New technologies replace old methods
Who are the people working at Core Facilities? Meet our colleague Karl Zhang, who works at the Centre for Cellular Imaging, and hear about his work.
Karl Zhang has worked at the Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI), at Core Facilities since 2018. Prior to joining CCI, Karl worked in Switzerland as a Scientist at EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology). At EMPA his work focused on novel materials development (ex. Anti-bacterial textile, encapsulation of drug in nano-µ-fiber) and Multifunctional Microfluidic system (ex. clinic injection system, wearable microfluidic system, etc.). Karl has a Ph.D. in Chemistry & Nanobiotechnology from Chalmers, where he did his work at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience
What sort of work do you do at CCI?
- My work at CCI is very diverse. I work with support for our users who mainly work on light microscopy systems in CCI. I design and fabricate special devices for our users (to support their lab work such as sample preparation or integrating into microscopy system applications such as microfluidic systems). I also create optimal tissue-clearing protocols for our users and teach them how to clear their samples by themselves in the best way.
Karl has extended experience and knowledge in many different fields: Chemistry, Microfabrication, advanced material science, and drug development.
- As our users come from various faculties and institutes throughout the University of Gothenburg, as well as from other universities and private companies, I have the opportunity to apply my expertise in diverse projects.
When Karl began at CCI, he noticed that some potential users, in certain cases, were hesitant to try new technologies or methods. Fast forward six years, and users are more comfortable with innovative approaches as they are witnessing positive results.
- I feel appreciation for the work I do when our users are willing to embrace our new methods and technologies. This collaborative spirit is the most rewarding, and together with our users, we can progress in our support and research.
What do you appreciate the most about working at CCI?
- At CCI I get to expand my knowledge base and continue working in many different fields.
