Hello! My name is Isabelle Betancourt (@isabetabug) and I am raising funds to purchase a stereo microscope to use for educational insect outreach.

Over the last 4 years, I have had access to a microscope through my employer.  I have used it for public educational programs, both in-person and also online. Online, I host a weekly insect-themed video livestream called the #Bugscope. On the Bugscope, I bring the audience on virtual insect field trips and interview special guests experts to make entomology accessible to diverse audiences around the world! 

This summer, I'm taking a career leap and pursuing science communication, wildlife photography, entomological exploration, and live-streaming. Additionally, in 2020, I was selected for a Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship  and I will be starting that project in fall 2021 . Therefore, it is time to get my own microscope.

I am able to create quality content without a microscope but the microscope is a powerful tool that takes the broadcasts to the next level. It unlocks access to the tiny insects and also the weird and wonderful morphological traits of many bugs. When magnified we can connect with them and appreciate them at a whole greater level!

I want to get the scope by the end of June.  I plan to not only use the scope to document and livestream backyard bugs this summer, but also, I plan to bring it with me abroad to the remote forests of Borneo for my Fellowship project on insects in the Bornean peat swamp forests . For that reason, it is also important to obtain a case for it to keep it safe during travel. 

The Microscope:

The dissection scope that I want to get is the Leica EZ4 W Stereo Microscope with an integrated WiFi Camera. It costs $2,020 USD. The EZ4 W is the best available scope for capturing live footage of insects for live broadcasting through my computer.

The case for this microscope is the Leica Hard Carry Case Small, which costs $155 USD.

Upon reaching the funding goal, I will purchase the scope and case through iMillerMicroscopes' Microscope Central Website.

In helping me get this powerful magnification tool, you are supporting my mission to make the wonderful world of insects and entomology more accessible. Thank you so much!

P.S. Are you new to me and curious about my live virtual insect field trips and interviews?

Visit my website to learn more about me! www.thebugandthebeetle.net  

Visit the #BugScope about page to learn more about the project: www.thebugandthebeetle.net/bugscope  

You can find my live broadcasts on Happs (this is my homebase for my livestreams), YouTube , or Twitter. 

To support my work as a wildlife photographer and science communicator on an ongoing basis, sign up for a membership level on my Patreon page.