The Facility
Our History, Personnel, and Network
About Us
The Hotchkiss Brain Institute Advanced Microscopy Platform (HBI AMP) began life in July 2012 as part of the Regeneration Unit in Neurobiology (RUN) core facility infrastructure that consisted of two arms; a state-of-the-art microscopy facility and an advanced rodent behavioural and optogenetic testing facility. Due to increasing demand and success of both arms, the decision was made in 2016 to separate into two independent entities, HBI AMP and the CSM Optogenetics Facility (CSMOpto).
HBI AMP offers state-of-the-art microscopy systems, specimen preparation (tissue clearing/expansion/culture), and image processing and analyses. Training, experimental design, and consultancy can be discussed with our Imaging Specialists.
Staff
Director
Associate Professor Dr. Grant Gordon
https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/grant-robert-gordon
Administration
Sally Yakiwchuk
Imaging Specialists
Dr. Vincent Ebacher
Dr. Kelvin Poon
Dr. David Elliott
Advanced Imaging and Microscopy (AIM) Network
HBI AMP is part of the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) Advanced Imaging and Microscopy (AIM) network. This network connects people and equipment spanning multiple institutes and provides standardized access and user fee plan for the use of optical microscopes across the CSM. In doing so, the AIM network is able to maximize resources and broaden access to cutting edge technologies for all CSM researchers. HBI AMP, Snyder Live Cell Imaging facility (LCI), Charbonneau Microscopy Facility, ACHRI Imaging Lab, and AHS Precision Oncology Hub form the basis of the AIM network. Creation of the AIM Network and allowing CSM researchers to have access to separate imaging facilities across the faculty will strengthen ties between these entities, facilitate collaboration, and create synergies in research and education.
Systems within HBI AMP and systems within all other core imaging facilities in the AIM Network are available to CSM researchers depending on demand and research priorities. The prioritized booking practices will continue to be refined over the upcoming years:
- Unrestricted booking: Imaging systems booked less than 50% of available time during peak hours (8 am to 6 pm) are open to all users across the CSM. All users are able to book time on a particular system up to one month in advance using the online scheduling calendar.
- Prioritized booking: Access to a given imaging system becomes prioritized when usage exceeds ~50% of available time during peak hours (8 am to 6 pm). Priority is based on facility affiliation (e.g. HBI users for HBI AMP, or Snyder users for LCI, etc.). When a system becomes prioritized, priority users maintain their booking privileges using the online calendar. Non-priority users are blocked from being able to book the system during peak hours, but after hours booking is still possible. Prioritized systems will return to ‘unrestricted booking’ once usage lowers below ~50% of available time during peak hours.
For more information on systems available through the AIM network, please contact us or consult the individual core facility web pages.
