Afonso Mendes

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About

Afonso Mendes is a researcher working at the intersection of optical microscopy, fabrication technology, and life sciences, with a focus on democratizing and advancing imaging tools through innovative manufacturing approaches. His most recognized contribution, "The Field Guide to 3D Printing in Optical Microscopy for Life Sciences" (2021), has garnered 72 citations and stands as a landmark resource for researchers seeking to leverage additive manufacturing in laboratory settings. Mendes has been a prominent voice in what might be called the "maker movement" within optics labs, championing the idea that 3D printing can fundamentally disrupt traditional microscopy by lowering barriers to custom instrument design and modification. His work demonstrates how researchers can move beyond commercially available equipment to actively engineer bespoke microscope components and imaging accessories tailored to specific experimental needs. Through both his highly cited guide and its companion publication, also released in 2021, Mendes has helped establish 3D printing as a legitimate and powerful tool in modern bioimaging workflows, inspiring a new generation of scientist-makers to reimagine what is possible in optical microscopy for the life sciences.