Behind the Lens: Meet CEMAS' Sarah Mikula
As a laboratory supervisor at The Ohio State University’s Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS), Sarah Mikula plays a critical role in advancing research initiatives across scientific disciplines. She brings nearly two decades of experience as a research laboratory technician and manager to her position at CEMAS, including an advanced skill set in biological sample preparation for electron microscopy. Sarah recently took time to graciously share insight into her personal and professional journey, as well as the value of having a world-class microscopy facility, like CEMAS, at Ohio State.
First, can you tell us about your journey to CEMAS?
"After serving as valedictorian at 16 and graduating college at 20, I needed a job and went to work as a technician in a histology lab at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). I began processing samples for both light and electron microscopy. I moved on to manage three labs at the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience for a few years, after which I headed to Germany. My now-late husband and I meant to go there for only two years, but we had such a great time in the department of Prof. Winfried Denk at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology that we ended up staying for a decade. I never planned to spend my entire career perfecting and developing techniques for microscopy sample preparation, but when you find your niche you don't leave it.
"Due to the time I spent in California and Germany, I'm especially interested in electron microscopy for neuroscience and 3D reconstructions of structures larger than single particles."
What made CEMAS the right fit for you?
"I came to Ohio with my daughter because I wanted to return to the U.S. and I let my job dictate where we would move. I was offered a job at Ohio State, where I was able to continue to use my skills in biological sample preparation for electron microscopy at another facility on campus. I realized my skill set might be a good match for CEMAS with the diverse array of research projects the center advances.”
Sample preparation is a critical step of the workflow for microscopy image analysis. In some cases, without a good sample, you may not be able to collect good data. Can you expand on this concept?
“I agree with Hendrik (Henk) Colijn, the assistant director of operations at CEMAS, when he says that when imaging materials, sample prep is 10% of the process and imaging is 90%. For biological samples, the reverse is true.
"Sample preparation and method design are just as much of an art form as cooking. Anyone can follow a recipe, but we still hold five-star chefs in high regard because there are fine technical skills that still make a difference, and it’s very hard to pick that up from following a list of steps.”
Is there a particular project or research topic you’ve been involved with that has been the most exciting?
“Maybe it’s because of my extensive experience managing neuroscience research labs or because I spent a decade working on mapping the mammalian brain – whatever the reason, I do love electron microscopy on neural samples. I find this a fascinating type of sample, from synapse identification to circuit reconstruction or even injury recovery.”
Taking an outside perspective, can you share what value having a facility like CEMAS offers the Ohio State community?
“I think the value of core imaging facilities is self-evident. There are very few research labs in the entire world that could afford instruments of this precision and quality. By pooling resources into a centralized facility, we bring together the instruments and expertise required to serve our research community best.”
Who do you admire most and why?
"Philosophically – Baltasar Gracian. In my opinion, 'The Art of Worldly Wisdom' is one of the best written works in existence. Professionally – Winfried Denk. He was the best boss and supervisor I could hope for. He is a person anyone who knows well can look up to. It's uncommon to find such goodness and greatness in the same person. Personally – my family. My world is richer by knowing people who are so easy to love."
What qualities do you look for in a friend?
“I enjoy developing relationships with people who are trustworthy, honest, present, and uplifting. I also appreciate sharing interests and values, though such sharing doesn’t always need to be in agreement. I like spending time with those from whom I can learn.”
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
“I’m planning a road trip to learn more about my family history. I recently traced it back to the sixteenth century, and I’d love to see where my ancestors lived. As it turns out, some of those places are right here in Ohio.”
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pick up but haven’t yet?
"Glass blowing and distilling. I recently acquired a still and I've started producing essential oils. The only thing stopping me from engaging in more hobbies is getting the necessary equipment and finding space to put it all. And, of course, acquiring the skills, but I think that’s the point of taking up a new hobby – to learn something new. I also juggle and I learned that if you always catch all the balls you probably aren't trying enough new things. My real hobby is probably discovering new hobbies.”
