Ehrlich, D. (CM) – Designing Open Microscopy Tools for Neuroscience Research

Advances in microscopy have transformed our understanding of biological systems,
yet the high cost and limited accessibility of commercial imaging platforms continue to re-
strict their use in many research settings. This thesis presents the design and development of
open hardware microscopy tools for neuroscience research, with a focus on integrating user-
centered design principles into the instrument development process. Two primary methods
are introduced: augmenting existing microscopes with new imaging capabilities, and the cre-
ation of modular microscopes that are designed for continuous, long-term live-cell imaging.
Both platforms are built around open hardware principles, prioritizing low cost, modularity, and
adaptability to the practical needs of working researchers. Alongside the hardware contribu-
tions, this thesis presents user experience research methods for examining how neuroscience
researchers interact with novel microscopy technologies, providing a methodological frame-
work for human-centered scientific instrument design. These contributions demonstrate that
pairing hardware development with user-centered design methodologies produces microscopy
tools that are both technically capable and meaningfully accessible to both laboratories and
individuals studying neuroscience, education, and other fields.

Event Host: Drew Ehrlich, Ph.D. Candidate, Computational Media 

Advisor: Sri Kurniawan

Zoom: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/2491739056?pwd=UCt3MmZmL1hwdXcvVGNNaGRQM0lDQT09