The Advanced Microscopy Facility (AMF) is a state-of-the-art imaging core serving the biomedical research community at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The facility supports physicians, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students across a broad range of light and electron microscopy applications, from subcellular-resolution imaging to whole-tissue and organism-level imaging.

AMF maintains an integrated suite of imaging modalities, including:

• Lightsheet microscopy for rapid, low-phototoxicity imaging of large, cleared tissues and whole organisms
• Multiphoton microscopy for deep-tissue and intravital imaging
• Point-scanning and spinning-disk confocal microscopy, including FRAP, FRET, FLIM, live-cell, time-lapse, and multiplexed spatial imaging
• Widefield and TIRF microscopy for high-speed imaging and studies at or near the cell membrane
• Super-resolution imaging via Airyscan and STED
• Scanning electron microscopy, with a full range of sample preparation services, including critical point drying, sputter coating, and ultramicrotomy

Beyond instrument access, AMF staff provide hands-on training to help researchers operate instruments independently, as well as consultation on experimental design, sample preparation (including staining and tissue clearing), and imaging strategies. The facility also supports quantitative image data analysis, including custom analysis pipelines built with AI and Python-based tools, to help researchers extract meaningful, reproducible results from their imaging data.

Whether you need full-service imaging support or want to become self-sufficient with our instruments, our staff are here to help design the right approach for your project.

Visit us in Room 4806, 4th Floor, Old Medical School Building, or call us at (434) 924-2524.