Hooker Imaging Core

Overview of Services

The Hooker Imaging Core (HIC) is an open core providing instrumentation, training and expertise in light and electron microscopy for the UNC biomedical research community and outside users.

Available light microscopy equipment includes point scanning confocals, a GEHC IN Cell Analyzer 2200 high content imaging system, an Olympus VivaView long term imaging system, two inverted widefield microscopes (applications include fluorescence, phase contrast, DIC and fast ratio imaging), a Leica fluorescence stereo-microscope, and an upright widefield microscope with color camera.  For image processing and analysis, there is an offline workstation with commercial (Volocity and Imaris) and open source (ICY, Fiji/ImageJ, etc.) softwares. An incubator with 5% CO₂ and 37ºC and biosafety laminar hood are available for preparation of live samples.  

For electron microscopy, the HIC maintains a FEI Tecnai 12 transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a Gatan Rio 16 camera (4K x 4K). We provide full service and technical consultation and operational training for biological TEM sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis. Sample preparation methods include negative staining, immuno-labeling, routine morphology and conventional processing/embedding, along with ultra-thin sectioning (Lecia UC7).  Users can also choose to learn how to prepare their own samples, operate the microscope, and take images.  

Getting Started

Users must be trained by HIC staff to use instruments independently.  

• For light microscope projects, please submit a Request for Training form via iLab.
• For TEM-based project (via service or training), please contact Paul Risteff, paul_risteff@med.unc.edu, to discuss your needs and design a plan.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement of the HIC is required in all publications that include data from HIC resources.  Here is a template:  
       Microscopy was performed at the UNC Hooker Imaging Core Facility, supported in part by P30 CA016086 Cancer Center Core Support Grant to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Note that some journals include acknowledgements in plagarism scanning, so rewording may be appropriate.

Some specific instruments require additional acknowledgements:

• Leica STELLARIS 8 FALCON STED:  NIH grant 1S10OD030300 instrumentation grant to Dr. Stephanie Gupton
• Keyence BZ-X810: 2022 Impact Innovation Grant from the NC Biotech Center to Dr. Andrea Azcarate-Peril
• GEHC IN Cell Analyzer 2200: 2016 Impact Innovation Grant from the NC Biotech Center to Dr. Kenneth Pearce

Location and hours of operation

Hours:  Instrumentation available 24/7 to trained users.  Staff on-site M-F 9am-5pm (except institutional and personal holidays).
Location: 2nd Floor Taylor Hall, 109 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. 

Hooker Imaging Core Webpage on the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology website

Leadership

Core Director:   Wendy Salmon, MA   |  wendy_salmon@med.unc.edu  |   236 Taylor Hall
Core Faculty Advisors:   Stephanie Gupton, PhD (LM) and Joe Costello, PhD (EM) 

Contacts

Available Equipment and Resources