Rogelio Moreno: Uncovering a Passion and Paying it Forward
Welcome to Masters of Microscopy: The People Behind the Lens, where we showcase and celebrate the individuals who are the heart of the Nikon Small World competitions. They are scientists, artists, researchers, educators, and everyday curious individuals who uncover the fascinating microscopic world around us.
Long before Rogelio Moreno’s name became synonymous with a colorful gallery of award-winning microscopic images and videos, he was a young boy peering through a toy microscope, captivated by the unseen universe beneath the lens. That early discovery ignited a lifelong passion for science that continues to shape his life and inspire his artistry today.
A computer systems engineer by profession and a microscopist at heart, Moreno has spent over a decade assembling a world-class microscope setup, piece by piece, part by part. “The only option to get a good microscope within my budget was the used market,” he recalled. In 2008, he set out on a mission, and by 2011, he had completed his dream build: a meticulously crafted Nikon TE300 assembled with parts acquired through countless eBay auctions. It became his window into the world he had longed to explore since childhood.
Rogelio Moreno with his self-built microscope and some of his Nikon Small World winning images.
Moreno’s involvement with Nikon Small World also began in 2008 when he came across the competition’s online gallery of images. Determined to contribute his own findings, he dove into research and experimentation. His first winning entry in 2012, which captured a Euplotes protozoan in the final stage of cell division, marked a pivotal moment in his life. “When I found that my image was selected by the judges, my passion was propelled like a rocket,” he said.
Since then, Moreno has become one of the competition’s most celebrated contributors. An astounding 17 images and three of his videos have earned recognition, with five ranked among the top 20. He is particularly proud of his 2014 first-place image of a heart-shaped rotifer, a victory that not only brought him and his family to the awards ceremony in New York but also made him the first Latin American winner to take the top prize.
A hallmark of Moreno’s work is his relentless desire to push boundaries and elevate himself out of his comfort zone. From brightfield and darkfield imaging to polarized light, DIC, fluorescence, and now a foray into confocal microscopy, he continuously expands his technical repertoire. “Every year, winning the competition is more difficult,” he noted. “It forces me to improve my techniques and try to capture moments never seen before.”
In Moreno's eyes, the Nikon Small World competition illustrates the balance between science and art. “Science shows us things we cannot see with the naked eye. Art influences the colors and moments that the images and videos reveal.” His own vibrant, detail-rich images are the result of both meticulous preparation and artistic instinct.
The work Moreno does is anything but insular. Beyond the competition, his passion extends to helping the scientific community. Recognizing the privilege it is to have access to advanced imaging technology, he has generously volunteered his skills, receiving and photographing samples for researchers and enthusiasts alike who lack access to the necessary tools. “I love science and helping the scientific community with my work,” he said, noting that his contribution is always nonprofit and fueled purely by a love of discovery.
Moreno and his son, Daniel, observing the solar eclipse, 2023.
Looking back on his Nikon Small World journey, Moreno feels immense pride, not only for his personal achievements but also for being part of a 50-year gallery that continues to inspire curiosity and innovation. To aspiring participants, he offered heartfelt advice: “If your image or video is not selected, don’t get discouraged. Keep participating and improving. If you believe your work shows something interesting, keep submitting it. Remember, the judges change every year.”
For Rogelio Moreno, observing the microscopic world is more than a hobby or artistic pursuit; it’s an enduring enthusiasm driven by wonder, discovery, and the joy of sharing science with others. In everything he does, he hopes one sentiment always shines through:
“Rogelio Moreno G. — Love for science and helping the scientific community.”
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