1. Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships
  2. Office of Research Development
  3. Service Centers
  4. NIU Molecular Analysis Core (MAC) Laboratory
  5. Policies and Scheduling

Policies and Scheduling

Acknowledgment and adherence to the user agreement (PDF), key card access agreement (PDF) and these policies are required to access NIU MAC and use its services.

Independent Usage of Instrumentation

Users who wish to run an instrument independently must complete appropriate instrument training and obtain prior approval by NIU MAC staff. Instrument training is available by appointment. Contact the lab manager at mvega5@niu.edu to make arrangements.

Scheduling
Instrument usage must be accurately recorded so that RIPS can determine funding required to run and manage the facility. NIU MAC uses an online scheduling system, Lab Agenda, to reserve instrument time. All users who operate an instrument independently must have a reservation to use the instrument. Individual users must contact the lab manager at mvega5@niu.edu to gain access to the Lab Agenda reservation system. All other users who will submit samples for analysis must contact the lab manager to make arrangements.
Instrument Log Books

Instrument log books must be filled out every time you use an instrument as part of accurately recording instrument usage.

Data Storage

NIU MAC does not offer data storage. Users are responsible for backing up their data and removing their data files from the instrument workstation each time they use an instrument. All instrument workstations have WiFi access and hence access to the user’s preferred cloud storage. It is the responsibility of the user to maintain the security of their NIU/WiFi accounts.

The use of USB drives is prohibited.

General Instrument Protection and Facility Cleanliness
To prevent damage to the instruments or the instrument computers, instrument areas must be void of chemicals other than those necessary to carry out the experiment. Designated lab bench space and hoods are available as needed for sample prep. Users are also responsible for leaving the facility areas they access in the same working condition as when they arrived. NIU MAC has limited storage space, therefore, users may not leave chemicals and/or solvents in the facility between experimental runs without permission.
Troubleshooting
Users can troubleshoot/correct issues during analysis to the extent that they are familiar with the instrumentation (e.g. tightening a loose column connection or restarting the instrument software). If the issue persists or you are not comfortable taking action, notify the lab manager at mvega5@niu.edu immediately and note down the issue in the instrument log book.
Safety
Users and visitors to the lab agree to follow all required safety procedures including the use of safety glasses and lab coats.
Violations
Should a user violate the terms and conditions of the key card access agreement /user agreement and these policies, their privileges to the laboratory shall be revoked. Appeals may be directed to the NIU MAC advisory committee.

Contact Us

Elizabeth R. Gaillard, Ph.D.
Lab Director and Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry 
gaillard@niu.edu 

Michael Vega, Ph.D.
Lab Manager
mvega5@niu.edu 

Back to top