Central Microscopy

The major goal of the Central Microscopy Research Facility (CMRF) is to provide high-quality microscopy services to cancer research projects, ensuring that Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC) investigators have access to the latest instrumentation and techniques to enhance their work. The facility provides access to approximately $10 million in equipment including light, confocal, and electron microscopy of a variety of different types. It also supports cancer researcher access to specialized staining and embedding of samples, negative staining, metallic coating, autoradiography, cryo-fixation, enzyme and immuno- cytochemistry, morphometry, stereology, X-ray microanalysis and microdissection. The facility is accessible seven days/week, 24 hours/day to trained investigators and staff. The CMRF is directed by Randy Nessler, who has 29 years of experience in this facility, and brings this tremendous experience and expertise to serve the research needs of HCCC investigators. The six full-time staff members have a combined total of +90 years of microscopy research experience, with many years devoted to cancer research.