What is MICA?
Welcome to MICA!
MICA — Microscopy Instruction, Consultation and Analysis — was founded by Peter M. Cooke in 1999. Since that time, the firm has delivered outstanding microscopy training, consulting and analytical services to independent laboratories, corporations, military and governmental bodies in the United States and abroad.
For many years MICA offered microscopy instruction both onsite and in our Chicago and northern California classrooms. Beginning in 2022, MICA pivoted to an onsite-only model, bringing our week-long microscopy courses — complete with MICA’s laboratory-classroom — directly to laboratories and organizations worldwide who want a customized microscopy course for their staff. MICA also continues to offer one- and two-day refresher courses onsite. You can learn more about these offerings on the onsite courses and onsite seminars pages of our website.
Microscopy Instruction
MICA strongly believes that concentrated, hands-on practice with the microscope is a must for effective learning. That’s why we provide an individual microscope for each student during our weeklong courses. The substantial amount of personalized attention and real-world focus ensures students return to the laboratory ready to master what was learned in the classroom.
MICA understands the wide range of challenges your laboratory routinely faces. Our polarized microscopy training courses combine a practical approach to sample analysis with a grounding in underlying microscopical theory. By the end of each course, you can expect to learn the methodologies, techniques and instrumentation that promote accurate analyses.
Because of the intensive hands-on and personalized nature of MICA instructions, courses are not taught virtually.
Consultation
MICA offers consulting services to laboratories, microscopy training facilities and government agencies. An international expert in asbestos identification, Peter M. Cooke has served as a Technical Assessor for the NVLAP/NIST Asbestos Bulk PLM program since 1988, assessing approximately 350+ member laboratories.
Analysis
Select sample analysis is performed for independent laboratories and government agencies.
Partial Client List
United States
AeroTech
ALCOA
American Electric Power
Axiall Corporation
Duke Energy
Florida Light & Power
Forensic Analytical
NASA
New Century Energies
OSHA
PPG, Inc.
U.S. Army and Navy Medical Units
Wyle
Canada
AREC Environmental Group
Bruce Power
Manitoba Hydro
MB Laboratories, Ltd
Nova Scotia Power
Ontario Power Generation
Pinchin Environmental, Ltd.
Saskatchewan Power
Canfor Pulp and Paper
International
ACTY Company; EFA Laboratories – Japan
Labtox; Easy Amiante; Surcotec; SciTec Research – Switzerland
National Institute of Environmental Research/Ministry of the Environment – South Korea
U.S. Army Medical Units – Germany and Japan
U.S. Naval Hospital – Okinawa
