NIEF is a core research facility that provides specialized technical services and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation in confocal microscopy and electrophysiology to support the innovation and discoveries of the scientific community in Puerto Rico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
WHO WE ARE
HISTORY
In 2013, NIEF was founded as a core research facility to provide resources necessary to support the research objectives of the COBRE Center for Neuroplasticity at the University of Puerto Rico and consolidate the research imaging facilities at the UPR-Río Piedras Biology and UPR-Institute of Neurobiology. In November 2014, the University of Puerto Rico formalized a strategic partnership of collaboration with Nikon Instruments to establish a Nikon Center of Excellence in the NIEF to strengthen services in microscopy. Currently, NIEF is being financially supported by an institutional development award (NIH-NIGMS grant P30GM149367) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, institutional funds from the University of Puerto Rico, and user fees.
MISSION
To serve the academia and industry in Puerto Rican, Latin American, and the Caribbean by providing cutting-edge technologies and scientific resources in confocal microscopy and electrophysiology.
VISION
To increase the innovative research in Puerto Rico, Latin America, and the Caribbean through our technical service in confocal microscopy and electrophysiology. We are committed to offering advanced equipment and solutions into your scientific research needs.
VALUES
At the NIEF, we are dedicated to deliver a service of excellence and provide high-end technology in confocal microscopy and electrophysiology to support our common purpose of advancing science through research technical services. Through our values of Commitment, Quality, Ethics, Collaboration, and Accountability we strive to create a research-based environment where everyone contributes in increasing the innovative research and discoveries in Puerto Rico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- COMMITMENT:
We are focused on advancing the science through the incorporation of high-end technology, collaboration, and partnership. - QUALITY:
To serve with striving and devotion, it is our firm commitment. - ETHICS:
We do not stop in applying the highest ethical standards to our services. - COLLABORATION :
We constantly seek to establish enduring relationships that mutually achieve shared objectives. - ACCOUNTABILITY:
We are strictly accountable for each research project.
PERSONNEL
Dr. José A. Lasalde Dominicci is the Program Director of the COBRE Center for Neuroplasticity at the University of Puerto Rico and a Professor of Biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. His research is focused on: (1) the structure function relationships of nicotinic receptors, (2), the role of lipid-protein interaction on acetylcholine receptor function, (3) the question of how genetically abnormal ion channels…
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Dr. Mark W. Miller is the Associate Director of the COBRE Center for Neuroplasticity at the University of Puerto Rico and a Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. His research is focused on understanding the structure and function of neural circuits involved in the central pattern generators (CPGs) and control of motor …
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Dr. Jorge D. Miranda is the Director of the Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Facility and Professor of Physiology at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. His research is in the area of cell survival and nerve regeneration after trauma to the central nervous system…
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Dr. José E. Lizardi Ortiz is the Facility Coordinator of the COBRE Center for Neuroplasticity at the University of Puerto Rico and an Adjunct Professor at The Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico. His research interests are basal ganglia neurophysiology and development of pharmacotherapy for movement disorders and drugs of abuse. His work is focused on: (1) regulation of …
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Lcdo. Bismark A. Madera Soto is the Microscopy Specialist of the Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Facility and a Medical Laboratory Scientist. He focuses his efforts on providing help and training to students through microscopy and immunofluorescent assays. He finds great satisfaction on strengthen student’s skills for their next academic…
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Dr. Dina Bracho is the Coordinator of Confocal Microscopy at the Institute of Neurobiology. She is interested in synaptic homeostasis during development or neural activity…