Imaging Core Hours of Operation
Normal hours
M-F 8:30am-5:30pm
Training
M-F 9:00am-3:00pm
In order to ensure proper use of the imaging core, users should respect the following guidelines:
- All users must to be introduced to Yan Shi by their supervisor.
- All users must be trained by Yan, and demonstrate knowledge of the facility rules and proficiency in using the equipment before being given approval for unsupervised use. Do not use any equipment/software prior to receiving training directly from Yan.
- Training sessions must be scheduled a minimum of 48hrs in advance. Training costs $75.00/Hour.
- Access to summer students and undergraduate volunteers is limited. Summer students and undergrad volunteers are required to submit a short study description, which outlines sample type, quantification method and expected completion date. They must complete their imaging session by 3pm each day.
- Use of the confocal and UltraMicroscope is prohibited to undergrads and summer students.
- Please acknowledge the Microscopy and Imaging Facility of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at The University Of Miami Miller School of Medicine in all publications that result from the use of the core.
- Requests for after hour use must be approved by Yan Shi. 24/7 badge access to the core will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Scheduling:
Equipment schedules for microscope workstations are available 72hrs in advance. After hour reservations require approval by Yan.
- Users can claim only ONE open time slot per day on the schedule in advance. Each lab can sign up only once per station/day in advance.
- During heavy demand, the Core reserves the right to set a maximum number of daily/weekly hours of individual use.
- Any time slot not reserved in advance becomes available daily at 8:30am on a first come first served basis.
- Cancellations must be made with 24hr advance notice. Any cancellation after that time will incur the standard usage fee.
- We understand that sometimes experiments don't work or emergencies arise, but we do ask that you notify Yan Shi of any cancellations.
- Excessive no-shows will result in restricted access.
- Reservations are held for 15min before being open to other users. If you will be late, please notify Yan so that you do not lose your time slot.
- The last person on the schedule is responsible for turning the system off. If the system is left on overnight the last person on that days schedule will be held responsible. If you are the last person scheduled you are responsible for notifying Yan if you cancel to ensure that the equipment is not left on overnight.
- Users may book within designated time slots:
Note: The UltraMicroscope and Imaris workstation do not have designated time slots. Users can book up to 3 hrs on the ultramicroscope and 2 hrs on Imaris.
Usage:
- It is mandatory for every user to fill out the log sheet before starting work and after work is completed for the day.
- All collected images or data have to be removed from the computer hard drive “C “or “D” the same day. Files left on the hard drive may be deleted without warning!
- Microscope rooms should not be crowded.
- Internet use on workstation computers is NOT allowed
- No food or drink.
- Workstations must remain clean and orderly.
- Immersion oil must be cleaned off all objectives at the beginning and end of each session.
- UltraMicroscope equipment must be properly cleaned after every use (please see cleaning instructions). All reagents and samples must be removed and taken back to the lab in appropriate closed containers after each imaging session. Samples and/or reagents cannot be left in the imaging facility. All spills must be reported immediately.
- Users are responsible for shutting down the equipment in the proper order.
- Excessive violations will result in restricted access and use.
Fees:
Users are required to confirm their charge accounts with the core management.
Invoices are submitted through Myworkday as The Miami Project Imaging Core.
At the risk of being redundant, here is what we expect from our users:
1. Clean up after yourself- leave the workstations clean and orderly. If you found it dirty-notify YAN.
2. Report any problems- If you are having trouble with the scope who are you gonna call? YAN!
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Trouble focusing? Dim or no image? Something just not seem right? Don’t wait until its too late and an objective or microscope breaks. ASK YAN.
4. Do not try to fix things yourself. You do not know how to. Yan does.
5.Oh no, where’s Yan? – Text her! Phone number is on the office window. Save it. Memorize it. Use it.
5. Play nice and share - If there are scheduling problems talk to Yan. We have many users and no one has any more right to the equipment than anyone else. We understand deadlines and will work with all parties to make scheduling arrangements that will allow everyone to meet their deadlines.
6. Help the Core run smoothly- Fill in the logbooks and keep your fund numbers up to date. Notify us promptly if you must change your scheduled time. Check the schedule often, particularly after your sessions.