Cryo-ET Users
New Users
Training Users
Trained Users
New Users
If you are a new user in the early stages of utilizing (or thinking about utilizing) cryo-ET as part of your research questions, reach out to us at cryo-et@lists.upenn.edu. We offer free consultation to help conceive the use of cryo-ET, and help understand the tools available for sample preparation, data acquisition and data processing. We will discuss a roadmap/timeline for your project and its feasibility considering the strengths, challenges and limitations of the techniques. Please note that we have a very limited capacity for new users at any time due to long timelines of existing projects, the complexities of cryo-ET workflows and the intensive nature of training on the instrumentation involved. We therefore choose projects carefully and selectively.
Training Users
Once embarked on a project, the user will be guided through all the steps of experimentation and offered continuous training/help. Training is organized in a modular fashion to reduce the complexity of operations – the exact timeline for independence varies highly based on previous exposure to cryo-operations, familiarity to light and electron microscopy concepts and operations, and the complexity of the instrumentation involved. Users under training will closely work with the managers to book assisted sessions on all the relevant microscopes. Since training/assistance cost more than just the microscope reservation, it is in the user’s best interest to invest as much time and effort as possible to become independent faster (see Instrumentation for associated costs). For sessions on the Krios, please reach out to cryo-et@lists.upenn.edu after discussing with your assisting manager. For sessions on the Crossbeam 550, reach out to cryo-et@lists.upenn.edu or plan with your assisting manager directly depending on the needs. The managers can be available outside of microscope sessions as well to help with troubleshooting or advanced topics.
Trained Users
Once trained on an equipment, users will be given access to the corresponding calendar on iLab where they can make your own reservations. This pertains to all equipment except the Krios and Crossbeam 550. For sessions on the Krios and Crossbeam 550, please reach out to cryo-et@lists.upenn.edu. The managers can be available during or outside of microscope sessions to help with troubleshooting or advanced topics – it is helpful to notify them in advance when anticipating such needs.
Research Resource Identifier (RRID)
Our RRID is RRID:SCR_022375. Please cite us using this identifier when publishing your results.