NIH Core Resources

Core	Resource Information
Bioinformatcs Core Director: Pankaj Kumar, PhD pk7z@virginia.edu	The University of Virginia Bioinformatics Core is a centralized resource that provides expert bioinformatics, statistical, and data science support to advance interdisciplinary biomedical research. The Core delivers end-to-end services spanning experimental study design, power and throughput estimation, and standard to advanced analyses of high-throughput molecular, imaging, and clinical data, as well as the development of novel computational and AI/ML-based methods. Apart from providing standard bioinformatics analysis services the core has expertise in accessing, integrating, and analyzing both restricted and unrestricted molecular, clinical, and electronic health record (EHR) data, enabling large-scale integrative analyses and meta-analyses. Services are provided to investigators within and outside UVA through both grant-funded and chargeback-based projects, supporting the management and analysis of complex, large-scale datasets. The mission of the Bioinformatics Core is to maintain a robust computational infrastructure and analytical expertise that measurably enhances investigators’ ability to publish high-impact research and secure extramural funding. The Core is directed by Pankaj Kumar, PhD, Associate Professor, who has interdisciplinary expertise and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, including first-author papers in Science and Science Advances. Core activities are supported by four full-time and two part-time PhD- and Master’s-level staff, enabling timely, high-quality analytical support. The core is also equipped with the necessary computational infrastructure that is essential for analyzing high-throughput biological data (including shared access to an HPC cluster with >5,000 computing cores, >30,000 GB RAM, and >10 PB disk space, and dedicated access to several high-memory multicore development servers).
Biomolecular Analysis Facility Director: Nicholas Sherman, PhD nes3f@virginia.edu	The Biomolecular Analysis Facility Core (BAF) provides a centralized setting for a diverse but interactive suite of services, instrumentation, and expertise in the areas of proteomics, metabolomics, and shared instruments. The Mass Spectrometry section identifies and quantitates proteins/peptides (Post-translational Modifications) either individually or in complex mixtures with a Thermo Orbitrap Astral Zoom with Evosep Eno UHPLC or metabolites/lipids/drugs (untargeted or targeted by parallel reaction monitoring) with a Thermo Orbitrap ID-X with Vanquish Neo UHPLC. The staff can assist in the identification of thousands of proteins, the location of post-translational modifications, or the absolute quantitation of drugs or metabolites. The Shared Instrumentation section has the following open access, user-operated instruments – plate reader, circular dichroism, MALDI TOF/TOF, HPLC, FPLC, speedvac, and lyophilizer. The BAF facility is on the first floor of Pinn Hall and easily accessible to all University investigators.
Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance Facility Director: Jeff Ellena, PhD jfe@virginia.edu	The UVa Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance Core Facility has five spectrometers for solution samples. The solution spectrometers include one with a cryogenically cooled probe (800 MHz) and four (two 600 and two 400 MHz) with room temperature probes. The spectrometers perform a wide range of experiments for characterization of molecular structure, interactions, and dynamics. One 600 MHz and both 400 MHz spectrometers have automatic sample changers for unattended, multiple sample data collection. Sample temperatures during data collection can be varied between -1400C and 1400C. Jeff Ellena, the BioNMR Core manager, is available for instrument operation training, experiment selection, and project execution.
Biorepository and Tissue Research Facility Director: Pat Pramoonjago, PhD pp6f@virginia.edu	The primary function of the BTRF is to serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and distribution of human tissues to scientists involved in investigative studies in humans. The BTRF: 1) provides tissue samples from remnant surgical resection and autopsy specimens linked to clinicopathologic data while maintaining patient confidentiality; 2) assists clinical trials in the collection and processing of blood, urine, and tissue samples; 3) assists in the retrieval of archival histologic slides and tissue samples from the Department of Pathology; 4) prompt collection of human tissue from multiple clinical service areas in the medical center; 5) preservation and storage of human tissues for use in genetic, molecular, histochemical, and tissue culture studies; 6) distribution of tissues for research use; 7) offers histology-based research services to support basic, translational and clinical research; and 8) assimilation and distribution of clinical, cellular, and molecular data regarding each specimen collected. This shared resource aids investigators by providing services that are timely, more comprehensive, and more efficient than individual investigators can generally provide themselves. The facility is directed by Dr. Pat Pramoonjago, Ph.D.
Biostatistics and Population Science Shared Resource/ Director: Hong Zhu, PhD hzhu2m@virginia.edu	The mission of the BPSSR is to enhance study design, data infrastructure, advanced analytics, and methodological innovation of UVACCC studies through interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven science. Key goals of BPSSR are to provide a) Biostatistical collaboration and consultation in the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of cancer clinical trials, observational studies, and basic and translational studies; Innovative and adaptive study design; Statistical analysis using standard and cutting-edge AI/ML methods; b) Population science collaboration and consultation in the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of cancer prevention, control, and survivorship studies; Design of patient-reported health outcome protocol and measurement; Large-scale population health analysis using epidemiologic analysis, econometrics analysis, and geospatial analysis; c) Database acquisition (e.g., EPIC data, UVA Cancer Registry, SEER-Medicare), data integration, database development, and data management and sharing; d) Scientific review, quality control, and data and safety monitoring for clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards; e) Education through formal and informal courses, lectures, and seminars to strengthen research capabilities across the UVACCC; and f) Development of new statistical and population science methodologies to address emerging challenges and meet the scientific objectives of UVACCC studies. BPSSR is led by Faculty Director Dr. Hong Zhu, a nationally recognized cancer biostatistician with over a decade of experience providing statistical leadership to federally funded projects, and Technical Director Dr. Asal Pilehvari, an expert in quantitative economics and health policy evaluation. BPSSR faculty and staff have many years of experience working collaboratively with basic, clinical, translational, and population scientists and possess a wide range of expertise in biostatistics and population science that are relevant to the research endeavors of the UVACCC.
Exercise Physiology Core Laboratory Director: Lisa Farr, M.Ed lms5a@virginia.edu	The University of Virginia (UVA) Exercise Physiology Core Laboratory (EPCL) is a long standing research core established in 1990 to support NIH funded clinical investigation integrating exercise physiology, body composition, and metabolism into research design. The Core is part of the UVA School of Medicine Research Cores and provides comprehensive testing, consultation, and physiological assessment services to UVA investigators with internal or external funding and IRB- approved research protocols. Investigators represent many different areas of medicine, including cardiology, oncology, and endocrinology, as well as kinesiology, nursing, and engineering.
Flow Cytometry Core Facility Director: Mike Solga, MS mds4z@virginia.edu	The Flow Cytometry Core Facility (FCCF) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine is an ISAC-Recognized Shared Resource Laboratory with over 20 years of experience providing investigators with access to high-quality flow cytometry, cell sorting, and single-cell analysis technologies. The FCCF supports a broad range of basic, translational, and clinical research programs across the School of Medicine. The facility occupies approximately 2,000 sq. ft. and operates on a cost-recovery basis, with access and scheduling managed through iLab. The FCCF houses conventional, spectral, imaging, and mass cytometry platforms. High-dimensional analysis capabilities include Cytek Aurora spectral analyzers and a CyTOF XT mass cytometer, supporting deep immune profiling and rare-event detection. Advanced cell sorting is enabled by an NIH S10-funded Cytek Aurora CS spectral sorter and a BD Discover S8 spectral sorter with integrated real-time imaging, allowing high-parameter and morphology-informed cell isolation, including single-cell sorting for downstream assays. Additional instrumentation includes an LSRFortessa, Attune NxT, Attune CytPix, and an ImageStreamX Mark II imaging flow cytometer. The FCCF also provides Luminex bead-based multiplex cytokine and signaling assays and supports spatial biology applications through a Hyperion XTi Imaging Mass Cytometer, enabling high-parameter protein and RNA analysis in tissue sections. The FCCF is directed by Michael Solga, M.S., SCYM(ASCP) and staffed by experienced SCYM(ASCP) certified cytometry specialists who oversee daily operations, QA/QC, and user training. The core provides consultation in experimental design, panel development, assay optimization, data acquisition, and analysis. Access to the FCCF instrumentation is available through staff-assisted services or independent use by trained investigators following completion of FCCF hands-on training courses.
Molecular Electron Microscopy Core Director: Michael Purdy, PhD mpurdy@virginia.edu	The University of Virginia Molecular Electron Microscopy Core (MEMC) is a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging facility that serves scientists at UVA and other academic, research, and commercial institutions. The MEMC is equipped with four Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS) transmission electron microscopes: a 300-kV Titan Krios with a Gatan K3/BioQuantum detector/energy filter, a 200-kV Glacios with a TFS Falcon4 detector, a 200-kV TF20 with a Teitz XF-416 CMOS detector, and a 120-kV T12 with a 2k Gatan CCD detector. For sample preparation, the core provides Vitrobot Mark IV and Leica GP2 instruments for cryogenic grid preparation and an Aquilos 2+ cryo-FIB-SEM for preparing thin sections (lamellae) of samples for in situ cryo-ET and cryo-EM. The MEMC provides full-service or assisted cryogenic grid preparation, single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) and electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET) data collection, single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-ET data processing, and single-particle cryo-EM structure determination. The MEMC also offers training in all aspects of single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-ET, and TEM imaging. The MEMC performs conventional TEM sample preparation that includes preparation of fixed, stained, and resin-embedded cell and tissue samples, ultrathin sectioning with a Leica UC7 Ultramicrotome and TEM imaging. Members of the MEMC work closely with users to understand the goals of each sample preparation and data collection project.
Molecular Imaging Core Director: Maurits Jansen, PhD vtf5vq@virginia.edu	The function of MIC is to provide researchers the most current technology and expertise for noninvasively obtaining structural and functional images of small animals (such as mice, rats, rabbits, etc.). The facility offers state of the art Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy, Positron Emission Tomography, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, Digital X-Ray Computed Tomography, optical imaging and ultrasound imaging. The facility can tailor imaging modalities to meet the investigator’s needs. For example, they can provide high-quality morphological images using MR, x-rays or optical imaging to follow tumor growth. The lab has a 9.4 Tesla Bruker BioSpec system capable of performing MR imaging and spectroscopy on small animals (or tissue specimens) up to 8 cm in diameter. They can also provide functional information using noninvasive 1H, 31P, and 13C spectroscopy, MR perfusion imaging. Other equipment includes a Bruker Albira PET/SPECT/CT scanner, a LagoX optical imaging scanner, a Bruker SkyScan 1276 microCT scanner and a IconeusOne functional ultrasound scanner. MIC also provides sophisticated software and expertise for image analysis including fusing images from various modalities. The core is directed by Dr. Maurits Jansen an expert in MRI imaging of small animals. Dr. Jansen has over 25 years of experience in this area and provides advice to investigators on scientific aspects of the design, execution, and interpretation of imaging experiments. . MIC collaborates closely with the Radiochemistry Core, directed by Dr Shivashankar Khanapur. The Radiochemistry Core develops and produces high-quality novel and existing radiopharmaceuticals (radiolabeled small molecules, peptides, proteins, and antibodies), that can be imaged by Positron Emission Tomography.
Molecular Immunologic & Translational Sciences Core Director: Maurits Jansen, PhD vtf5vq@virginia.edu	The Molecular and Immunologic Translational Science Laboratory (MITS) occupies 1500ft2 on the 3rd floor of the University Hospital West Complex in proximity to the Cancer Center clinics. The facility is staffed by 2 technicians and overseen by Dr. Mauldin. This laboratory offers central banking and tracking of tissue and blood specimens from clinical trials, routinely performs ELIspot assays, proliferation assays, cytotoxicity assays, and DNA typing for HLA expression for human immune cells from human tumors, lymph nodes, or blood, in accordance with established SOPs. The laboratory also provides multiparameter immunofluorescence histology (mIFH) with the Vectra3 system, and PhenoImager HT, and works with the Flow Cytometry Core for evaluation of immunologic markers and function in blood cells and tumor specimens, using complex flow cytometry assays.The laboratory also includes a 200ft2 vaccine preparation room that is under positive pressure and separated from the main lab by an anteroom for gowning prior to entry.
Radiochemistry Core Director: Shivashankar Khanapur, PhD krs5xf@virginia.edu	Radiopharmaceutical synthesis is exclusively conducted in a state-of-the-art, 1000 sq. ft. cGMP-grade radiochemistry lab within the Sheridan G. Snyder Translational Research Building, featuring six minicells dedicated to the production of PET-labeled imaging substrates. The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge equipment to support diverse radiosynthesis needs. There are two 6-foot biosafety cabinets for sterile in vitro testing and final product vial preparation in an adjacent lab near the radiochemistry core facility. Additionally, six chemical fume hoods optimized for synthetic organic chemistry are available on the second floor (1000 sq. ft), along with a Buchi R-300 rotary evaporator with a recirculatory chiller, heating blocks, a Schlenk air-free system, and a fully shielded hot cell for the precise manual labeling of antibodies, peptides, and small molecules. For advanced radiosynthesis, the lab employs an Eckert & Ziegler Methyl Iodide radiosynthesis system with a loop reaction mechanism and reformulation unit, as well as a Trasis AllinOne cassette-based radiosynthesizer integrated with semi-preparative HPLC and UV-vis/gamma detectors. The Sofie Biosciences Elixys™ Flex/Chem system, tailored for fluorine-18 radiopharmaceutical production, is supported by the Sofie Pure/Form Integration Module, featuring a 4-column HPLC and gradient pump system to enhance purification and formulation. The laboratory is equipped with essential tools, including a Bioscan Radio-TLC scanner, HPLC systems with in-line UV/Vis, conductivity, and radioactive detectors, an Eppendorf centrifuge, and a melting point apparatus. The lab also has a dedicated radioactive fume hood with lead shielding and an L-Block for precise dose dispensing, along with a Class ISO5 hood for the aseptic dispensing of cGMP-grade radiopharmaceuticals. To further expand capabilities, the lab has recently acquired the GE TRACERlab FX2N, a fully automated two-reactor system for efficient F-18 tracer production, and the Logi-CHROM ONE, an integrated radio-HPLC system for comprehensive analyses. Additionally, the lab has added Knauer’s high-pressure gradient UHPLC system (1240 bar) equipped with a 3D diode array detector (190–700 nm) and an integrated HERM Flumo Luminescence/PET flow monitor with an extra low-background PET cell (20 μL), further advancing its analytical precision and versatility. Additionally, a cyclotron operated in partnership with PETNET, a Siemens Medical Solutions subsidiary, is in the Sheridan G. Snyder Translational Research Building to enable on-site production of radiopharmaceuticals for in vivo PET imaging.
Research Histology Core Director: Sheri Vanhoose slv4e@virginia.edu	The Research Histology Core Laboratory is a fee for service facility specializing in pre- clinical, non-diagnostic histology, offered predominantly on rodents and small animals. Services include paraffin embedding, sectioning, cryosection, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and a moderate list of special stains. The laboratory is approximately 900 sq. ft. and is located at 409 Lane Road, in MR4 building, room 1035, Charlottesville Virginia.
Spatial Biology Core Director: Ana Karina de Oliveira, PhD ak4yj@virginia.edu	The Spatial Biology Core (SBC) provides state-of-the-art instruments and expert support for studying cellular and molecular interactions in the high-resolution spatial context of tissues and organs. The spatial analysis integrates single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing, high-resolution microscopy, and quantitative image analysis to enable large-scale spatial genomics and proteomics studies. The Core houses high-throughput multi-omics spatial instruments, including the CosMx SMI, 10x Genomics CytAssist for Visium HD analysis, and a Zeiss Axio Observer 7 microscope. The CosMx SMI is a high-plex in situ platform with subcellular resolution (100 nm) that investigates human or mouse samples (whole-transcriptome, 6K, 1K, and 64-protein panels), analyzing cell phenotyping, neighborhoods, cell-to-cell interactions, and RNA expression. This platform also offers multiomics analysis, enabling investigators to analyze RNA and protein on the same tissue slide. The 10x Genomics Visium HD (probe-based) and HD 3' (PolyA-based) platforms enable deep investigation of the whole transcriptome at the single-cell scale, providing an overview and discovery of gene expression and signaling pathways in a spatial context. Spatial multiomics analysis can be complemented by protein staining using a Zeiss microscope (IF and brightfield, 0.3-pixel resolution) or a Hyperion XTi (CyToF, 1 µm resolution). The Hyperion XTi is a multiplex analysis platform that combines advanced imaging, single-cell resolution, and RNAscope. This instrument is allocated to the Flow Cytometry Core. SBC also provides multiplex analysis to quantify bulk RNA expression (NanoString nCounter) and single-cell proteomics (IsoPlexis-Bruker). Our laboratory has a dedicated space for cell culture and sample preparation and provides all necessary instruments for tissue dissociation and single-cell isolation (via the Extractor). The SBC supports end-to-end omics project management, from experimental design and sample preparation to data analysis and reporting.