In a captivating episode of “The Microscopists,” a Bitesize Bio podcast sponsored by Zeiss Microscopy, host Peter O’Toole engages in an insightful conversation with Hari Shroff from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda. This interview, recently highlighted by a Nature Biotechnology publication from Shroff’s lab, delves into the multifaceted world of advanced microscopy, offering valuable perspectives for both seasoned researchers and those new to the field.
Shroff, a bioengineer and biophysicist by training, reveals his journey into the realm of microscopy, driven by a profound “love of instrumentation.” His early experiences, ranging from unconventional experiments with honeybee wings and pressure-sensitive paint to his pivotal postdoctoral work with Eric Betzig at Janelia Farm, showcase a career dedicated to pushing the boundaries of imaging technology.
Hari Shroff, microscopy innovator at NIH, discussing advanced imaging techniques in a podcast interview.
From Honeybees to High-Speed Imaging: A Microscopist’s Evolution
The conversation begins with Shroff’s recent publication, a culmination of five years of intensive research focused on accelerating image processing – a significant bottleneck in many microscopy labs. The publication details advancements in CPU algorithms, software, and a dual-view approach, all aimed at streamlining the post-processing workflow after image acquisition. This work underscores a core principle of Shroff’s research: making complex microscopy techniques more accessible and efficient for the broader scientific community.
Reflecting on the collaborative nature of modern science, Shroff emphasizes the invaluable contributions of biologists, engineers, and researchers from institutions worldwide to his lab’s success. He humbly admits to not classifying himself as a biologist, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in driving innovation in biological imaging. His journey, starting with bioengineering at the undergraduate level and progressing through biophysics for his PhD at UC Berkeley, reveals a consistent thread: a fascination with building tools to explore the biological world.
The Janelia Farm Experience: A Crucible of Innovation
O’Toole skillfully guides the conversation to Shroff’s transformative postdoc experience at Janelia Farm. Shroff describes it as an “amazing environment” for focused research, free from many of the typical academic distractions. He acknowledges the “luck” and “right place at the right time” aspect of joining Eric Betzig’s lab, just as PALM and STORM super-resolution microscopy were emerging. This period was pivotal, immersing him in the intensive development of PALM/STORM techniques.
However, Shroff also reveals a critical turning point. Despite the groundbreaking nature of PALM/STORM (which later earned the Nobel Prize), he recognized a “writing on the wall.” He foresaw the field becoming increasingly crowded and niche. This foresight spurred him to seek new challenges, leading him to the NIH and light sheet microscopy, a field where he has since made significant contributions.
Building a Lab, Embracing Uncertainty, and Fostering Collaboration
Shifting to the challenges of establishing his own lab at NIH, Shroff candidly describes the initial intimidation and difficulty. He shares valuable advice he received: “start small” and “hire well.” He recounts the early days of setting up his lab in a conference room, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and embracing uncertainty. His strategy of focusing on a few key ideas and investing deeply in their initial success proved crucial in building confidence and momentum.
Shroff’s leadership style emphasizes close engagement with his team, prioritizing open communication and a focus on problem-solving. He stresses the importance of understanding not just successes, but also failures, viewing them as essential learning opportunities. While acknowledging his shift towards more office-bound responsibilities as his lab has grown, he maintains a commitment to daily interactions with his team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
Hari Shroff with his family, highlighting the balance between a demanding scientific career and personal life.
Balancing Act: Science, Family, and Life Beyond the Microscope
The interview touches on the ever-present challenge of work-life balance, particularly for scientists. Shroff candidly discusses the impact of family life, especially becoming a father, on his work dynamics. He highlights the increased respect he has gained for lab members balancing parenthood with demanding research careers. While acknowledging the shifts in his personal time and lab dynamics, he emphasizes the importance of making time for his team and maintaining open communication.
Reflections on Scientific Impact and the Future of Microscopy
O’Toole and Shroff engage in a thoughtful discussion about measuring scientific impact and the inherent limitations of metrics like citation counts. They acknowledge the time lag between groundbreaking research and its broader recognition and adoption. Shroff underscores the importance of publishing and peer review as essential components of scientific progress, despite their imperfections.
Looking towards the future, Shroff expresses his current research focus on adaptive optics (AO) to enhance imaging depth and resolution in thicker samples. He also highlights his growing interest in deep learning and its potential to revolutionize microscopy image analysis and resolution enhancement. He maintains a healthy skepticism about computational methods, emphasizing the need to understand their limitations and ensure robust validation.
A Journey Worth Taking
Hari Shroff’s journey, as revealed in this engaging interview with Peter O’Toole, offers a compelling narrative of scientific curiosity, perseverance, and innovation. From unconventional beginnings to leading a cutting-edge microscopy lab at NIH, his story provides valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the ever-evolving world of microscopy and scientific research. This episode of “The Microscopists” is a must-listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of advanced imaging techniques and the personal journey behind scientific breakthroughs.
Listen to the full interview on Bitesize Bio’s “The Microscopists” podcast for more in-depth insights into Hari Shroff’s work and perspectives.
