Hello from Santa Cruz, California

[KenK]

I am new to microscopy, at least for living things.

I retired in 2016 from a career in engineering/physical science. Since retiring I have turned my focus to study of the living world. I am a docent and lead naturalist hikes in local state parks (we are blessed with many nearby). I am also a docent at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab (affiliated with the University of California, Santa Cruz). I became a California Certified Naturalist in 2017.

I used low-power stereo microscopes in my professional work and always wanted one for myself, so, last year I bought one. A modest, Chinese, trinocular-zoom device. I worried if an instrument like this would be any good. Thankfully I have been very happy with the performance.

My home lab is simple but growing in capability. I added an inexpensive 5mp C-mount camera and a dual-head LED illuminator. So far, I have mostly focused on insects and tiny marine invertebrates. I will share some on the forum.

[WhyMe]

Welcome to the forum! This place is full of information.

[KD Arvidsson]

Welcome kenK

[PeteM]

Welcome KenK. Small world -- seems we're neighbors. Any chance you were at Kinnetic Labs?

[daruosha]

Welcome KenK.

[KenK]

Hi @PeteM,
I did not work at Kinetic Labs. I worked at Plantronics for 16 years spread over three periods. The rest of my career was working on medical ultrasound imaging at Acuson and Siemens.