Funded through an instrumentation grant form the National Science Foundation, NSF, we bought a FlowCam for fluid particle analysis in research and teaching.
https://www.une.edu/news/2016/semi-automated-microscope-will-take-une-research-next-level
We are currently using a FlowCam in student-led projects to create a library of phytoplankton in Biddeford Pool in Maine. Utilizing the FlowCam instead of a standard microscope, allows for faster species identification to investigate the seasonal changes amongst the species. We also analyze the samples to identify what conditions control the population of phytoplankton at different tidal stages. This information is vital because it plays a part in capturing the overall health of the Biddeford Pool ecosystem.
Other projects use the FlowCam in zooplankton and biochemistry projects.
