EM CCMI: Training

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Investigators who are interested in using electron microscopes and other equipment in the EM facility are required to demonstrate competency on the instrument they propose to operate. To that end, the EM core facility offers practical training in electron microscopy at both basic and advanced levels. Trainees will learn principles of electron microscopy, operating and optimizing procedures of the electron microscope, and other skills necessary to acquire good-quality EM images. Successful completion of individual training is required before a user is allowed to operate EM independently and to access other resources in the core facility.

Due to demand, training should be requested at least 2 weeks in advance. 

Training sessions will be performed on the FEI Tecnai T12, Biotwin, F20 cryo EM, or TF20 tomography microscopes, depending on applicable EM studies. One-on-one training is arranged in 2-hour sessions, and 3 to 5 sessions are generally given based on the trainee’s skill level and imaging needs. Training should be completed within 8 to 10 weeks after the initial training session. Trainees will be required to pass a practical test during the final training session. This will grant independent access to the microscopes and to schedule future independent EM sessions using the online scheduler. The prepaid 6 hours of EM time (basic training only) will allow new authorized users to practice and improve their skills after the training is completed. Unused prepaid hours expire 3 months after successful completion of training. After-hours access to microscopes is allowed only after the user has demonstrated the ability to independently operate the microscope in an appropriate manner.

Investigators who have qualified on instruments elsewhere must be instructed in the use of the current equipment and pass the practical test. If further training is required, scheduled sessions will be available. Individual operators must be able to assess the working condition of an instrument, and they will be held responsible for informing the facility staff if an instrument is not performing properly.

Training and access to the advanced FEG (Field Emission Gun)-equipped electron microscopes are provided and authorized by the EM facility director/manager. Advanced training for cryo EM and electron tomography is available only to users who have specific imaging needs, and who have completed the basic EM training and accumulated at least 20 hours on the Biotwin or T12 in the EM facility. Training on EM specimen preparation equipment or ultramicrotome sectioning is also available.