In a unique arrangement established in 1988, the Electron Microscopy Center is housed in the USDA's Northern Crop Science Laboratory, occupying a 3500-square-foot wing designed specifically for electron microscopy (see schematic, right).  Establishment of a university laboratory within a USDA-owned building on the university campus represents an on­going longterm cooperative agreement between the USDA-ARS and NDSU, and has resulted in many joint research efforts.

The central portion of the laboratory is designed for sample preparation with stainless steel fume hoods and storage cabinets at one end.  Surrounding the preparation area are rooms for confocal light microscopy, ultramicrotomy, and water circulators-chillers; photographic darkrooms; a conference room, offices for the research specialists and the director; and four rooms designed for installation and operation of electron microscopes (including vibration pads, isolated centrally plumbed water and nitrogen lines, etc.)

The EM Center is equipped with two transmission electron microscopes, two scanning electron microscopes with energy dispersive x-ray capabilities, and a confocal scanning light microscope, plus brightfield and darkfield light microscopes and film-based and digital photographic capability.  In addition, the NDSU Microscopy Center is staffed by experienced scientists with demonstrated knowledge and expertise in techniques and procedures required to successfully complete your objectives.