College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences collaborates with the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships to support a full suite of laboratories for the physical, biological and social sciences, including the departments of Physics; Psychology; Computer Science; Biological Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry; and Earth, Atmosphere and the Environment.
Established service centers include:
Molecular Analysis Core (MAC) Laboratory
This premier research resource houses an array of state-of-the-art mass spectrometers. The lab offers analytical and instructional expertise in mass spectrometry to NIU scientists, as well as to external academic and non-academic researchers.
Stable Isotope Laboratory
The lab is dedicated to research conducted at NIU but also collaborates with other universities and industrial clients. It is equipped with two isotope-ratio mass spectrometers and various peripheral and sample preparation analytical devices.
Research Methodology Services
This unit assists principal investigators with tasks related to research design, measurement, data management, analysis and communication of results.
BIOS Research Instrumentation Core and Core Microscopy Facility
These facilities assist researchers with projects that involve mammalian and bacterial cell culture methods, molecular analysis, and the preparation and analysis of samples for fluorescence, transmitted light and state-of-the-art confocal microscopy.
Micro-compositional Analysis Laboratory (MCAL)
MCAL provides a variety of analytical services on solid and liquid samples for academic research conducted at NIU and at other universities, and in the private sector. The lab is equipped with a Thermo Element 2 sector-field ICP-MS for quantitative characterization of elements in aqueous solutions, in concentrations ranging from ppt to ppm levels. Our ICP-MS can also be used in tandem with an excimer laser for in situ micro-analytical elemental characterization of solids and glasses.
NIU COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Lab
Through a partnership between NIU and the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, the university tests local wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. One of the main benefits of wastewater testing is the potential to measure sudden and sustained increases in SARS-CoV-2 levels before healthcare facilities experience a surge in patients with symptoms. If such viral surges are detected, health departments can notify healthcare facilities to help them better prepare.