Imaging Training

Once we receive your request, UIC staff will reach out to discuss the project and details of the experiment and work with you to select an appropriate imaging modality. In this way, everyone is fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses in the experimental design, and the UIC personnel can provide maximum methodological and instrumental support throughout the project. If necessary to perform sophisticated experiments, a formal collaboration between the UIC and the PI's laboratory is possible.

During this initial project consultation, the following topics will be discussed:

• Your project and goals in depth
• The most appropriate location, UIC staff, and instrument for your project 
• The possible limitations or missing pieces of our systems in the context of your project
• Research rigor and reproducibility when working with the UIC
• Assistance in refining your scientific imaging goals to facilitate quantification and analysis  
• Assistance in defining suitable imaging controls
• Sample staining, mounting, probes, and imaging vessel selection 
• Available software and workflows for image analysis 
• Biohazards and other safety requirements 
• Necessary documentation (IBC, IACUC protocols) 
• Acknowledgment policy

After the initial consultation and setting up your iLab account a training session will be scheduled. If there are several imaging options for your project, a test session may be scheduled ahead of the training to ensure the suitability of the imaging approach. Before training background materials will be provided, as well as links to UIC/UMN policies as they pertain to the use of the UIC. It is important to review these materials to make the most of the training session. 

During the training session, the following areas will be covered:

Microscopy Training Objectives

• How to reserve instruments and rules at the facility
• How to avoid damaging the equipment
• How to start the machine safely
• How to find your sample 
• How to operate the software to combine all the dimensions (xy, z, t, lambda, multiwell) required by the scientific question
• How to define the xy resolution needed from the scientific question and to check if the objective can deliver this resolution
• When is it necessary to match the sampling (Nyquist) with the resolution of the objective and how to do it
• Same thing for z resolution and sampling if the project needs z stacks
• How and where to save (format) and export data 
• File storage and backup 
• Image processing and analysis workstations 

Small Animal Training Objectives

• How to transport animals to UIC 
• How to avoid damaging the equipment
• How to start the machine safely
• Operation of anesthesia set up and isoflurane use (RAR anesthesia training required)
• Proper handling of animals during imaging (RAR training required) 
• How to operate the software to obtain the optimal image quality for your project 
• How and where to save (format) and export data 
• File storage and backup 
• Image processing and analysis workstations