Cell Imaging Shared Resource
Overview
The Cell Imaging Shared Resource provides access to advanced microscopy technologies and expert guidance for the visualization and analysis of cells, tissues, and subcellular structures. The resource maintains a comprehensive suite of light and electron microscopy platforms, digital imaging capabilities, and image analysis tools that support a wide range of experimental applications. Staff assist investigators with experimental design, instrument selection, image acquisition, and quantitative analysis. By bringing together complementary imaging technologies and scientific expertise within a single resource, the Cell Imaging Shared Resource enables researchers to examine biological structures and processes across multiple scales, from individual molecules and cells to complex tissues.
Directors
Matthew Tyska, PhD
Scientific Director
W. Gray Jerome, PhD
Scientific Co-Director
Jenny Schafer, PhD
Managing Director
Services
Microscopy
- Confocal microscopy
- Light-sheet microscopy
- Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy
- Super-resolution microscopy (SIM, STORM, Airyscan, SoRa, NSPARC)
- Widefield microscopy
- Multi-photon microscopy
- Intravital microscopy
- Live cell imaging
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM)
- Volumetric Electron Microscopy (vEM)
Electron Microscopy Sample Preparation
- Conventional resin embedding
- Ultramicrotomy (thick, thin, and ribbon sectioning)
- High pressure freezing
- Freeze substitution
- Negative staining
- Immnogold labeling
Image Analysis and Processing
- High-performance computational resources for image analysis
- Commercial and open-source image analysis software
- Image analysis workflows (routine and custom)
- Data interpretation and image analysis consultation
- Network-Attached-Storage devices for data acquisition, transfer, and analysis
Image Acquisition
- Independent scheduling and usage for trained researchers
- Imaging For Hire by expert staff
User Training
- Microscopy user training
- Image analysis user training
- Experimental design consultation
- Equipment access, scheduling support, and user onboarding
Contact Information
For more information, please email Jenny Schafer.
Vanderbilt University Cell Imaging Shared Resource
Providing researchers with access to state-of-the-art imaging equipment and expert technical support for sophisticated microscopy and analysis of tissue and cellular anatomy and physiology.