Cell Biology Lab and Students Get a Glow-Up
When Assistant Professor Ben Hall took over Carroll University’s Cell Biology course
in Fall 2025, he wanted more than textbook labs. He wanted students to do real research
and learn a key tool scientists use to see the invisible insides of cells: a fluorescence
microscope. That idea led to a practical upgrade and a new hands-on lab experience
for upper-level biology students.
What’s special about fluorescence microscopy?
Fluorescence microscopy enables scientists to tag parts of cells with glowing proteins so they can watch processes that are otherwise invisible. You’ve probably seen this idea at a pet store with GloFish — fish that glow because they carry a fluorescent protein called GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein). In the lab, those glowing tags help students and researchers see where proteins are, how things move inside cells and how cells behave in real time.For students, that shift from theory to visualization makes a lasting impact. “It’s hard to forget the hours preparing and actually using the microscope,” said Tessa Brancato ’26, a biology major. “Being able to see the end product of research and visualize it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”
What changed in the lab?
The department’s older microscope still worked, but its special light source — the
part that makes fluorescent proteins glow — was failing. It could only light up samples
for a second or two, which made meaningful imaging impossible. Carroll replaced that
light source with a modern Excelitas X-cite Mini+ for their Nikon Eclipse Ti-U inverted
microscope. The new setup allows students to take high-quality fluorescent images
and use the same techniques researchers utilize in professional labs.
That upgrade hasn’t gone unnoticed by students.
“Not every school has access to this kind of equipment,” said Jake Kopocis ’26, double
majoring in biology and psychology. “It’s really cool to see Carroll investing in
something like this, and getting to work with microscopy now gives us a head start
for what’s next.”
Why does this matter for students?
Hands-on, research-style labs teach more than facts. Students design experiments, troubleshoot when things go wrong, analyze data, and manage a multi-week project — skills useful for grad school, lab jobs, or any career that needs independent problem-solving.In this class, students also learn practical skills: how to operate and care for the microscope, capture good images and analyze them using industry-standard software such as Fiji.
For Kopocis, that meant taking ownership of a long-term project. “It was really exciting
to design and carry out my own research,” he said, noting his work studying the effects
of artificial sweeteners on mitochondria in yeast cells. “Getting that kind of hands-on
experience helps connect the concepts and prepares you for graduate school or a career
in medicine.”
Madison Fanning ’26, studying animal behavior and biology, said the technology helps
bring complex concepts to life. “We get to actually visualize structures we talk about,
like proteins and mitochondria,” she said. “And the new microscope gives much better
color compared to the old blue-and-white images, which makes a big difference.”
The process itself is just as valuable as the results. “There are so many steps when
you’re looking at DNA, mitochondria, or white blood cells,” Fanning added. “You’re
building technical and analytical skills the whole time.”
Real students, real reactions
The course wasn’t easy, but many students appreciated the autonomy. One wrote in their course evaluation, “[I] honestly thought the research project taught me the most. … The (kind of) trial by fire of the research project really forced me to understand what was happening and why.”Brancato, a transfer student who previously attended Loyola University Chicago, said the experience at Carroll has been markedly different. “It’s night and day,” she said. “The attention and compassion from professors here, along with the resources, really stand out.”
She also sees a direct connection to her career goals as a future physician assistant.
“This kind of microscopy is used as a diagnostic tool,” Brancato said. “Understanding
how to use it and interpret what you’re seeing is going to be essential.”
Fanning echoed that sense of preparation. “You learn how to create your own procedures
and figure out what works and what doesn’t,” she said. “For grad school or a future
job, you already have experience working in a real lab and examining organisms.”
Biology lab course fees were used to buy the new light source. Professor Hall said
this kind of reinvestment keeps lab equipment current and ensures students train on
tools they’ll actually see in research or professional settings — not just simplified,
teaching-only versions.
Bottom line
Carroll University's Cell Biology lab revamp gives students an opportunity to conduct authentic research with professional-grade equipment. Beyond learning concepts, students gain confidence and practical skills that make the jump from classroom to career smoother — and a little more luminous.
