The Center for Electromechanics (CEM) at UT Austin specializes in the development and application of advanced electromechanical and energy storage systems. CEM conducts cutting-edge research in high-power energy conversion, transportation electrification, and grid-scale energy storage. The center provides expertise in system modeling, prototyping, and performance testing for applications ranging from defense and aerospace to renewable energy integration. With state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration, CEM supports industry and government partners in advancing next-generation technologies through research, development, and commercialization.

Services Offered

• Design and testing of electromechanical systems
• High-power energy storage research
• Prototyping and custom engineering solutions
• System modeling and simulation
• Electric vehicle and grid-scale storage technologies
• Advanced manufacturing support for energy applications

The Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) at UT Austin is a leading research institute dedicated to advancing the understanding of energy resources, environmental systems, and geological processes. As the oldest research unit at UT, BEG integrates cutting-edge science with practical applications, supporting industry, government, and public interest in areas such as energy exploration, carbon storage, water resource management, and environmental sustainability. BEG's multidisciplinary teams conduct innovative research and provide expertise, facilities, and data resources that drive scientific discovery and inform policy. The Bureau’s collaborative environment enables impactful research with global reach and real-world applications.

Services Offered

• Energy and environmental research
• Geological sample and data resources
• Industry and government partnerships
• Policy research on sustainability
• Training for geoscience professionals

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 Nuclear and Radiation Engineering Program at UT Austin advances nuclear science through research and education, with a focus on radiation effects, radioisotope production, and environmental applications. Based in the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Lab, the program provides hands-on experience with a TRIGA reactor and advanced nuclear facilities. Services include Neutron Activation Analysis, Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis for element concentration mapping, Neutron Radiography, and sample irradiations. The program prepares students for impactful careers in nuclear technology and promotes public understanding through outreach and tours.

Services Offered

• Access to nuclear reactor for research and education
• Neutron activation analysis
• Radiotracer studies and isotope production
• Training and safety protocols for reactor use

The PEACE LAB (Plasma Elemental Analysis Core) at UT Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences specializes in trace element analysis for a variety of liquid and solid samples. Utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) methods, the lab offers services for ultra-trace and isotopic analyses, supporting research in environmental science, geology, and biology. The lab provides educational courses and collaborative research opportunities, assisting users in precise elemental mapping and concentration studies.

Services Offered

• Plasma-based elemental analysis
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Trace metal detection and isotopic analysis
• Consultation on plasma elemental analysis techniques

The Austin Core Research Center (ACRC) at UT Austin is one of the largest and most comprehensive repositories for geological samples in the United States. Housing an extensive collection of core, cuttings, and rock samples from Texas and beyond, ACRC serves as a valuable resource for research and education in geology, energy, and environmental science. The center provides access to state-of-the-art facilities for sample analysis, preservation, and data management, supporting studies in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and petroleum geology. ACRC staff offer expertise in core handling and analysis, assisting researchers, students, and industry professionals in unlocking subsurface insights for exploration and research projects.

Services Offered

• Geological core and sample repository
• Core and cuttings analysis
• Sedimentology and stratigraphy support
• Access to historical and recent geological data
• Training in core analysis techniques

Services Offered

• Vibrating sample magnetometry for nanoscale materials
• Analysis of magnetic properties
• Sample preparation for magnetometry
• Consultation on experimental design for magnetic studies

The Bard Center for Electrochemistry maintains a unique user electrochemical research instrumentation facility, allowing researchers from the University of Texas and visitors access to instrumentation and expert help in electrochemical studies. In a single location, the facility makes available electrochemical instruments such as potentiostats, scanning electrochemical microscopes, impedance analyzers, optical profilers, etc., for studying intermediates on electrode surfaces and device test equipment

Services Offered

• Electrochemical analysis and testing
• Custom Electrochemical cell design
• Electrochemical data interpretation
• Training in Electrochemical techniques
• Advanced instrumentation for redox and reaction studies
• Access to high-precision Electrochemical measurement systems

Services Offered

• Analysis of soil physical and chemical properties
• Soil nutrient and contaminant testing
• Consultation on soil management and conservation
• Support for environmental and agricultural research

The Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility is the primary unit providing advanced mass spectrometry services for proteomics and protein modification analyses and protein molecular weight determination at the University. Equipped with state-of-the-art Thermo Orbitrap Ascend and Fusion mass spectrometers, the facility supports both quantitative and qualitative studies. In addition, a Bruker Autoflex self-service instrument is available for researchers to use MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry, and untargeted metabolomics experiments are conducted on a Thermo QExactive mass spectrometer. The facility staff offer expertise and guidance, ensuring researchers have access to the tools and support needed for cutting-edge biological research.

Services Offered

• Proteomics and protein modification analysis
• Protein molecular weight determination
• Quantitative and qualitative mass spectrometry
• Access to Thermo Orbitrap Ascent and Fusion instruments
• Self-service biomolecule mass spectrometry using MALDI-TOF
• Untargeted metabolomics with high resolution QExactive
• Consultation and collaboration on experimental design and data analysis for mass spectrometry projects