Animal Models Core Facility at University of Massachusetts Amherst provides transgenic, gene targeting, rederivation, sperm cryopreservation, IVF, and other services to the research community. The core performs microinjections of DNA into fertilized embryos to generate transgenic mice. Uses cutting-edge technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, to generate gene knock-out or knock-in mice or other animal models. In addition, provides mouse surgery service and training, such as tail vein injection and retro-orbital injection. The core is able to customize services as requested to support development of animal models of human diseases in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

The Raman, IR, and XRF Spectroscopy Core provides advanced spectroscopic analysis for the non-destructive characterization of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials. Our complementary spectroscopy platforms enable characterization of compound identity, molecular composition, chemical structure, and elemental composition.
The Core also provides chemical and elemental mapping, allowing users to determine not only what compounds or elements are present, but also where they are distributed within a sample. These capabilities support comprehensive characterization of complex and heterogeneous materials.
We serve academic researchers and industry partners across diverse applications, including biomedical and biological samples, food and agricultural materials, environmental samples, polymers and microplastics, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and elemental/heavy-metal analysis.

The IALS Clinical Testing Center (ICTC) is a CLIA-certified laboratory that provides both clinical and research grade high-throughput sample processing and analysis. Most notably, ICTC has the capabilities and instrumentation to conduct nucleic acid extraction and/or qPCR services at any scale, as well as immunoassay services such as ELISA-based or multiplexed bead-based fluorescence assays. This is a one of a kind facility in the region that is staffed with certified staff members trained in the handling of precious samples.

Located on the 1st floor in the Silvio O. Conte National Center for Polymer Research the Nanofabrication facility is part of a network of cleanroom laboratories that offer both unique and complimentary capabilities. Training can be tailored to the specific set of processes or techniques needed to fabricate and test various devices or materials. Films of numerous metals and ceramics can be applied and patterning as small as 10 nm can be accomplished. A wet chemistry area provides a safe environment for the use of a variety of coatings, solvents, and etchants.

The Device Fabrication facility is aimed towards developing new research tools for life sciences. In the facility, CMOS processing technologies are utilized to enable personalized healthcare and preemptive medicine via smart and miniature devices, circuits, and systems with biomedical applications. Biosensing, DNA sequencing, and smart implanting are key components of the CORE’s tasks. Discovery-based research and translational research is supported in this lab as the Device Fabrication facility wishes to promote the development of new research tools for life science applications.

The Human Magnetic Resonance Center (hMRC) is a state-of-the-art human imaging facility serving Western Massachusetts, providing advanced 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities for clinical, translational, and research applications. The center is equipped with a comprehensive range of radiofrequency (RF) coils to support high-quality brain, body, and musculoskeletal imaging studies.
The MRI system features broadband multinuclear imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) capabilities, enabling the investigation of tissue metabolism, physiology, and molecular pathways beyond conventional proton (1H) imaging. These advanced capabilities support a broad spectrum of research in neuroscience, metabolism, nutrition, aging, oncology, and precision medicine.
The facility's 70 cm wide-bore MRI system enhances participant comfort and accessibility, making it well-suited for life-course imaging studies involving pediatric, adult, and elderly populations, as well as individuals who may benefit from a less restrictive scanning environment.
In addition to human imaging, hMRC supports translational and technology-development research through the evaluation of medical devices, MRI-compatible robotic systems, and advanced materials. The center collaborates extensively with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and industry partners to advance innovation in biomedical imaging and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications.

Preclinical imaging with an Spectrum IVIS-CT, a Bruker CT, and ultrasound.

EM Core Facility offers instrumentation and training for range of Electron Microscopy applications. Instrumentation includes Thermofisher Tundra cryo-TEM, Tecnai T12 TEM, Magellan 400 SEM, JEOL JEM-2200FS, Vitrobot Mark IV, (cryo)microtomes, and other auxiliary equipment.

We offer instrument training and service analysis using a range of mass spectrometry techniques, including ICP-MS for elemental analysis, GC-MS, LC-MS, proteomics, metabolomics, MALDI-TOF and MALDI imaging, HDX-MS

Genomics Resource Laboratory provides high-throughput next-generation DNA sequencing services to academic and to off-campus researchers at affordable rates.
NGS instrumentation includes Illumina MiSeq, Illumina NextSeq 500, and Fluidigm C1 Single-Cell Analysis System.
GRL also has additional instrumentation required for sample processing and DNA/RNA library preparation for NGS. Instrumentation includes - Diagenode Bioruptor Pico Sonicator, Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, Qubit 3.0 Fluorometer, BluePippin (Sage Science) DNA size selection system, FastPrep-24 5G Sample Homogenizer (MP Biomedicals), Stratagene Mx3005P qPCR system, Eppendorf EpMotion 5070 for automated liquid sample dispensing.

Core provides space, equipment, plant and animal cell cultures, media, supplies and training on recharge basis for both academic labs and corporate partners. Labs are equipped with laminar flow hoods, incubators, centrifuges, refrigerators/freezers, basic microscopes and automated cell counters. Offers technical expertise and hands on support for custom research projects. Services include Cell Line expansion and cryopreservation;Stem cell culture;Liquid nitrogen storage;Assay Development/optimization; CRISPR based gene editing and stable clone selection; Mycoplasma testing; Lentiviral packaging, titer, transduction;Molecular biology.

Located on the 5th floor in the Life Science Laboratories on the UMass Amherst campus, the Light Microscopy Facility provides powerful resources for imaging model organisms, tissue, cells, biomaterials, and artificial structures and houses state-of-the-art equipment including almost every light microscopy imaging modality presently available. Cell culture facilities are also available nearby as well as other routine items necessary for biological imaging and material imaging. This facility has been designated a Nikon Centers of Excellence, thus providing a unique opportunity for training, demonstration, instrument development, and research.



The Light Microscopy Facility accepts samples and will perform requested analysis for both on-campus users as well as off-campus academic and industrial partners. We excel in the use of telemicroscopy through the use of remote imaging sessions, remote control of all instruments, and remote data analysis sessions available to all users. Further, we provide training to all users that plan to conduct experimentation. Following an initial consultation in which experimental requirements, expected outcomes, and careful scrutiny of feasibility, training and/or access is arranged through the Director.