Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies

Overview of Services

The Institute for Imaging & Analytical Technologies (I2AT) at Mississippi State University provides researchers with access to advanced imaging and analytical instrumentation, expert technical support, hands-on training, and collaborative project support. Administered under the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED), I2AT supports research across multiple disciplines, including microscopy, materials characterization, biological imaging, nanotechnology, polymers, coatings, composites, biomaterials, and other complex research materials.

I2AT staff work with MSU researchers (faculty, students, and staff), external academic collaborators, government partners, and industry users to identify appropriate analytical approaches, generate high-quality data, and support project outcomes ranging from feasibility studies to publications, proposals, product development, and sponsored research. Whether users are experienced instrument operators or new to imaging and analytical techniques, I2AT provides a welcoming point of entry for project consultation, sample preparation, staff-assisted service, hands-on training, and independent instrument access where appropriate. 

Core Capabilities

Advanced Imaging: High-resolution imaging is provided through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). These instruments allow users to examine surface features, internal structures, microstructures, nanoparticles, biological specimens, and engineered materials at micro- to nanoscale resolution.

Analytical Techniques: Analytical instrumentation is available to support materials characterization, structural analysis, and surface measurement. Capabilities include:

• X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for phase determination and crystallographic analysis.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale surface characterization.
• Additional tools such as a solid analyzer and rheometer for evaluating material properties and behavior.

Sample Preparation: Specialized sample preparation services are provided to help ensure high-quality imaging and analytical results. Services include polishing, ultramicrotomy, sputter coating, critical point drying, and other preparation techniques needed for microscopy and materials analysis.

Training: Individualized, non-credit instruction is available for instrument operation and sample prep techniques.  Users who complete the required safety training and demonstrate appropriate competency may be approved for independent instrument use and badge access where appropriate.

Technical Consultation: Expert support with sample preparation, data acquisition, sample analysis, troubleshooting, and preparation of results for reports, proposals, presentations, and publications.

Access and Acknowledgement

To support continued facility operations, ensure user safety, and document the impact of I2AT resources, please follow the guidelines below.

Safety & Access: Users must complete MSU Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) training and any applicable instrument-specific training before being granted badge access to the space. All instrument reservations and service requests must be submitted through iLab.

Acknowledgment Policy: Proper acknowledgment of I2AT in publications, presentations, and other scholarly or technical products is an important measure of facility impact and helps demonstrate the value of shared research infrastructure. Acknowledgments are critical for securing future investments in instrumentation, facility operations, and user support. Users should acknowledge I2AT whenever facility instrumentation, technical services, training, or staff expertise contribute to a project. Proper acknowledgement enables I2AT to track research outcomes, document facility utilization, and report scientific impact to university leadership and funding agencies. 

Official Acknowledgment Citation:"The authors acknowledge the Institute for Imaging & Analytical Technologies (I2AT) at Mississippi State University (RRID: SCR_027922) for technical support and use of facility instrumentation."

Staff Contribution: If I2AT staff make a significant intellectual contribution to a research project (e.g., custom method development, extensive data analysis/interpretation), users are encouraged to discuss co-authorship consistent with standard academic publication ethics.

Leadership

Tonia Lane	Director	662-325-1607	tlane@i2at.msstate.edu
Rooban Venkatesh K G Thirumalai	Assistant Director	662-325-7998	rthirumalai@i2at.msstate.edu

Location and Hours of Operation

Hours	Location
Open 24/7 for trained, badge-authorized users Staffed: Monday - Friday  8:00AM - 5:00PM	301 Research Blvd, Starkville, MS 39759

Links and Resources

1. https://www.i2at.msstate.edu/

Contacts

Name	Role	Phone	Email	Location
Rooban Venkatesh K G Thirumalai	Assistant Director	662-325-7998	rthirumalai@i2at.msstate.edu	Rm 510
Iwei Chu	Research Engineer	662-325-0246	ichu@i2at.msstate.edu	Rm 513
Bryce Mitchell	Business Manager	662-325-5861	brycem@i2at.msstate.edu	Rm 514

Available Equipment and Resources

▼ ► AFM (2)

Name Price Dimension Icon AFM   Veeco BioScope Catalyst AFM

▼ ► MicroAnalysis (2)

Name Price TA Instruments RSA-G2 Solids Analyzer   ARES-G2 Rheometer, TA Instruments

▼ ► Optical (1)

Name Price Keyence VHX-7000

▼ ► SEM (3)

Name Price Apreo 2 ChemiSEM   EDAX TSL EBSD on Zeiss Supra 40 SEM   Zeiss Supra 40 SEM

▼ ► Sample Prep (12)

Name Price Autosamdri®-931 Critical Point Dryer   Buehler VibroMet 2   EMS 150ES Sputter Coater   Fischione Model 200 Dimpling Grinder   Leica Ion Mill RES102   Leica Ion MillEM TIC 3X   Reichert- Jung Microtome   SBT Diamond Wheel Saw Model 650   Struers LabPress-1   Struers Minitom Diamond Saw   Struers Tegramin-20   Struers TegraPol-11

▼ ► TEM (1)

Name Price JEOL JEM-2100 (EDS)

▼ ► X-Ray (2)

Name Price Nikon XT H 225ST X-Ray MicroCT   Rigaku SmartLab X-Ray Diffractometer

Map