Three of Dr. Stender’s microscopes (from left to right): An Olympus polarized light microscope donated by the Fire Marshal’s Office, a handheld microscope with a built-in camera, and a Zeiss microscope found in storage.
Since arriving at Ohio University in January of 2017, Dr. Anthony Stender has been busy accumulating microscopes.
In addition to conducting research projects that rely heavily on microscopy, Stender was tasked with developing a new course on microscopy techniques and with offering research projects for undergraduates in the forensic chemistry program.
“Before I even set foot on campus, I was talking with microscope companies about equipment,” Stender explains. “I had a great experience working with representatives from Nikon, and I’m very happy with the research-grade microscope I purchased from them.”
It didn’t take long for Stender to obtain his second microscope, but this time, he didn’t need to negotiate with a microscope company. “The State Fire Marshal’s Office had a polarized light microscope sitting in storage that they were no longer using, and they wanted to see it go to a good home.”
Stender’s acquisitions haven’t stopped there.
“Just recently I came across an old microscope that was hiding in storage. It’s a really nice piece for students to take apart and study, but it has a flawed lens, so I don’t trust it as a research instrument.”
Earlier this year Dr. Nancy Tatarek, Associate Professor of Anthropology, reached out to Dr. Becky Barlag, Forensic Chemistry program director, to offer a forensic comparison microscope. “They received it from BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) several years ago,” Stender said.
The forensic comparison microscope that traces its roots back to BCI.
“My latest purchase was a handheld microscope that will be a nice tool for simple and low magnification imaging.”
Stender said he is not finished collecting microscopes. “Because of my microscopy class and the forensic program, it helps to have a suite of instruments available. I am definitely thinking about what additional microscopes would be beneficial for my class or for upcoming research projects. Even if someone comes up with a one-sized-fits-all microscope, I’m pretty sure I would continue thinking about how I could use additional microscopes.”
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