This $573,147 National Science Foundation Project Grant through the Integrative Activities program (CFDA 47.083) will fund the acquisition of a Zeiss LSM 900 confocal microscope with Airyscan for Queens College of the City University of New York's Core Facility for Imaging, Cell, and Molecular Biology. The microscope will enhance multidisciplinary research and training at the minority-serving institution by enabling new microscopy courses and outreach activities promoting STEM access for underrepresented groups. Research using the microscope will investigate topics like cell signaling, gene expression, neural learning mechanisms, and chronic pain effects. The instrument housed in the shared core facility will support investigators across biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, and psychology departments conducting cutting-edge fluorescent imaging research while training undergraduates and graduates in qualitative and quantitative microscopy techniques.