Center for Ultrastructural Research

Center for Ultrastructural Research (CURE)

Welcome to the Electron Microscopy facility in the College of Agriculture, Family Science, and Technology at Fort Valley State University (CAFST), housed in Stallworth Research Building. Our facility provides cutting-edge electron microscopy capabilities to support a wide range of research across various disciplines. The Electron Microscopy Facility at CURE is a hub of innovation and discovery, offering researchers access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise to advance their scientific pursuits. We invite you to explore the possibilities that electron microscopy holds for your research and collaborate with us to unlock new insights into the world at the nanoscale.

Objectives

The goals of the Center are to: 

Conduct basic and applied research using electron microscopy in projects that are within the scope of the College of Agriculture's established plan of work. 

Support basic and applied research in ultrastructural biology, agriculture, and materials science using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), in line with CAFST's research plan. 

Enhance specific STEM course offerings at the graduate and undergraduate level by incorporating microscopy as needed. These experiential learning methodologies will enhance the critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills of our students.

Offer practical training and workshops to help students, faculty, and users develop skills in sample preparation, imaging, and analysis, strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving. 

Strengthen the scientific and technological infrastructure of FVSU critical for effective teaching and research.

Provide microscopy services to faculty, students, and collaborators from various fields such as life sciences, nanotechnology, agriculture, and biomedical engineering. 

Generate revenue for the College by allowing other institutions in the state to access Center facilities for a pre-determined fee. This will also promote research and education collaborations among the University System of Georgia institutions.

Brand FVSU as the first-choice institution for students aspiring STEM careers by providing a well-rounded, quality teaching and research experience.

Encourage research partnerships within FVSU and with external academic, government, and industry groups to support interdisciplinary work. 

 

Support and Collaboration

At CURE, we are committed to provide comprehensive support and guidance to researchers at every stage of their EM study.

The Centre for Ultrastructural Research (CURE) provides research instrumentation and technical services to a diverse range of users, including state entities, universities, and commercial/industrial users. Access to instruments and services is available through a recharge fee system, with charges allocated towards covering service contracts, maintenance, and necessary supplies, ensuring sustained support for research initiatives.

Note: Technician support is available at $40/hour (Service for External Users only)

Contact Us

Ms. Ashvini Pawar - Manager, Centre for Ultrastructural Research (CURE)

Email: ashvini.pawar@fvsu.edu     Phone: +1 (478) 825-1986

Nirmal Joshee, PhD - Director, Centre for Ultrastructural Research (CURE)

Email: josheen@fvsu.edu     Phone: +1 (478) 822-7039

Disclaimer:

We take all possible precautions to process samples. Unforeseen factors may result in damage to the samples. Centre cannot take any responsibility in such events except running another set of samples for free.

Publication and Authorship Expectations:

Acknowledge the Centre for Ultrastructural Research (CURE) and staff in all papers and presentations that utilize its data. Ensure that any staff member who make intellectual contributions are included as co-authors. Provide us a list of all publications that have used CURE resources.