Services
Tours
The MNIF provides scheduled tours for interested groups and individuals. Tours may be arranged to assist with faculty and student recruitment, and in public awareness. The MNIF is also willing to conduct lab sessions in support of courses in other departments and programs. Call (515) 294-3872 or email or .
Future Developments
The MNIF staff reviews new developments in microscopy instrumentation and techniques for investigators using the MNIF. Suggestions and comments are encouraged from university and industrial investigators on how the MNIF can improve its mission and facilities to better serve its users. In 2006 the MNIF was awarded a large National Science Foundation instrumentation grant to replace its 1989 120kV scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The new 200kV (STEM) instrument will have as state-of-art accessories, a cold stage with an external cryo-preparation and transfer station, an energy dispersive x-ray system, tomography capabilities, and one medium and one high-resolution digital camera. In addition, ISU funded purchasing two new ultramicrotomes and a glass knife maker to support the new STEM. It is expected this new instrument will be installed and operational sometime during Fall 2007.
Iowa Microscopy Society
The MNIF supports the Iowa Microscopy Society (IMS) which is an affiliate of the Microscopy Society of America (MSA). MNIF staff members participate in the activities of MSA, and by presenting contributed and invited posters and talks at local, state, regional, national and international meetings.
