Research Core Facility Directory

The Texas Materials Institute Electron Microscopy Facility provides user access to the University of Texas at Austin community for state-of-the-art atomic scale characterization. Established in 2020, this new facility hosts advanced instruments for the analysis of materials and their preparation. This includes a low-voltage aberration corrected JEOL neoARM TEM that can operate from 30 – 200 kV, equipped with EDX and EELS, a Thermo Fisher Scios FIB:SEM, and several SEMs. Located in the ground floor (level 0) of the Engineering Education and Research (EER) Building. The facility consists of a suite of specially designed low-vibration rooms with precise temperature and humidity control. Operation of TEM is done remotely in a separate room to remove the impact of people on the room stability. An array of specialized holders and detectors are available for state of the art in-situ capabilities and imaging.

Services Offered

• High-resolution electron microscopy (SEM, TEM)
• Sample preparation for imaging and analysis
• Elemental and structural analysis
• Advanced imaging for biological and material sciences
• Training in electron microscopy techniques
• Consultation on microscopy experiment design and data interpretation

The Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPR) Facility at UT Austin's Department of Chemistry features a Bruker EMX Plus spectrometer equipped for X-band and Q-band EPR, as well as ENDOR and variable temperature studies. This facility supports a wide range of research applications by providing researchers access to sophisticated EPR instrumentation and expertise. The facility is committed to facilitating advanced investigations into paramagnetic species, enhancing the understanding of materials at the molecular level.

Services Offered

• EPR spectroscopy for paramagnetic sample analysis
• Custom EPR experimental design
• Sample preparation and support for paramagnetic studies
• Training in EPR data collection and interpretation
• High-resolution spectrometers for a range of biological and material applications

The Electronics and General Repair Shop offers maintenance and repair of biomedical/scientific equipment and instrumentation, including centrifuges, incubators, shakers, electrophoresis equipment, freezers/refrigerators, water purification systems, and more.

Services Offered

• Repair and calibration of electronic research equipment
• Custom electronics design and modification
• Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
• Consultation on equipment upgrades and improvements
• Specialized services for laboratory instrument repairs

Services Offered

• Fracture and diagenesis analysis of geological samples
• Experimental setups for rock mechanics and geomechanical testing
• Consulting on subsurface fracture behavior
• Research partnerships on reservoir characterization and petroleum geology

The Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory (FSEL) at UT Austin is one of the largest structural research facilities globally, located at the Pickle Research Campus. It features extensive loading equipment for large-scale studies of structural behavior, supporting innovative research in structural engineering. FSEL emphasizes collaboration between faculty and students, providing graduate research assistants with hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities.

Services Offered

• Structural testing for large-scale infrastructure
• Custom experimental setups for materials and load testing
• Seismic simulation and impact studies
• Consulting on construction materials and structural design optimization
• Research support for civil engineering projects

The Fluid Inclusion Analysis Laboratory at UT Austin's Structural Diagenesis Initiative is dedicated to studying fluid inclusions, which serve as natural time capsules revealing the history of minerals and rocks. The lab employs advanced techniques like microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy to analyze fluid properties and their evolution. Researchers investigate the mechanisms of fracture formation and cementation, contributing to a deeper understanding of subsurface processes and resource management. This facility is essential for interdisciplinary studies in geochemistry and geology.

Services Offered

• Fluid inclusion analysis for geological research
• Microthermometry measurement and interpretation
• Sample preparation and petrographic analysis
• Training in fluid inclusion microscopy
• Collaborative research in mineral and hydrothermal systems

The Genomic Sequencing and Analysis Facility (GSAF) offers next generation sequencing (NGS) services focusing on short read sequencing platform ranging from whole genome sequencing to single cell application. The facility provides the community with technical expertise and experience to support ongoing research projects.

Services Offered

• High-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing
• Sanger sequencing for longer DNA reads
• Quality control and data validation
• Bioinformatics support for data analysis
• Consultation on experimental design for genomics research
• Access to sequencing instrumentation and software

Services Offered

• Chemical analysis of geological and environmental samples
• Elemental and isotopic composition measurement
• Custom geochemical analysis and method development
• Collaboration on environmental and earth sciences research
• Access to advanced geochemistry instrumentation

The Geomechanics Laboratory at UT Austin investigates pore-scale fluid-sediment interactions under various stress conditions. The lab conducts experiments on both intact sediment cores and custom-fabricated resedimented cores from diverse locations, including the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Japan. Research focuses on developing models for pore pressure, stress around salt bodies, and slope failure. This hands-on facility fosters collaboration among students and researchers, providing a state-of-the-art environment for rigorous scientific inquiry.

Services Offered

• Testing of rock mechanics and material strength
• Measurement of subsurface stress and deformation
• Development of geomechanical models for reservoir and structural analysis
• Collaborative research in oil, gas, and geothermal applications

Services Offered

• Custom glass apparatus design and fabrication
• Repair of scientific glassware and laboratory equipment
• Consultation on glassware design for specialized experiments
• Training in glassblowing techniques for research applications

The Industrial CT Scanning Facility provides high-resolution, non-destructive density mapping for solid samples, including rocks and fossils, up to 50 cm in diameter, 150 cm in height, and a mass of 50 kg. This facility utilizes an advanced industrial CT scanner, adapted from medical CAT scanning technology, to deliver detailed internal imaging, supporting researchers in fields that require precise, internal structural analysis of diverse sample types

Services Offered

• High-resolution 3D imaging of geological, biological, and engineered samples
• Non-destructive internal structure analysis
• Custom scanning for specific research needs
• Consultation on data interpretation and visualization for tomography studies

Services Offered

• Testing of construction and infrastructure materials
• Analysis of durability, weathering, and fatigue in materials
• Structural performance and characterization studies
• Consultation on material selection and sustainability for infrastructure projects

The i4Health Center at UT Austin focuses on transforming healthcare through innovative research and education in informatics, analytics, and technology. The center promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, students, and industry partners to develop solutions for improving health outcomes. i4Health engages in various initiatives, including data-driven research, educational programs, and outreach activities, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery and patient engagement.

Services Offered

• Research and development for healthcare solutions
• Health informatics and data analytics
• Clinical trials and translational research support
• Partnerships with healthcare providers and industry
• Training in health-focused innovation and technology

Services Offered

• Stable isotope ratio analysis for environmental samples
• Inorganic chemical analysis of geological materials
• Custom isotopic studies for geological and environmental applications
• Research support in isotope geochemistry

The Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) is a leader in expeditionary geophysical research, focusing on climate, energy, marine geosciences, seismology, and planetary geophysics. Since 1972, UTIG has supported impactful research, engaging over 50 scientists and postdoctoral fellows in hands-on projects that include scientific ocean drilling and airborne radar studies of ice sheets. With a commitment to addressing global challenges, UTIG collaborates with various stakeholders to find sustainable solutions while preparing the next generation of geoscientists.

Services Offered

• Seismic and subsurface imaging research
• Oceanography and marine geoscience support
• Climate modeling and environmental monitoring
• Collaborative research on tectonics and earth processes
• Access to advanced geophysical instrumentation

Services Offered

• Custom scientific instrument design and fabrication
• Repair and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Electronics modification and custom configurations
• Consultation on instrument design for specific research needs

The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, led by Dr. Jaime Barnes, is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a ThermoElectron MAT 253 mass spectrometer along with advanced peripheral devices, including a TC/EA, GasBench II, Conflo IV, online silicate laser extraction line, general-purpose vacuum extraction lines, and a chlorine purification line. This comprehensive instrumentation suite enables precise measurements of stable isotope ratios (H, C, N, O, S, and Cl) in a wide range of materials, including silicate, phosphate, and carbonate minerals, volcanic gases, air, and water samples, supporting pioneering research in isotope geochemistry.

Services Offered

• Light isotope ratio measurement (H, C, N, O, S)
• Elemental analysis of environmental samples
• High-precision mass spectrometry
• Training in isotope analysis methods
• Support for environmental and geological studies

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry EA-ISOLINK – Delta V IRMS

Carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of solid samples (sediment, soil, nutrient filters, tissues)

GASBENCH – Delta V IRMS

• Carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of carbonates
• Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of water
• Carbon isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon. GC-ISOLINK – Delta V IRMS
• Compound specific carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of fatty acids, alkanes, alcohols, amino acids

LC-ISOLINK – Delta Q IRMS

Carbon isotope composition of liquid phased compounds

Mass Spectrometry LC-Ion-Mobility-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Mass-Spectrometry

Provide accurate mass detection, molecular discovery, and quantification of analytes, including but not limited to, proteins, metabolites, lipids and carbohydrates. Agilent 6560 LC/MS IM-QTOF.

Elemental and Nutrient Analysis LACHAT QUIKCHEM

Quantify nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, silicate, phosphate) in aqueous samples (seawater, river water, groundwater)

TOC/TDN

Total organic carbon and total dissolved nitrogen abundance measurements in aqueous samples (seawater, river water, groundwater)

Services Offered

• Analytical services for marine and environmental samples
• Coastal and marine ecosystem monitoring
• Sample analysis for chemical and biological parameters
• Collaborative research in marine science and oceanography

Services Offered

• Seismic data acquisition and processing
• Marine subsurface imaging
• Analysis of sedimentary basins and tectonic structures
• Research support for marine geology and seismology projects

The Mass Spectrometry Imaging Facility at UT Austin enables high-resolution molecular imaging for biomedical research, using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) techniques to map biomolecules in tissues. With capabilities in Histology-Guided Mass Spectrometry (HGMS) and biofluid profiling, the facility supports research in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. Staff provide specialized imaging, data analysis, and training, advancing insights in cellular and molecular pathology.

Services Offered

• High-resolution mass spectrometry for chemical and biological samples
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Proteomics and metabolomics studies
• Method development for custom mass spectrometry applications
• Data interpretation and consultation