Usage Rates for Fiscal Year 2026

User fees associated with specific services, instruments, training and/or consultation is provided below.
For budget planning purposes, we strongly encourage you to speak with Resource Center staff in advance of initiating use of the Center.

For illustration purposes only, we provide three examples of how researchers typically use the Electron Microscopy Resource Center and the resulting user fees associated with that use:

  1. Conventional TEM of 2 samples (Control and Problem):
    Discussion/consultation (1hr) free
    Sample processing (8hrs, up to six vials)= 8 x 124= $992
    Ultramicrotomy (ultrathin sections) (2 hr/sample)= $248 x 2=$496
    Grid staining: 0.5 hr= $62
    TEM imaging 2 hrs= 2 x $124+ 2 x 59= 240+118= 366
    Total $1916
  2. Conventional SEM of 2 samples (Control and Problem):
    Discussion/consultation (1hr) free
    Sample processing (6hrs, up to six vials)= 6 x 124= $744
    Use of Critical point dryer +Sputter coater $64
    SEM imaging 2 hrs= 2 x $124+ 2 x 59= 248+118= $366
    Total $1174
  3. Training of operation of TEM-SEM for independent use:
    6 hours = $744
    Microscope time waived during training time.

 

EMRC Usage Rates for FY2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
Category I (done by users) Unit RU User Non-RU user
Use of High  pressure freezing /run  $      203.00  $           406.00
Use of Freeze substitution /day  $        72.00  $           144.00
Use of Vitrobot /hour  $        20.00  $             39.00
Use of supporting device: BioWave, Glass knife maker, ultramicrotome; Cryo-Holder Evacuation /hour  $        21.00  $             41.00
Use of supporting device: Sputter/carbon coater and Critical point dryer /run  $        32.00  $             64.00
Scoping EM /hour  $        59.00  $           117.00
Scoping (LM) /hour  $        41.00  $             82.00
Category II (done by EMRC staff) Unit RU User Non-RU user
Initial consultation /hour  FREE  $           206.00
Training /hour  $      124.00  $           206.00
Scoping EM /hour  $      124.00  $           240.00
Labor* /hour  $      124.00  $           206.00
Use of High pressure freezer /run  $      203.00  $           406.00
Use of Freeze substitution* /day  $        72.00  $           144.00
Serial /Cryo  sectioning /hour  $      136.00  $           272.00
Miscellaneous supply unit  $        10.00  $             10.00
Priority is placed for RU projects. Non-RU projects may be accepted depending on capacity and availability of device and/or EMRC staff.
*”Labor” includes but is not limited to the following items:
Processing tissue/cell for TEM or SEM
Immuno-EM
Negative staining
Cryo-EM Preparation
Staining
Use of supporting device: Critical Point Dryer, Ion Sputter, Bio Wave, Evaporator
Ultrathin sectioning
Computer image process and analysis
Methods and assay development

The University reserves the right to modify usage rates.