Nuclear & Chemical Science Core Facility
INSTRUMENTATION & SERVICES
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE
The NMR Spectroscopy Laboratory is a central University facility that provides access to state-of-the-art NMR instrumentation. The equipment has been funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute, and the M.J. Murdock Chairitable Trust. The NMR lab is open for users from across the WSU campuses and from outside institutions.
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
The NSC User Facility is equipped Bruker D8 Venture single crystal x-ray diffractometer and a Bruker D2 Phaser powder x-ray diffractometer. The PXRD is capable of measuring the x-ray diffraction powder pattern in a matter of 15 minutes to an hour.
SMALL & WIDE ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING
The NSC User Facility is equipped with a Xenocs Xeuss HR 3.0 capable of small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) measurements in transmission or in Grazing Incidence (GI-SAXS/WAXS) as well as Ultra-SAXS measurements to provide comprehensive structural information on all types of samples.
X-RAY ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
The NSC User Facility is equipped with an easyXAFS 300+, which is capable of high-powered XAFS data collection for rapid measurements and high efficiency x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) without the need for a synchrotron.
GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY
The NUCS Core Facility is equipped with four HP-Ge detectors of various efficiencies useful for quantification of trace elements in materials in nano-Ci activities and identifications of gamma-emitting radioisotopes used in nuclear and radiochemistry research. QA/QC validation of each detector can be provided upon request.
DYNAMIC LIGHT SCATTERING
The NUCS Core Facility is equipped with a Malvern Pro Blue Dynamic Light scattering instrument which is capable of measuring the particle and molecular size in addition to the zetapotential of colloids.
LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTING
The NUCS Core Facility maintains two liquid scintillation counters for use by the WSU community. Please email or.nsc@wsu.edu for details.
THERMOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH LABORATORY
The NUCS Core Facility is equipped with a Malvern Pro Blue Dynamic Light scattering instrument which is capable of measuring the particle and molecular size in addition to the zetapotential of colloids.
FLOW CYTOMETRY | WSU SPOKANE
Flow cytometry is a highly quantitative high throughput technique to accurately detect and quantitate various cell components at the single-cell level. Flow cytometry works by passing a fluid sample through a narrow tube, where cells are illuminated by a laser beam. The scattered and fluorescent light emitted by the cells is detected and analyzed by a series of optical and electronic components.
HISTOLOGY | WSU SPOKANE
Flow cytometry is a highly quantitative high throughput technique to accurately detect and quantitate various cell components at the single-cell level. Flow cytometry works by passing a fluid sample through a narrow tube, where cells are illuminated by a laser beam. The scattered and fluorescent light emitted by the cells is detected and analyzed by a series of optical and electronic components.
MASS SPECTROMETRY | WSU SPOKANE
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique for accurately measuring the mass of molecules, identifying unknown compounds within a sample, quantifying known materials, and for elucidating the structure and chemical properties of different molecules. We gratefully acknowledge the Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County for their financial support.
MICROSCOPY | WSU SPOKANE
The WSU Health Sciences Spokane Microscopy Service Center is a state-of-the-art light microscopy facility. We are equipped with both widefield and point-scanning confocal microscopes capable of imaging live or fixed cells and tissues. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County (HSSA) for their financial support to purchase the Olympus IX-81 confocal microscope.
BIOMEDICAL DESIGN & ENGINEERING | WSU SPOKANE
The goal of the Biomedical Engineering and Design Service Center is to increase access to customized research hardware (for example, circadian/sleep chambers, 3D-printed parts, customized microscopy stages, surgical stereotaxic parts, and specialized molecular biology equipment); increased access to computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for rapid prototyping; rapid response and adaptation to new scientific needs and technologies.
PROGRAM OF LABORATORY ANIMAL RESOURCES | WSU SPOKANE
PLAR’s goal is to facilitate compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing animal utilization in teaching, research, and testing. The staff of the department strives to maintain a quality animal care program that meets the standards required to receive accreditation by the Association for the Assessment of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). The Spokane vivaria are located in two areas with a total of approximately 20,000 square feet.
PROTEOMICS & METABOLOMICS | WSU SPOKANE
Utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation, such as the Orbitrap Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer from Thermo Fisher Scientific and advanced nano-LC systems, the system provides high-quality data. With a focus on both standard and specialized services, coupled with robust training and collaborative support, our center enables researchers to push the boundaries of proteomics research.
ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE at the Nuclear Science Center
Our available resources include several wet chemistry laboratories with fume hoods, a sample packaging lab used for trace-element analysis sample preparation, and technicians and scientists familiar with the techniques needed for radiochemical analysis. Spectroscopy and counting labs are available to researchers at the facility as are traditional laboratory spaces. Additionally, we provide office and laboratory space for the Office of Research Assurance’s Radiation Safety Office, facilitating material transfers to on-campus researchers. Our staff is fully trained in radioactive shipping procedures under 49 CFR and IATA to expedite off-campus transfers that utilize Facility License R-76.