Our research is inspired by advanced optical methods to study the architectural dynamics in living cells. We are developing a new type of polarized light microscope, the LC-PolScope, for the analysis of molecular order directly in living cells with unprecedented sensitivity, resolution, and speed. Based on polarization measurements, we gain insight into submicroscopic structural parameters and non-invasively create contrast where native structures are otherwise invisible. We seek interdisciplinary collaborations to conduct research in physical optics for the interpretation of image content and in computational methods for image enhancement and restoration. These physical and engineering projects are stimulated and guided by biological inquiries into the structural basis of cell function.