College of Natural Sciences

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

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

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

The Mass Spectrometry Imaging Facility at UT Austin provides cutting-edge tools for spatially resolved chemical analysis of biological and material samples. Using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, the facility enables high-resolution molecular imaging for applications in biomolecular research, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Services include sample preparation, data acquisition, and interpretation of spatial distributions of biomolecules, metabolites, and other compounds. The facility offers expert guidance and collaboration opportunities to support researchers in gaining detailed chemical insights at the microscale.

Services Offered

• Imaging mass spectrometry for spatial analysis of samples
• Chemical mapping of biological and material specimens
• High-resolution molecular imaging
• Support for research in biomolecular and tissue analysis
• Data analysis and visualization services

The Advanced Protein Therapeutics (APT) Core at UT Austin supports the development of therapeutic proteins through a suite of cutting-edge services. Specializing in protein engineering, production, and biophysical characterization, the APT provides researchers with access to high-throughput phage, bacteria, yeast, and mammalian library platforms and state-of-the-art analytical tools. Core services include custom protein expression, discovery, engineering, purification, and characterization of next generation antibodies and enzymes. APT staff work closely with investigators, offering technical expertise and collaborative support to advance therapeutic innovations.

Services Offered

• Strategic protein library design & screening
• Custom protein expression & purification
• Biophysical & mechanistic characterization
• Collaboration on therapeutics development
• Training on protein engineering techniques

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