1. CONSULT.  Consider a preliminary consultation with the EM staff at no charge to help with project planning including instrument capability, sample-preparation method, and cost estimate.
2. CONTACT.  Let us know your project is coming.  The best way to contact the EM Core is by email:  ndsu.em.core@ndsu.edu will reach both director Scott Payne and laboratory manager Jayma Moore.  Our telephone number is (701) 231-8234.  Provide as much information as possible about your project:
   1. How many samples will you have?
   2. What type of samples are they?  Describe, e.g. dry powder, coated metal, polymer, mechanical parts, liposomes in liquid, etc.  Identify the solvent, if any. 
   3. What type of analysis do you need?  Scanning (regular or field-emission) or transmission (regular or high-resolution) electron microscopy, EDS (energy-dispersive spectroscopy for elemental analysis, elemental mapping), microCT.  If you’re not sure, we can help you decide.  What are you expecting to see (e.g., 50-nm spherical particles, fungal hyphae within cells, porosity)?  Images from published work, your own or that of others, are helpful.  If you need specific magnifications or image types, please specify (e.g., 500X and 2000X secondary and backscatter SEM images; DICOM stack), even if you have done similar work in the past.
   4. How should they be prepared?  We have years of experience, but value your input based on either your own work or publications citing similar studies.  If we have done related projects for you in the past, please provide sample number or image numbers, or a date when the work was done.  NOTE:  samples containing any bacteria, fungi, viruses, or biologics must be appropriately fixed; check with us in advance to be sure your protocol is suitable.
   5. Do you want to be present when we analyze your samples?  For SEM and TEM, you may sit with us at the microscope if you want.  We will set up a mutually agreeable appointment time after we have received and prepared the samples.  Please be prompt, as we begin charging for instrument use at the beginning of your scheduled appointment.  If you prefer, we can simply collect the data and send it to you—you may receive results more quickly this way. 
3. AUTHORIZATION.  Before their first visit only, students must have authorization to perform work and incur charges at the EM Core.  Have your advisor send us an email.  PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS MUST BE OBTAINED for departments that require them (e.g., CCEE, CSI, ECE, IME, ME):  see your Business Coordinator.
4. DELIVERY. Drop off your samples in the lobby of the Northern Crop Science Laboratory, 1307 N. 18 Street, between 8:30 am and 4:30 p.m., when the outside door on the left is unlocked.  The lab is closed for University holidays.  Samples go on the table at the right side of the lobby, beneath the wall phone.  The nearby heater fan moves a lot of air, so use the large rock inscribed “NDSU Electron Microscopy” to weigh down your samples/form.  Be sure samples are clearly labeled and properly contained. 
5. NOTIFICATION.  Email or call to let the staff know that your samples have been delivered, especially if they are time- or temperature-sensitive and you have already arranged for any special handling needed.  FROM THE LOBBY:  you may call us at 8-231-8234 (using wall phone) or 701-231-8234 (on your cell).  If you have not made prior arrangements, we may not be available immediately when you show up.
6. RESULTS.  Projects are completed in the order they are received.  Results will be shared with you as soon as they are available via NDSU Secure File Transfer link.   Please download and save your data to a secure location for permanent storage as the NDSU link expires automatically in a few days.  Reassembly of data sets and creation of new links at a later date requires more staff time and may incur an additional charge.

QUESTIONS?  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email (ndsu.em.core@ndsu.edu) or call us (701.231.8234).