Subcellular Imaging: Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy Resource (SIMR)

Getting Started 

For Electron Microscopy Services:

Investigators should contact Kenneth Dunner Jr. by phone at 713-792-8109, or by email at kdunnerj@mdanderson.org, to discuss feasibility of study.

Request services through iLab.

For Optical Microscopy Services:

Equipment reservations are available on iLab.

Appointment instructions for assisted imaging or training:

1. Begin on the Schedule Equipment tab 
2. Click on the View Schedule button for the equipment of interest
3. Click and drag the desired time frame
4. Select training or assisted imaging
5. Core staff will approve your reservation, or will contact you to reschedule
6. Contact staff for specimen hand-over and physical access.

Equipment booking instructions for approved trained users:

1. Begin on the Schedule Equipment tab 
2. Click on the View Schedule button for the equipment of interest
3. Click and drag the desired time frame and confirm your Self Use appointment

For assistance, training and access please contact:

• 3SCR: Dr. Collene Jeter or Han Yang
• 2SCR: Anna Zal

Approved trained users may use equipment 24/7, subject to booking.

Cancelations within 24 hours of appointment, no shows or appointments less than 50% of time booked are subject to a 50% of the scheduled appointment cost. Please contact core staff for more information or to request an exception.

Impact

The SIMR has significantly impacted the research community by providing unparalleled access to advanced optical and electron microscopy tools. As the home to the only scanning electron microscope and the only transmission electron microscope dedicated to research applications on campus, SIMR has enabled researchers to conduct high-resolution imaging and analysis critical for cutting-edge scientific investigations. The resource services to more than 30 departments at MD Anderson, comprising thousands of hours of high-resolution and multispectral fluorescence microscopy annually for users from divisions including Basic Research, Cancer Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Radiation Oncology, among others.

In 2023 alone, the facility delivered 1,299.75 hours of service to 44 investigators, supporting a wide array of research projects. The facility's contributions have led to numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Nature, Cancer Cell, Nature Immunology and Nature Cell Biology. This underscores the quality and significance of the research facilitated by SIMR and enhances the institution's reputation in the scientific community. Additionally, the high ranking in user satisfaction surveys highlights the facility's commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

Contact

Locations

Electron Microscopy

Smith Research Building, Room SRB1.660
7777 Knight Road
Houston, Texas 77030

Optical Microscopy

South Campus Research Building 2:
7455 Fannin St, Rooms 3130 and 3203
Houston, TX 77054

South Campus Research Building 3:
1881 East Rd, Rooms 3210 and 3413
Houston, TX 77054

Electron Microscopy Laboratory Manager

Kenneth Dunner Jr., B.S. (EM certification, Microscopy Society of America)
Phone: 713-792-8109
Email: kdunnerj@mdanderson.org

Optical Microscopy Technical Leader

Collene Jeter, Ph.D.
Email: cjeter@mdanderson.org

Optical Microscopy Laboratory Manager

M. Anna Zal, M.Sc.
Office Phone: 713-563-7306
Email: mazal@mdanderson.org