We recognize that every research group is different. We offer flexible, tailored support — as hands-on or hands-off as needed — based on your project's goals and complexity. Our role is to work collaboratively with users — offering as much or as little guidance as required — while always prioritizing the development of user independence and long-term success. We meet with groups, either remotely or in person, to assess project goals and determine the most effective level of support. Whether you need full assistance through your first experiment or targeted advice for a specific challenge, our goal is not just to help you succeed now, but to equip you with the skills and confidence to succeed independently in the future.

Together, we help new users gain the synchrotron experience they need to become self-sufficient, returning users down the road. Each of our team members has special expertise in one or more synchrotron techniques, including microcomputed tomography, soft and hard X-ray spectroscopy, diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy, enabling research across a variety of applications, including health, agriculture, environment, and materials science.

Check out some of the successful research supported by our group. Your project could be next to join this list!

• Publications - Strategic Support

Proposal Development and Experimental Design

We collaborate with researchers to develop successful synchrotron proposals, helping refine scientific objectives, identify optimal experimental strategies, and select the most suitable beamline techniques. Whether you're submitting for the first time or refining an advanced project, we work with you to position your proposal for success.

Sample Preparation

High-quality data begins with well-prepared samples. We provide specialized support and training for sample preparation techniques essential to synchrotron experiments, including the use of glove boxes, thin sectioning equipment, and critical point dryers. Our team helps users optimize sample handling, mounting, and preparation methods for a variety of materials, such as soft tissues, food, plants, and gels. We ensure that users are equipped with both the skills and knowledge to prepare samples confidently and effectively for their experiments.

Data Acquisition and Advanced Analysis

From beamline setup to data collection, we provide direct support throughout your experiment. Our team has extensive expertise in the full suite of software tools needed for synchrotron data processing, analysis, and visualization. We provide hands-on training to ensure users not only acquire high-quality data but also gain the skills to confidently process and interpret their results. Whether you are working with tomography, spectroscopy, or diffraction data, we are here to guide you through the analysis pipeline — from raw data to publishable figures.

Science Communication and Publication Support

We assist users in transforming their findings into impactful scientific outputs. Our support includes data interpretation, figure preparation, and integration of synchrotron results into manuscripts and presentations. We aim to ensure your work is clearly and effectively communicated to the broader scientific community.

Cover art publication DOIs: 10.1021/acs.cgd.3c01130, 10.1111/nph.19571, and 10.1111/pce.13431

Come find us at an upcoming event! For a complete list of future conferences, workshops, or schools, visit our events page!