Summer Electron Microscopy Workshop for Science Educators
July 27 to 30, 2026 @ Morgan State University , Baltimore, MD
Electron microscopy (EM) is an indispensable tool in the life sciences, enabling researchers to visualize biological structures from viruses and bacteria to cells, tissues, and biomaterials at the cellular and molecular levels. Yet many undergraduate life science programs offer limited exposure to EM because of the specialized instrumentation and expertise required.
This workshop provides life science educators with a practical introduction to the principles and applications of electron microscopy through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory activities led by experienced EM professionals. Participants will leave with teaching resources, laboratory exercises, and curriculum ideas that can be readily incorporated into undergraduate courses.
Enrollment is limited to six participants to ensure an exceptional hands-on learning experience. There is no registration fee for this inaugural workshop.
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for college and university faculty, laboratory instructors, and educators teaching:
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Biology
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Cell and Molecular Biology
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Microbiology
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Biotechnology
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Anatomy and Physiology
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Biomedical Sciences
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Environmental and Marine Biology
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Other life science disciplines
No prior experience with electron microscopy is required. The workshop is ideal for educators seeking to incorporate modern imaging approaches into life science teaching and laboratory instruction.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
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Explain the principles of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
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Describe the role of electron microscopy in biological and biomedical research.
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Understand key methods for preparing biological specimens for EM analysis.
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Perform basic negative staining procedures.
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Prepare specimens for TEM and SEM imaging.
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Interpret electron micrographs and identify biological structures and ultrastructural features.
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Integrate electron microscopy concepts, images, and laboratory activities into undergraduate curricula.
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Develop teaching materials that introduce students to electron microscopy applications in the life sciences.
What You'll Learn
What We'll Cover
Lecture and laboratory sessions will cover:
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Fundamentals of electron microscopy
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Principles of TEM and SEM
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Electron–matter interactions and image formation
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Biological specimen preparation workflows
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Negative staining techniques
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TEM specimen preparation
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SEM specimen preparation
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Imaging, data acquisition, and image interpretation
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Applications of electron microscopy in research and industry
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Strategies for incorporating EM concepts into undergraduate courses
Through guided laboratory activities, participants will:
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Perform negative staining of biological specimens
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Prepare samples for TEM analysis
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Prepare samples for SEM analysis
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Observe electron microscopy workflows and instrumentation
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Interpret electron microscopy images and data
