Research Core Facility Directory

The Physics Machine Shop provides essential assistance in the design, construction, and repair of scientific instruments utilized in the research efforts of the College of Natural Sciences departments. This center is dedicated to ensuring that researchers have access to reliable and efficient equipment, facilitating innovative research across various scientific disciplines.

Services Offered

• Custom design and fabrication of scientific instruments
• Repair and maintenance of research equipment
• Precision machining and prototyping
• Consultation on mechanical and instrument design

Services Offered

• Experimental studies on rock permeability and fluid flow
• Pore-scale imaging and analysis
• Research on reservoir quality and hydrocarbon recovery
• Collaboration on petroleum and geoscience research

The Multiphoton/Confocal Microscope is a state-of-the-art, high-resolution imaging system designed for multi-platform applications. This advanced microscope is particularly well-suited for the bioscience and biomedical engineering fields, enabling high-speed, high-resolution image capture in various modes without disturbing the sample. Its versatility and precision make it an invaluable tool for researchers conducting detailed studies in dynamic biological environments.

Services Offered

• High-resolution 2-photon and confocal microscopy
• Imaging of live cells and tissues
• Multi-modal fluorescence capabilities
• Support for biomedical and life sciences research

Services Offered

• Testing of rock strength and deformation properties
• Simulation of subsurface stress conditions
• Analysis of fracture and faulting in rocks
• Consulting on geotechnical and energy applications

The Sauer Structural Biology Laboratory is a state-of-the-art cryo-EM facility that houses a TFS Titan Krios and a TFS Glacios. The Krios is equipped with a Gatan BioContinuum imaging filter and K3 direct electron detector, enabling its use for high-resolution single-particle and tomographic imaging of macromolecular machines. The TFS Glacios is equipped with a TFS Falcon IV direct electron detector for high-resolution single-particle imaging and a TFS CETA-D camera for high-resolution micro -ED data. The facility also houses the equipment required for high-resolution structure determination of thin vitrified samples.

Services Offered

• Cryo-electron microscopy for macromolecular imaging
• High-resolution structure determination
• Sample preparation for cryo-EM
• Data analysis and visualization for structural biology research

Services Offered

• Sediment composition and texture analysis
• Grain size distribution and mineralogy
• Analysis of depositional environments
• Support for geological and environmental research

The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Laboratory offers micro to nanoscale SEM imaging and chemical analysis of various rock types, playing a critical role in a wide range of funded research projects related to reservoir characterization, fracture measurements and interpretation, and unconventional resources. Equipped with a newly acquired Zeiss Sigma High Vacuum Field Emission SEM, the laboratory specializes in generating large-area, high-resolution, automated image mosaics for fracture-scaling studies. This advanced imaging capability supports innovative research in geological sciences and resource exploration.

Services Offered

• Scanning electron microscopy for micro- to nanoscale imaging
• Elemental analysis via EDS and WDS
• High-resolution imaging for geological samples
• Consulting on SEM techniques and data interpretation

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 STEM Stockroom is a self-service facility that provides a wide range of stock items for purchase, including chemicals, laboratory supplies, hardware, and office supplies. This convenient resource is designed to support the diverse needs of researchers and students, ensuring easy access to essential materials for scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Services Offered

• Inventory of lab supplies and consumables
• Chemicals, hardware, and glassware for purchase
• Access to office and laboratory materials
• Convenient self-service for researchers and students

The Targeted Therapeutic Drug Discovery & Development Program (TTP) is the administrative unit responsible for providing access to advanced technologies and expertise that facilitate the translation of research into new cancer treatments. The program focuses on supporting cancer scientists and clinicians through an integrated approach to targeted molecular drug discovery, bringing together key disciplines to achieve their research goals within a unified platform. TTP staff collaborate closely with investigators, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed for successful therapeutic development

Services Offered

• Drug discovery and development support for cancer therapies
• Screening and validation of therapeutic targets
• Collaboration with cancer researchers and clinicians
• Translational research to bring therapies to clinical trials

The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) is the administrative unit responsible for designing and operating some of the world’s most powerful computing resources to support research and innovation. The center’s mission is focused on enabling discoveries that advance science and society through the application of advanced computing technologies. TACC staff work closely with researchers across various disciplines, providing expertise and support to maximize the impact of high-performance computing on scientific inquiry and societal challenges.

Services Offered

• High-performance computing resources
• Data storage and cloud computing solutions
• Customizable research workflows and software access
• Training and support in computational research methods

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a cutting-edge analytical technique primarily employed for the rapid, precise, and accurate determination of trace elements (less than 1000 ppm) in both liquid and solid samples. In addition to trace element analysis, ICP-MS is also utilized for isotopic determinations and speciation studies. The modern ICP-MS system excels in its ability to measure trace elements at extremely low detection limits (down to sub parts per trillion levels) while simultaneously quantifying minor and major elements at parts per million levels during a single analytical run on appropriately diluted samples. This versatility makes ICP-MS an invaluable tool for a wide range of geochemical and environmental research applications.

Services Offered

• Isotope ratio analysis for geological samples
• Radiogenic isotope measurements (e.g., Sr, Nd, Pb)
• Support for geochronology and petrology research
• Collaboration on isotope geochemistry studies

TMI is the administrative unit responsible for providing state-of-the-art instrumentation and infrastructure to support materials research at UT-Austin. TMI oversees a variety of specialized facilities, each managed by Ph.D.-level experts, that offer resources for thin film and nano/micro fabrication, x-ray scattering, electron and atomic force microscopy, surface and bulk spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and electronic and optoelectronic testing. TMI staff provide essential support to researchers across these facilities, ensuring access to advanced tools and expertise for innovative materials research.

Services Offered

• Materials synthesis and characterization
• Access to microscopy and spectroscopy facilities
• Thin-film and nanomaterials research
• Consulting on material properties and testing

Progression through the drug development process ranges from characterization of the lead compound to in vivo efficacy studies. At TherapeUTex, our goal is to aid and guide the development of drug products and technologies through this development process by providing services including drug formulation and delivery, in vitro and in vivo preclinical and proof-of-concept studies, lab-scale formulation, stability studies, and production. State-of-the-art analytical technologies and facilities at TherapeUTex provide the necessary tools to deliver the trustworthy results our customers expect. Our scientists, together with collaborating scientists from academia and industry, provide broad expertise in the pharmaceutical and biotech fields, with the flexibility to customize projects tailored to our clients’ needs.

Services Offered

• Drug Formulation and Delivery
• Preclinical and Proof-of-Concept Studies
• Lab-Scale Formulation and Stability Testing
• Analytical Services
• In Vivo Modeling

The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory specializes in measuring the isotopic compositions and elemental concentrations of various elements, including Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, U-Th-Pb, Li, B, Mg, K, Zr, and rare earth elements (REE). The laboratory is equipped with a seven-collector Finnigan MAT 261 thermal ionization mass spectrometer, along with a single-channel ion-counting system. This advanced instrumentation supports a wide range of geochemical research, providing critical data for understanding elemental and isotopic processes.

Services Offered

• High-precision isotope ratio measurements
• Thermal ionization mass spectrometry for geochemistry
• Sample preparation and analysis
• Training in TIMS techniques for isotope analysis

Services Offered

• (U-Th)/He and (Ar-Ar) geochronology services
• Noble gas isotope analysis
• Sample preparation and irradiation
• Support for tectonics, petrology, and geochronology research

Services Offered

• Aqueous geochemistry analysis
• Sample preparation and chemical treatments
• Analysis of environmental and geological samples
• Collaboration on water and soil chemistry studies

The X-ray Diffraction Facility at UT Austin’s Department of Chemistry offers comprehensive X-ray diffraction services for single crystal and powder samples. Equipped with advanced diffractometers, the facility supports both academic and external research needs, providing options for user-operated and lab-assisted analysis. Through rigorous safety and instrument training, graduate-level researchers can gain access for independent sample analysis, contributing to studies across chemistry and materials science.

Services Offered

• Crystallographic analysis of solid materials
• Phase identification and quantification
• X-ray powder diffraction for materials research
• Training in XRD data interpretation and analysis