Our featured microscopist for Spring 2002 is Dr. Stephen W. Paddock from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Paddock has an extensive background in the biological sciences, and he has authored numerous publications on such topics as advanced applications for microscopy, digital and video imaging, photomicrography in biological and biomedical research, and specialized techniques in confocal laser scanning microscopy. His work has appeared in numerous books and scientific journals, and many of his images have been featured on the covers. Dr. Paddock's images have received recognition on numerous occasions in Nikon Small World competitions.

Major research interests of Dr. Paddock include insect developmental biology with specific emphasis on appendage formation in Drosophila (fruit flies) and butterflies, the application of confocal microscopy to imaging biological structures, and the transfer of the technology to biomedical and clinical research applications. Many stunning examples of his work with Drosophila and butterflies are included in the Digital Image Gallery.

• Interview with Stephen Paddock - Meet our featured microscopist and learn how he became interested in microscopy, photomicrography, and digital imaging.

• Digital Images of Stephen Paddock - View the microscopic world through Stephen Paddock's eyes with these beautiful digital images from his collection of digital images captured with widefield and confocal microscopes.

Dr. Paddock holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of Bristol and a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from the University of Birmingham, England. In addition, he has a background in zoology and veterinary science as well as extensive training in various specialized microscopy, photomicrography, and digital imaging/video techniques. He is currently a Howard Hughes Research Specialist at the University of Wisconsin Laboratory of Molecular Biology.

James E. Hayden, RBP, FBCA - Our featured microscopist for 2001 was noted microscopist James E. Hayden RBP, FBCA, a freelance photomicrographer and owner of Bio-Graphics, a business in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania specializing in scientific/biological imaging and consulting.