Bree Streather
PIPS Host Organisation: Cairn Research Ltd
Project Title: Optimisation and Validation of Open Frame Live Cell Fluorescence Imaging Systems

During her time at Cairn Research, Bree Streather constructed a Nikon upright light microscope from its constituent parts and adapted some Cairn openFrame microscopes with various Cairn products, including the optoSpin and optoSplit. To operate these microscopes, she was trained in the use of the microscope managing software µManager. Alongside this, Bree participated in solving customers’ troubleshooting challenges with other Cairn employees and independently tested existing and prototype Cairn products to help quantify issues to be solved.

Bree gained a much deeper understanding of the concepts behind microscopy and the numerous ways in which light is manipulated to image biological samples, from simple light/fluorescence microscopy to confocal and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF). This included more detailed knowledge of how cameras work and the different light sources available. As Cairn is a small company, Bree was able to interact with people in a variety of job roles, from sales to product design and testing. This exposure provided her with insights that will help inform her future career choices.

Bree is most proud of the amount of information she learned in such a short period and how she adapted to a different working environment. She leaves with a huge appreciation of the intricacies of microscopy and the diversity of techniques available. Bree is confident that everything she learned during her time at Cairn will be invaluable for her PhD and future career.