Rates and Requesting Time

Open consultation hours are available every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 3080 Chemistry.  Please feel free to stop by!

Schedule  Time on Microscopes

Submit a Project Request

For more information or to schedule training, contact Damon Hoff (hoffj@umich.edu)

SMART Center Guidebook and Information for New Users

Rates:

Training Schedule

Typically, an initial meeting is setup with a center staff to discuss the specifics of the experiment and the choice of microscope.

As a center policy we typically have a 4 session training period, Sessions typically last ~3h.

Session 1 – Microscope overview. The center staff will explain individual components of the microscope. We recommend that you bring your own sample for this session. The staff will walk you through the imaging conditions (camera parameters, laser power, etc.). If you do not have a sample we may image a multi-color beads sample. At this stage, the staff primarily operates the microscope. We will also explain center policy on handling waste.

Session 2 – Guided usage. The center staff will guide you, as you operate the microscope. Again, we recommend that you to bring your own sample to get a feel for the imaging conditions that suit your needs. At this stage, the user primarily operates the microscope.

Session 3 and 4 – Towards independent usage. The user operates the microscope independently. Staff intermittently guide users as they independently operate the microscope. At times the staff are not in the microscope bay, they are available at the center to assist you if required.

If you have completed sessions 1 and/or 2 you are a “Level 1” user, and can schedule usage at your convenience during regular business hours. With significant experience, you may be upgraded to a "Level 2" user, able to schedule microscope time independently, including after hours and weekends.  

Based on experience and comfort level of users the number of training sessions may be decreased or increased.