WELCOME!
About MicRoN
The Microscopy Resources on the North Quad (MicRoN) core, established in 2017 by the Departments of Genetics, Immunology, and Microbiology, serves all HMS researchers, including affiliated hospitals and biotech companies. Unlike traditional microscopy cores, MicRoN operates as a decentralized, "floating" facility, with instruments integrated within the departments. This model fosters a uniquely collaborative environment, encouraging interaction and knowledge-sharing among trainees and researchers across different fields.
At MicRoN, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a Catalyst Core, we see our researchers as individuals, each with unique challenges and goals. Our PhD-level team works closely with students, postdocs, and faculty, offering personalized guidance and support at every step—from project development to data analysis. We're deeply committed to partnering with our trainees, not just to advance their research but also to foster their growth as scientists. Furthermore, we consistently evaluate the requirements of HMS researchers, making necessary updates to its instruments to meet both current and future demands.
We aim to go beyond providing technical expertise. At MicRoN, we reduce barriers to conducting microscopy by offering hands-on, tailored assistance throughout the entire imaging process. Whether optimizing your experimental design, mastering our instruments, or enhancing your microscopy skills, we ensure your research is both rigorous and reproducible while giving you the support you need to thrive as an individual researcher.
We are proud of working with the Departments of Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology and all the trainees that cufrrently work with us. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Our Mission
- Provide PhD-level, dedicated microscopy expertise to advise, train, assist and empower our trainees.
- Foster a collaborative research environment where every scientist is valued as an individual.
- Provide personalized, hands-on support throughout the entire imaging workflow, partnering with researchers to overcome technical challenges and accelerate discoveries.
- Advance image-based science with innovative strategies and rigorous methodologies while nurturing the growth of each researcher, ensuring their success as both scientists and individuals.
- Reduce the "energy barrier" for using new microscopy technologies.
- Provide technical support and basic maintenance of our microscopes.
- Evaluate our community research needs to meet both current and future demands.
Our Commitment to DEI
Now that you know about us, we want to let you know that we're thrilled to have you at MicRoN, and we want you to know that MicRoN is a safe space where everyone is welcome. We believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity. No matter who you are, where you come from, or how you identify, we celebrate and value your unique perspective. Our community is enriched by the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and voices of each individual.
In MicRoN, we are all about fairness and equality. We want to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and be heard. Discrimination, harassment, and prejudice have no place at MicRoN and instead, we encourage open conversations, mutual respect, and a genuine desire to understand and learn from one another.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment that fosters communication and education is our top priority. We want you to feel comfortable being yourself and expressing your ideas. Your experiences and viewpoints matter to us, and we are committed to providing a space where you can thrive and grow alongside us and the other trainees that use our core.
We know that we're not perfect, but we're dedicated to continuous improvement. We value your feedback and input as we strive to make our local community even more inclusive and welcoming. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a transformative experience for every member. Join us in embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering an inclusive community. We can't wait to embark on this journey with you and create something truly special together.
Advanced Imaging Specialist
Advanced Imaging Specialist
MicRoN Events
Resources
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Recent Research and Publications
Emma West, a Ph.D. candidate from the Cepko lab recently published a paper! Check it out here!
MicRoN publishes on standardizing microscopy methods reporting!
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OMERO
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Policies
1. Training requirement: You only have access to equipment you have been trained on by a member of the MicRoN staff and currently have access to in your PMS account.
2. Acknowledgement agreement: The MicRoN is supported by Harvard University through a TnT grant. To help us with grant renewal, we ask users to please acknowledge the "Microscopy Resources on the North Quad (MicRoN) core at Harvard Medical School" in any publications or public presentations that contain data acquired or analyzed in the MicRoN core.
3. Record microscopy usage: You must log onto and sign out any MicRoN microscope computers using your PPMS credentials.
4. Booking and using the microscopes: Please, do not let another person use the time you have book under your name. Cancel your remaining session and ask other users to book the microscope. Please, never share your eCommons/PPMS credentials with other users.
5. MicRoN users are not authorized to train or allow others to use a microscope in the MicRoN core. Please, do not allow anyone to use the microscopes if they haven’t been trained by the MicRoN staff.
6. Reservation limitations: The reservation limitations for each microscope are described at the top of the microscope's PPMS online scheduling page. If you are in dire need for more time, please contact the MicRoN manager (paula_monterollopis@hms.harvard.edu).
7. Cancellation Policy: You must cancel your session as soon as you know you don't need it. Cancelling less than 24h in advance results in the charge of 50% of the fee, unless the session is booked by another user. No-show sessions result in billing 100% of the fee.
8. Report problems: Please if you notice that a microscope is not working appropriately or if you are not sure how to use the equipment, please report it to the MicRoN staff. If you break a slide/coverslip/dish, or drip a liquid/solution onto any part of the imaging system, or in any other way may have caused damage, you must report the problem immediately. You will not be in trouble if you report an issue/possible damage, only if you fail to do so.
9. Please, do not change the equipment: Do not remove objectives, filter cubes, or any microscope part you are not authorized to. Same for installing software, or reconfiguring settings in the acquisition software.
10. Data Managment: Please note, microscope computers are not long-term data storage devices. Please back up your data into your server/hard-drive as soon as possible.
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Microscopy Information and Education
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Fluorophores
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Protocols and Sample Preparation
There is oil everywhere!!
Sample Preparation