Analytical research facility specializing in X-ray materials characterization techniques, sample preparation and data analysis.

Associated with Virginia Tech's Fralin Life Sciences Institute, this light microscopy research resource facility offers confocal, extended and super resolution, and lightsheet imaging options, as well as assistance and training for researchers. The FAIM also has educational resources available for light microscopy basics, and image processing and analysis.

The Genomics Sequencing Center (GSC) at Virginia Tech Fralin Institute is a dedicated multi-user resource for the development and application of state-of-the-art, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies. GSC is a “one-stop shop” providing rapid, cost-effective, experimental design consultation, and genomic and functional-genomics services using Illumina’s NovaSeq, NextSeq and MiSeq systems. Quality control and quality assurance metrics are incorporated into each standard operating procedure to monitor performance of each service provided. Liquid handling robots and a custom Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) increase throughput, efficiency and quality of the data generated and allow sample tracking in real time. We have the expertise and capacity to extend our support to research projects performed at any scale, in a very efficient and organized manner. In fact, GSC has supported over 700 individual PIs worldwide. We also provide our expertise and capabilities for grant applications to various funding agencies.

SERVICES OFFERED:

Next-Gen Sequencing Platforms:
NovaSeq
NextSeq
MiSeq
Thermo Ion S5

DNA Library Preps:
DNA-Seq
Nextera
Methy-Seq
Exome Capture
16S/18S/ITS Amplicon Sequencing
Metagenomic Sequencing

RNA Library Preps:
mRNA-Stranded-Seq
Small RNA-Seq
Total Stranded RNA-Seq
Ultra Low Input mRNA-Seq (10-100 cells)

Multiplexing large number of samples

qPCR services using SYBR Green and TagMan assays

Nucleic Acid QC:
Agilent BioAnalyzer and TapeStation
qPCR services of NGS libraries
Qubit

Sanger Sequencing Services

Targeted and untargeted metabolomics and proteomics resources

VBI's Data Analysis Core (DAC) is a dedicated multi-user resource that provides state-of-the-art data analysis support for biologically related research. The DAC was created to remove data analysis as an obstacle to performing the highly complex and data-intensive experiments required to solve modern problems in life science research. We have experienced staff available to provide guidance and support in designing and executing on properly powered and controlled experiments.

Services

At the DAC, a wide range of services are available to solve the data analysis bottleneck. We offer services ranging from training and self-serve workstations preloaded with necessary software to full service project support. Next generation sequencing projects include the analysis, assembly, and annotation of genomic sequence information including protein function prediction, variant/allele discovery, and expression analysis (CHIP-seq, RNA-seq, DNA-reseq, SNP-seq, and others). For gene expression (Affymetrix or custom), we offer statistical expression analysis, normalization, quality analysis, filtering customized to the experimental design, hierarchical clustering, and, when appropriate, function analysis. Custom array design for both oligonucleotide and proteomics arrays as well as target design for deep sequencing experiments are also available. For proteomics, we offer statistical expression analysis, pathway and GO analysis. All services result in manuscript-ready figures and text.