Texas Society for Microscopy (TSM) Conference 2018
Henry Lujan (left), Dr. Bernd Zechmann (center), and Marina Mulenos George (right) at the TSM conference. Dr. Zechmann is the director of the Center for Microscopy and Imaging (CMI) at Baylor University and is the President of the Texas Society for Microscopy (TSM).
The annual Texas Society for Microscopy (TSM) meeting is a microscopy-lover's dream conference. People from all over Texas come together to share their research, for which microscopy was one of their main tools. Dr. Sayes, Henry Lujan, and Marina Mulenos George attended this year's TSM conference, which was held in Denton, Texas on Friday, February 23, 2018.
Graduate student Henry Lujan has been a member of TSM for two years now, and he was afforded the opportunity to give a platform presentation discussing "Synthesis, Characterization, and Preservation of Submicron-Sized Liposomes as Carriers for Drug Delivery” at this year's TSM conference. His research focused on the synthesis and characterization of liposomes for RNA encapsulation. To characterize the liposomes, Henry used a myriad of microscopy techniques, including bright field microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Henry enjoyed presenting his research to other Texas microscopists and receiving valuable feedback throughout the two-day conference as well as learning more about various microscopy techniques.
"The Nikon microscopy workshop put on at the UNT Discovery Park was exciting, fun, and informational. I especially enjoyed the confocal microscope and hope to use this technique more in the near future!" -Henry Lujan
Marina Mulenos George presenting her poster on physiochemical characterization of cellulose materials at the TSM conference
Though they were all excited to attend the TSM conference, perhaps none were as thrilled as microscopy-enthusiast, Marina Mulenos George. Marina, a current graduate student in The Sayes Group, presented a poster entitled "Elucidating Morphological Characteristics of Cellulose Materials”.
This conference was a great experience and helped each of The Sayes Group members connect with others in their field, share their research and experience, and further their knowledge and understanding of current microscopy techniques.