Guichuan Hou

Dr. Guichuan Hou serves as Professor and Director of the Electron Microscope Facility within the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University. He leads the William C. and Ruth Ann Dewel Microscopy Facility, providing technical and administrative support to over twenty faculty members and numerous graduate/undergraduate students across Biology, Chemistry, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Health Sciences departments.

His research centers on plant root development mechanisms using model species like Ceratopteris richardii, Arabidopsis, and maize, employing advanced microscopy techniques including light/confocal microscopy, SEM, and TEM. Current initiatives focus on correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM), EM tomography, and AI-driven image analysis for plant biology applications.

Analysis of his 2005-2024 publications reveals consistent contributions to plant cell wall biochemistry, microscopy methodology, and genetic regulation of growth processes. Key recurring themes include lignin biosynthesis pathways, root system formation, and stress response mechanisms, often through interdisciplinary collaborations.

Dr. Hou has secured over $2 million in external funding through major NSF grants:

• NSF MRI DBI-1625779: $430,900 for Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (2016-2020)
• NSF MRI EAR-1625137: $561,842 for SEM with EDS/EBSD/CL (2016-2020)
• NSF MRI DBI-0922697: $509,620 for TEM acquisition (2009-2012)
• Burroughs Welcome Fund: $180,000 for AppalSEED Academy (2008-2011)

He actively serves on graduate thesis committees and collaborates with microscope manufacturers on instrument development.

The Microscopy Facility under his direction maintains state-of-the-art instrumentation for multi-modal imaging, supports university-wide research/teaching missions, and engages regional communities/industries for specialized microscopy services and outreach initiatives.