
July 25 - August 14, 2017
Application Deadline: April 15, 2017
Instructors:
Michael Orger, Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal
Lucy Palmer, Florey Institutute, University of Melbourne, Australia
Florin Albeanu, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Part-Time Instructor:
Philbert Tsai, University of California, San Diego
Advances in light microscopy, digital image processing, and the development of a variety of powerful fluorescent probes present expanding opportunities for investigating the nervous system, from synaptic spines to networks in the brain. This intensive laboratory and lecture course will provide participants with the theoretical and practical knowledge to utilize emergent imaging technologies. The primary emphasis of the course will be on vital light microscopy. Students will learn the principles of light microscopy, as well as the use of different types of cameras, laser scanning systems, functional fluorophores, delivery techniques, and digital image-processing software. In addition to transmitted light microscopy for viewing cellular structure, the course will examine a variety of molecular probes of cell function, including calcium-sensitive dyes, optogenetic and photo-activatable molecules. Particular weight will be given to multi-photon laser scanning microscopy and to biological fluorophores, especially Green-Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and its variants. We will use a spectrum of neural and cell biological systems, including living animals, brain slices, and cultured cells.
Applicants should have a strong background in the neurosciences or in cell biology. In their personal statements, applicants should specify: 1) their experience with optical techniques, 2) how they will apply optical methods in their current projects, 3) the microscope systems available to them, and 4) their long-term goals in learning more about optical methods.
2017 Visiting Lecturers:
Jeff Lichtman, Harvard University
Jennifer Waters, Harvard Medical School
Michael Lin, Stanford University School of Medicine
Thomas Oertner, University of Hamburg, Germany
Chris Xu, Cornell University
Loren Looger, Janelia Farm Research Campus / HHMI
Na Ji, Janelia Farm Research Campus / HHMI
Dan Dombeck, Northwestern University
Winfried Denk, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Germany
Jack Waters, Allen Institute for Brain Science
Valentina Emiliani, The European Neuroscience Institute at Paris Descartes University, France
Stephane Dieudonne, Institut de Biologie de I'Ecole Normale Superieure (IBENS), France
Benjamin Judkewitz, Charite Humboldt University, Berlin
Darcy Peterka, Columbia University
Ilana Witten, Princeton University
Karl Deisseroth, Stanford University
Support & Stipends
Major support provided by the Helmsley Charitable Trust and Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Stipends are available to offset tuition costs as follows:
Interdisciplinary Fellowships (transitioning from outside biology) & Scholarships (transitioning from other biological disciplines) (Helmsley Charitable Trust)
Domestic/International applicants (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)
Scientists from developing countries accepted into this course may be eligible for scholarships provided by the International Brain Research Organization.
Please indicate your eligibility for funding in your stipend request submitted when you apply to the course. Stipend requests do not affect selection decisions made by the instructors.
Cost (including board and lodging): $4,800
This button links to a short form which confirms your interest in the course. No fees are due until you have completed the full application process and are accepted into the course.
Students accepted into the course should plan to arrive by early evening on July 24 and plan to depart after lunch on August 14.