Training
Before using any Confocal Core equipment, new users must complete the required training provided by the Core staff. The Core Staff will provide a consultation session and advice on the best system available for a particular imaging application. This also includes best practices for sample preparation and tips on the best fluorophores to be used for optimal results from the imaging systems of interest.
To request a training, please email Joe Mauban or Shilpa Dilip Kumar.
Users are strongly encouraged to plan for a training session only when the actual samples for the imaging session are ready. The training will be conducted using the user samples. There is a fixed price for the training session. After a successful training session, the user can book the microscopes on iLab for self-use.
Rules for Scheduling Microscopes
- The microscopes at the Confocal Core are available to use 24 x 7. The Core staff will provide assistance and training to the Users within working hours.
- Microscope reservations can be made through the iLab website up to two weeks in advance. Cancellations may be completed online up to 24 hours before the scheduled session. For cancellations made within 24 hours of the reservation, please notify Core staff as soon as possible.
- All sessions must be initiated on the iLab webpage (Kiosk) at the start and properly ended upon completion.
- Assisted sessions can be reserved by contacting the Core Staff 24 hours in advance.
- Repeated no-shows on the booking may result in revocation of permission to use the microscope.
- Users are required to report any equipment malfunction or damage immediately to Core personnel. Prompt reporting helps minimize downtime and ensures continued access for all users. Please note that any unreported damage may result in the last recorded user of the instrument being held responsible.
- Acquisition computers are not intended for long-term data storage. Users are responsible for backing up their data immediately after each session to their own storage devices (SSD drives are recommended). The Core is not responsible for any data loss resulting from files left on local system drives.
Acknowledgements
- Acknowledgment of the Confocal Core is required in all publications that include data generated using Core microscopy systems or image analysis resources.
- Acknowledgments help demonstrate impact, which is critical for continued institutional and grant support.
- Please notify the Core Staff whenever a publication using our resources is accepted.
- Please use the following blurb when acknowledging the Core: "The authors would like to acknowledge the Confocal Microscopy Core for access to instrumentation and support in image acquisition and analysis.”
- If your data was acquired using the Nikon Spinning Disk or the Zeiss LS7 light sheet, please include the corresponding award number:
- Nikon W1 Spinning Disk Microscope: S10 OD026698
- Zeiss LS7 Light-Sheet Microscope: 1S10OD030221
- Zeiss LSM 710 NLO Multiphoton Microscope: 1S10OD010352
- Zeiss Duo Confocal Microscope: 1S10RR024548