Shared Research Institute Facilities
Virginia Tech's investment institutes offer all researchers access to spaces where they are exposed to new ideas, instrumentation, technologies, and services. In these facilities, researchers also have access to expert consultation that can help expand their research programs.
Genomics Sequencing Center
The Genomics Sequencing Center offers the necessary combination of highly-skilled molecular biologists and the latest in Next-Generation Sequencing technologies to help research clients realize successful end goals.
This resource is shared university-wide.
Included Equipment:
- Illumina NovaSeq 6000 and NextSeq
- MiSeq
- Library Prep and Liquid Dispensing Robots
- ABI 3730XL for Sanger Sequencing
- ABI’s ViiA7 for qPCR
Mass Spectrometry Incubator
The Mass Spectrometry Research Incubator (VT-MSI) is an open facility that supports Virginia Tech's research infrastructure as a mass spectrometry analysis and education center. The facility provides the tools and skills needed for answering key questions in chemical and life sciences research.
This resource is shared university-wide.
Included Equipment:
- Mass spectrometry-based proteomic and metabolomics
Fralin Imaging Center
A state-of-the-art Zeiss LSM 880 confocal laser scanning microscope is available to Virginia Tech researchers through the Fralin Imaging Center. The instrument is operated on a fee-for-use basis as a university service center.
This resource is shared university-wide.
Included Equipment:
- Zeiss LSM 880 confocal laser scanning microscope
Materials Characterization Lab
The Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL) is a shared research facility providing access to a range of advanced instrumentation for materials characterization, as well as sample preparation and fabrication. Housed in Kelly Hall, it is operated by the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science and the Macromolecules Innovation Institute, with support from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
This resource is shared university-wide.
Included Equipment:
- A complete list of instrumentation is available here
Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory
The Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory is equipped with more than $10 million in highly specialized equipment for the synthesis and characterization of nanoscale materials, including instrumentation for electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and several spectroscopic techniques. The facility also provides training for students and researchers and short courses and characterization services for industry.
It is the site of the Virginia Tech Center for Earth and Environmental Nanotechnology, one of sixteen nodes in the National Science Foundation's national nanotechnology network and one uniquely well-equipped to meet the specific needs of this emerging area of nanoscience.
This resource is shared university-wide.
Included Equipment:
- A complete equipment list can be found here.
Virginia Tech Drone Park
With a footprint of 120' by 300', the 85' high Virginia Tech Drone Park is the tallest netted flight facility in the United States and offers the largest free-span flight area. The facility provides flight space, training, and education for students, researchers, and the community.
This resource is shared university-wide.
Included Equipment:
- Drones available for use on request, with training
- Lab space with tools for building, modifying, and repairing aircraft