Frequently Asked Questions


Q: I am interested in becoming a CEMAS user. How do I get started?
A: Fill out this form to get started as a CEMAS user. If you have a Cryo-EM project, please also complete the CEMAS Cryo-Electron Microscopy Project Form.

Q: What are my transportation options coming from central campus?
A: The Ohio State CABS are both free options to travel from central campus to CEMAS. Read more about them here.

Q: How do I gain access to the CEMAS facility?
A: The front doors to CEMAS are open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, except on University holidays. Office and laboratory access is restricted. If you have "daytime access" to the instrument and are at CEMAS for a reservation, please see the front desk to check out a key fob. If you have "all access" to an instrument or would like to inquire about gaining permanent access to the CEMAS facility, please email us. A staff member will contact you within 2-3 business days.

Q: How do I schedule a tour of the facility?
A: Just complete the CEMAS Tour Request form. We will respond to your request within two business days. Please note tours are subject to staff availability.

Q: How do I ship samples to CEMAS?
A: Samples may be shipped to CEMAS. Please understand that CEMAS does not accept liability for samples during shipment. If you would like your samples returned, please include a shipping return label in your incoming shipment. Please include this completed form with your sample shipment.

Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis
Attention: {CEMAS scientist you are working with}
1305 Kinnear Road, Suite 100
Columbus, Ohio 43212

Q: I would like to get trained on an instrument. How do I go about that?
A: Ohio State students, staff, and faculty can request training through their FOM account. If you are not affiliated with Ohio State, please contact us.

Q: How do I schedule time on an instrument?
A: Ohio State affiliates can make instrument reservations via their Facility Online Manager (FOM) account. In order to reserve time, you must be trained by a CEMAS Instrument Manager. More information.

Q: Do I need to log in on FOM at the start of my reservation?
A: No. FOM will automatically log you in at the start of your reservation time.

Q: Do I need to log off of my reservation and the end of my reservation?
A: Yes. We allow users to end their reservation early if they are finished before their reserved end time. Therefore, all users must log off their reservation in FOM when they are finished. Forgetting to log off will result in a Forget Log Off fee.

Q: I have an urgent deadline and my groupmate has agreed to perform the data collection for me on CEMAS equipment. How do I ensure the correct funding is charged?
A: FOM ensures seamless booking and billing. Therefore, whichever funding is used to book the equipment, that account will be charged. If another user is collecting data for you, they should add your account to FOM.

Q: What if I can't make my reservation?
A: Please cancel your reservation in the FOM system as soon as possible to allow other users to utilize the equipment. You may cancel up to 12 hours preceding the reservation start time without a fee, or 24 hours on Apreo I and Apreo II. If you cancel within the set time, a cancellation fee will be assessed. If you fail to show to your reservation, you will be charged for the full reservation time in addition to the log off fee since FOM automatically logs you in.

Q: I've reached the expense limit set on my FOM account. How do I fix this?
A: Please contact your Principal Investigator, Advisor, or Fiscal Manager. They can edit the expense limit on FOM.

Q: Can I see my equipment usage on FOM?
A: Yes, usage records can be downloaded on FOM.

Q: Where can I retrieve my data?
A: There are Data Downloading Stations located in the CEMAS facility where you can retrieve your data. Instructions on how to retrieve your data may be found by clicking here.

Q: What are the user fees?
A: Visit the Rates page.

Q: If I have a question or issue with billing, who do I contact?
A: Please contact us at cemas@osu.edu.

Q: How do I change my funding source?
A: Ohio State affiliates can change their funding source via their FOM account under "My Accounts".

Q: Do you have a space where I can complete work before or after my instrument time?
A: Yes! We have visitor desks located in the Student Research Area. Please see the front desk for access.

Q: How can I submit my work to be featured in CEMAS promotional materials?
A: We'd love to share your results! You can submit them here.

Q: How can I make a gift to support CEMAS research?
A: We appreciate your support! Gifts can be made online here. Funds are used to benefit our outreach programs, student programs, instrumentation, and more.


If you do not see the answer to your question here, please contact us.

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