Facility Details

The Genomics Resource Center offers comprehensive services and state-of-the-art instruments to support genomics research. The approximately 3000 sq. ft. center houses an Illumina NovaSeq, two NextSeq, one MiSeq sequencers, a 10X Genomics Chromium Single Cell System, and Life Technologies QuantStudio 12K flex realtime PCR system. The center also provides several accessory instruments for sample quantity and quality validation: Agilent Bioanalyzer, Agilent TapeStation, NanoDrop spectrophotometer, and Qubit spectrophotometer.

For the next-generation DNA sequencing service, the center offers full services for genomic DNA-Seq and RNA-Seq, specializing in preparation of libraries from a very small amount of starting total RNA. Users can also prepare their own libraries and use the center’s sequencing-only services. The center offers free consultations on experimental designs, library preparation options, sequencer choice, sequencing depth and coverage, and biological replicates. The center performs initial sequencing data analysis for all users, and can assist with downstream analysis.

The center is staffed by six personnel and is directed by Connie Zhao, Ph.D. Dr. Zhao received her Ph.D. in molecular genetics from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and did postdoctoral studies with Jeff Friedman at The Rockefeller University. She has led the center since 2003. In her role as the Director of the GRC, Dr. Zhao has been very successful in implementing new technologies, adding SNP genotyping, micro RNA profiling, next-generation DNA sequencing, and single cell assays. The center is staffed during regular business hours and is accessible 24/7 with valid RU key cards. The center offers several instruments for use by trained users at no charge.