NEW USER GUIDE

Instructions for Prospective Imaging Incubator Users

If you aren't sure which microscope to use (PerkinElmer spinning disk, ASI diSPIM lightsheet, or JPK NanoWizard 4a AFM), contact Dr. Aleksandr S mirnov for more information.
Decide if you'd like to a) be fully trained to operate the microscope independently, or b) have the director operate the microscope for you. For information on microscope hourly rates and training fees, please see the Rates page.
All prospective users must apply online (below), or download an Application Form, fill it out in detail, and email it to Aleksandr Smirnov. If you plan to image live BSL-2 samples, make sure to provide the necessary information indicated in the application form.
Prospective microscope users should review the Facility SOP before their training session.
Scheduling is accomplished via Google Calendar. Obtain a Google Calendar account if you don't already have one.
Arrive on time for your training session (B0118 Physical Sciences Complex). If you are more than 15 minutes late, the training session will be canceled and you will be charged at the regular rate for the full length of the appointment. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will also be charged at the regular rate.
It is important to properly acknowledge the use of the Imaging Incubator in your publications. Acknowledgement helps us demonstrate and document how the Incubator contributes to the research community. It also aids us in our efforts to secure more funding to purchase additional instruments and offer new services. Imaging Incubator users should send a PDF copy of all publications to the interim director, Aleksandr Smirnov.

Application for Use of Imaging Incubator Microscopes

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

UID# (External users: enter the name of your institution/company) *

Email Address *

Status (select one) *

Department Affiliation *

Room # and Building *

Phone Number *

Lab Head *

Google Calendar Address for Instrument Scheduling *

KFS/FRS# for internal billing. (External users, write "credit card") *

Application Type (select one) *

1. Briefly describe your experience with any of the following microscopy techniques: fluorescence, confocal, deconvolution, TIRF, lightsheet, AFM (or other) *

2. Which microscope do you need to use (if you require training on additional microscopes, please let the director know at the time of your appointment) *

3. Briefly describe your research project and why you require use of the microscope *

4. How soon do you require training or assisted-microscope-use? Note: Users are highly encourage to have a sample ready for training. *

5. At any time will you be working with LIVE biological agents/organisms (including bacterial, viral, fungal, human/non-human primates) or toxins? *

Yes No

6. If yes, please describe the agent: *

7. Is the LIVE agent BSL-1 or BSL-2? *

BSL-1 BSL-2 N/A: My sample is fixed (dead)

Please note: If you'd like to image live BSL-2 samples, you must submit 1) an approved protocol for your agent (including safe cleanup procedures) and 2) an IBC approval letter prior to your appointment. You may use the form below to upload the files, or email them separately to Amy Beaven (abeaven@umd.edu).

*Human and non-human primate cell lines are considered BSL-2. Any work involving recombinant or synthetic genomic material, infectious agents, or animals with rDNA will require registration and approval of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Even if you have an approved IBC protocol, you may need to amend and resubmit it for use any Imaging Incubator, particularly if you are bringing samples from another building.*

8. Upload BSL-2 protocol *

Max file size: 20MB

9. Upload IBC approval letter *

Max file size: 20MB

Submit

Contact Us

Dr. Aleksandr Smirnov
Associate Research Scientist
Institute for Physical Sciences & Technology (IPST)
University of Maryland, College Park
asmirnov@umd.edu