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FAQs and Resources

Notice to all Research Resources Center Customers Heading link

In order to minimize COVID-19 spread, the Research Resources Center, Electron Microscopy Core is implementing the following temporary mandatory guidelines for using this core:

  • All customers entering the core space must wear new, clean gloves
  • If there is a need to remove gloves, wash your hands with soap frequently and for at least 20 seconds. Do not touch your face or other individuals. Replace gloves as soon as possible
  • Instead of shaking hands, exchange greetings with a wave, bow, or nod
  • Try to keep at least one meter/three feet distance between yourself and others
  • Disinfect anything you used during your visit with 70% ETOH or IPA after every use
    • Any surfaces on the instruments before and after usage including panels and keyboards
    • Please wear gloves while you are cleaning the surfaces
  • IPA bottles will be stored in the specimen prep lab (east and west) Please put them back to the specimen prep lab after each use

If you have any flu like symptoms (g., fever, cough, shortness of breath) please do not use the core services. You should stay home and follow the appropriate guidelines as indicated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus.

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Frequently Asked Questions Heading link

  • Q: Where are the Electron Microscopes located?
    A: Microscopes are located on both the East and West Campuses. Materials Science TEMs plus XPS and Raman are located on the east campus in the western block of Science & Engineering South at Room 116, SES, 845 West Taylor St. Life Science TEM and the SEMs are located in the basement of the Medical Sciences Building at Room E5, MSB, 835 S Wolcott Ave. Maps and more information can be found on our contact page.
  • Q: When are EMC-E and EMC-W normally staffed?
    A: EMC-E is normally staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30 pm, EMC-W Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.  If you need to consult with a staff member about a project it is suggested you schedule a meeting by e-mail.
  • Q: How and when can trained users access the instruments?
    A: Trained users have I-card and keycode access to the instruments they have been trained on, and can book instruments from 8am to 5pm (8:30am EMC-W). Once a user has sufficient experience (Expert), as determined by EMC staff, you will be given access 24 hours per day every day of the year.
  • Q: How can I book instruments and how am I charged?
    A: Trained users can book the instruments they have been trained on using iLabs . Users who have not been trained, or need training, should get in touch with EMC staff to schedule assisted time. All instruments have an instrument log which must be filled in. You will be charged for the time used (in 30 minute increments after the charge for the first hour) based on the instrument log and not the booked time. Other information on cancellation and associated charges can be found on our Policies page.
  • Q: Who should I contact for technical assistance?
    A: Please contact Fengyuan Shi (fyshi@uic.edu)
  • Q: What research groups use EMS services in their work?
    A: You can find a list of some of the research groups that use EMS instrumentation in their research work here.
  • Q: Who should I contact for information about billing?
    A: Please email our admin team at rrcadmin@uic.edu.
  • Q: Who should I contact for technical assistance on RRC Websites?
    A: Please email our IT team at rrctech@uic.edu.