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Physical Sciences Tutorials
Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction Hardware, Sample Preparation and Data Acquisition
Organizer: Sriram Vijayan, Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Michigan Technological University
Speaker: Donovan N. Leonard, PhD.
This tutorial session will cover the following topics:
- Electropolishing or Site Specific FIB lift out?
- Can I use my EBSD Detector? Maybe.
- Why are my patterns not indexing?
- Why do I not have any patterns?
- Additive Manufacturing, Alloy Development and correlative STEM/TKD examples.
A Practical Guide to Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging
Organizer: Sriram Vijayan, Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Michigan Technological University
Speaker: Julia Dietz, Principal R&D Staff, Sandia National Laboratory
This tutorial will cover the following topics:
- The basics of obtaining defect imaging with ECCI
- Considerations and solutions for polycrystalline samples
- G·b analysis
- Recent developments and future directions
Biological Tutorial
Harmonizing Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation: Advances in Automated Sample Preparation
Organizers:
- Melainia McClain, B.A., Stowers Institute for Medical Research
- Aydin M. Medina-Lopez, Ph.D., Ronawk
- Lexi S. Simar, Ph.D., Columbia University in the City of New York
This tutorial presents an initiative to develop a harmonized workflow for electron microscopy (EM) sample preparation using automated tissue processors and microwave-assisted processing. Compared with manual methods, automated processors offer significant advantages, including programmable reagent exchange, controlled agitation, and consistent timing, thereby reducing operator variability and improving reproducibility across laboratories. Microwave systems can complement this approach by accelerating fixation, decalcification, and resin polymerization through controlled, low-temperature energy delivery, enabling substantial reductions in processing time while maintaining ultrastructural quality. Despite these benefits, challenges remain: automated processors may have limited flexibility for unconventional specimens, and microwave protocols require careful optimization to avoid uneven heating or artifacts.
This tutorial addresses these considerations by providing practical guidance, troubleshooting strategies, and tips for integrating protocols. Together, these technologies support greater harmonization in EM sample preparation, enabling more standardized, efficient, and high-quality workflows suitable for both research and diagnostic applications.
Don’t Break the Ice!
Organizers:
- Brock Summers, Ph.D., Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Center for Cellular Imaging
- Katherine Basore, Ph.D., Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Center for Cellular Imaging
- Brad Readnour, Ph.D. Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Center for Cellular Imaging
Effective planning and evaluation during early cryogenic?electron microscopy (cryo?EM) screening are critical for determining whether a specimen is suitable for high?resolution data collection.
This tutorial provides a practical framework for selecting appropriate grid types, identifying key features to assess during initial screening, and evaluating sample integrity, particle distribution, and overall readiness for downstream data acquisition.
Drawing on extensive experience with diverse preclinical and clinical specimens, experts from the Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging (WUCCI) outline decision?making strategies that streamline grid preparation, ice assessment, early?stage troubleshooting, and related tasks.
Participants will receive guidance on recognizing indicators of successful data collection, improving session efficiency, and avoiding common pitfalls—ensuring their imaging workflow begins on solid, well?frozen ground. Lesson number one: don’t break the ice!