Please use this link to access our shared drive. If you are not a registered user, please request access to Layla or Lauren.

Use this link to reserve large instruments, animal rooms, preclinical imaging systems, and data processing computers.

To ensure a safe, consistent, and effective training experience, all individuals seeking mammalian cell culture hands‑on training must complete the following steps in order:

Step 1: Required Reading

Participants must first read the Cell Culture Basics Handbook, which provides essential background on: laboratory safety and biosafety levels; aseptic technique; cell culture media and environment; subculturing, freezing, and thawing cells; common sources of contamination and troubleshooting. This foundational knowledge is required before proceeding to any practical work.

Download the handbook here. 

Step 2: Knowledge Assessment (Quiz)

After completing the handbook, participants must successfully pass the Mammalian Cell Culture Quiz. The quiz is designed to assess understanding of key concepts necessary for safe and effective cell culture practice.

✅ A 100 passing score is required to advance to hands‑on training.

Step 3: Request Hands‑On Training

Once the quiz has been passed, participants may submit a request for hands‑on training in mammalian cell culture.

Training sessions will focus on practical laboratory skills, including sterile technique, routine passaging, and proper handling of mammalian cells.

Please note: 

• Hands‑on training requests will only be approved after completion of Steps 1 and 2

• Training availability may depend on scheduling and laboratory capacity

To gain access to the Zeiss Cell Discoverer 7 (widefield) and our confocal microscope, all users must complete our mandatory training program. The program is designed to provide you with the necessary theoretical background and practical skills to operate the instruments independently and effectively.

Training Schedule:

Hands-on training sessions are held on a fixed monthly schedule. Please plan your experiments accordingly.

• Widefield Fluorescence Training: First Thursday of each month.

• Confocal Training: Third Thursday of each month.

Note: All new users must complete the widefield training before they are eligible for confocal training.

How to Get Trained:

Our training process consists of three simple steps:

1. Request Training: Fill out the online training request form to tell us about your project.

2. Self-Study & Assessment: You will be provided with study materials. You must pass a brief, in-person written exam at the beginning of your scheduled session.

3. Hands-on Session: After the exam, you will have a practical session using your own samples.

Ready to start? Register here.

Please use this form to request training for light-based devices, power meter, spectroscopy system, plate readers.

Important Note on Training Schedule.  To provide dedicated and focused support, all hands-on training for these instruments is held on Friday mornings according to the following schedule. After you submit a training request, we will assign you to the next available session and confirm the date with you.

Light-Based Devices & Power Meters: First & Third Friday mornings of the month.

UV-VIS, Fluorimeter, & Plate Readers: Second & Fourth Friday mornings of the month.