May 20 2014
Laboratory instrumentation manufacturer Fluid Imaging Technologies, Scarborough, Maine has awarded its 2014 Student Travel & Equipment Grant to Deanna Ferguson, a Master’s student at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER), University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.
Her proposal, Early Detection of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) using imaging flow cytometry (FlowCAM®), was selected after a series of in-depth reviews by a panel of independent aquatic scientists. Judging criteria included scientific merit, appropriate use of the FlowCAM® and the ability to obtain measurable results during a research period of four months.
“I very much appreciate this opportunity from Fluid Imaging Technologies and am looking forward to using the FlowCAM with my project on the early detection of invertebrate aquatic invasive species,” said Ferguson. “Invasive species decrease the biodiversity of an ecosystem and the FlowCAM can aid in rapid and early detection of non-native and invasive species allowing for greater management options.”
Ferguson has received the use of a FlowCAM, a digital imaging particle analysis instrument, as well as comprehensive training and on-going technical support throughout her research project. Ferguson will also receive a paid trip to a North American conference specific to aquatics ecology to present her research findings.
Fluid Imaging Technologies has been awarding this grant annually since 2011. For information about how to apply for the 2015 Student Travel & Equipment Grant, please contact Victoria Kurtz at [email protected]