The College of Health Professions at Wichita State is continuing to revolutionize its classroom and lab experience with the installation of new microscopes in the Medical Laboratory Sciences and Scientific Foundations Division facilities. 

The new microscopes are a major upgrade, replacing dozens of older units with new equipment as part of a strategic investment to ensure that students are trained on the current tools they will use in clinical practice and biomedical research. The investment comes as the college prepares to relocate to the Wichita Biomedical Campus in 2027, positioning its programs for a new level of education, research and innovation.    

The Scientific Foundation Division’s microscopy lab now features 20 individual stations that are utilized by both undergraduate and graduate students as a central hub for developing skills of observation and analysis. This state-of-the-art lab is a major component of the foundation for success in health care and biomedical sciences. 

Sam Smith, director of the Scientific Foundations Division, says this investment has positioned the college to provide unparalleled education for its students.  

“The Nikon Eclipse Si Microscopes offer clinician-grade microscopy to our students,” he said. “This allows anatomy students to understand the human body on a cellular level in vibrant high-definition imaging. Cementing these concepts are vital to training the best and brightest health care professionals of tomorrow.” 

Medical Laboratory Sciences  

In the Medical Laboratory Sciences program, the upgraded features digital microscopes with Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in high-resolution cameras. This technology allows live images from the microscope to be projected onto classroom screens, enabling students to collectively analyze specimens and share observations in real time.  

“These advanced tools not only enhance the clarity and detail of specimens but also significantly enrich our students' learning experiences,” said Aisha Waite, chair of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences. “By projecting the view onto an attached screen, instructors can provide real-time guidance and foster a collaborative learning environment. This innovation bridges the gap between teaching and hands-on experience, allowing students to grasp complex concepts more effectively and prepare them to play a crucial role in guiding healthcare providers to diagnose, treat, and monitor patient care.” 

The new microscopes were installed over the summer and were ready for use at the start of the fall semester. Students are already experiencing the benefits of a more dynamic and interactive learning environment. 

“I’m excited about the new microscopes,” said Coraline Edge, a student in the Medical Laboratory Sciences program. “The advanced capabilities, like the display screen, allows instructors to be more involved when identifying specimens and learning new procedures."  

With these upgrades, the College of Health Professions continues to lead the way in delivering innovative, hands-on education that prepares students to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare. 

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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