NMC COVID-19 Update on Operations
Updated on 08/03/2020
Please view our NMC Operational Plan, which has been approved by the Neuroscience Center. Effective August 1st, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We have begun to perform new user trainings. If you would like to request a training, please fill out a training request form on iLab. NMC staff will contact you to schedule a training consultation to discuss imaging and training options within 24 hours. Please note that it may take longer to schedule a training now than it did before the COVID guidelines were in place. If you have any questions about what system might be best for your experiments please contact core staff at neuro-microscopy@unc.edu and we would be happy to discuss options with you.
Here is an overview of the general process for a new user training in the NMC at this time:
- User submits a Training Request on our iLab site.
- NMC staff reaches out to confirm receipt of the Training Request and to schedule a consultation to discuss imaging needs.
- NMC staff and new user have a ~30 minute consultation by Zoom to discuss imaging needs and expectations for the next steps.
- New user drops off an example sample to be imaged in the ‘Sample Drop Off Area’ in 5110 MEJ.
- NMC staff confirms that the new user’s sample can be imaged successfully on the equipment discussed in the consultation.
- Training Session #1
Please note that MEJ will continue to be badge-access only for the time being. If you do not already have badge access to MEJ, we will have to work with the SOM badge office and Neuroscience Center staff to process a building access request prior to your first reservation in the NMC.
Scheduling restrictions are in place to ensure that users can have flexibility to reserve time on the equipment, ensure adherence to lab, Neuroscience Center, and SOM policy guidelines, allow staff time to clean and disinfect, and let the room air turn over for safety of both users and NMC staff. Based on feedback from the user survey, users would prefer systems be unavailable for staff disinfection and maintenance midday on weekdays and available for night and weekend reservations with more flexibility. We have implemented a 30-minute buffer period in iLab that will automatically be added to the end of each reservation. In order to ensure the safety of NMC staff, the buffer time requirement also applies to reservations that occur prior to staff disinfection reservations. Adherence to unoccupied 30 minute buffer times is critical to ensure there is no overlap between users and to ensure the next user does not enter the room when liquid droplets are most likely to still be present from the previous user.
The following calendar features the time periods for each room/system when user reservations are restricted and time is reserved for NMC staff cleaning/disinfection and staggered scheduling to minimize passing contact between users
As the COVID pandemic has continued to affect research on campus, we have received more requests for ‘microscopy for hire’, occasions when NMC staff are requested to image samples/perform analysis for a lab/project. We are dedicated to providing support for all your imaging needs and are open to discuss the many possible options available. Please contact us by email to arrange for a consultation to discuss options that may best suit your imaging needs
Contact us: neuro-microscopy@unc.edu
Michelle Itano (itano@unc.edu)
Dan Keeley (daniel_keeley@med.unc.edu)
Preman Koshar (preman@email.unc.edu)