FlowCam Workshop

Introduction to FlowCam: Flow Imaging Microscopy for Harmful Algae Research & Monitoring

university-of-san-diego-flowcam-training

Date & Time:
Thursday, May 14th 2026
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Location:
Montreal Convention Centre
Room 525 AB 160 - 180 

Presenters:
Polly Barrowman
Leah Anne Gibala-Smith
Savannah Stresser 
Darin Fogg

 
Please register using the form on this page

Many scientists worldwide are interested in modernizing and expediting their harmful algal bloom research and monitoring programs. One way of doing this is through automated imaging techniques, yet many researchers are not familiar with the capabilities and limitations of such approaches. In this workshop, we will work to eliminate this knowledge gap by learning more about the automated imaging technique, flow imaging microscopy (FIM).  

This workshop is designed for participants who have not used FIM or FlowCam before and who are interested in understanding this technique. The workshop will begin with an overview of basic FIM principles, followed by examples of its application to HAB research and monitoring in both freshwater and marine environments. Following the lecture, attendees will participate in a live FlowCam lesson to learn basic skills in instrument setup, data acquisition, and classification.  

Participants will leave this workshop with the ability to:

  • Communicate their understanding of the basic operating principles of FlowCam 

  • Apply a framework to evaluate if/how FIM can expedite your existing workflow, and

  • Reference examples of how FIM has been implemented successfully in other programs.