Laboratory Facilities at UH Hilo, updated February 2014
UH Hilo, with support from the Hawai‛i NSF EPSCoR Project, established three core research
and training facilities described below. These facilities provide the platform for faculty research
and graduate and undergraduate student training, and for research services for agency personnel
and visiting faculty from other universities who perform their research on Hawai‛i Island.
Hilo Core Genetics Facility (HCGF) (http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/depts/epscor/) - The core
genetics facility functions as a support lab, containing instruments for various molecular
biological uses, including CEQ 8000 Genetic Analysis Systems, microarray, PCR and Real-Time
PCR thermocyclers, centrifuges, electrophoresis systems, a NanoDrop spectrophotometer, and
Revco freezers for storage. Reference materials and analytical software are also available. The
facility provides DNA sequencing, genotyping (i.e., SNP, AFLP, STR), and Real-Time PCR
services. The HCGF runs workshops and training sessions to introduce current molecular and
biotechnological techniques to students, faculty, and researchers as well as elementary and high
school teachers. Current workshops include DNA isolation, PCR Basics, Gel Electrophoresis,
Microsatellite Basics, DNA Sequencing, Real-time PCR Basics, and Molecular Cloning, and
Microarray. The HGCF facility gives researchers, educators, and students the opportunity to gain
access to technological services and technical training. The HCGF is currently collaborating with
the following institutions: UHH, UH Manoa, HCC, USGS - Biological Resource Discipline,
USDA, Hawai‛i DLNR-Division of Aquatic Resources, US NPS, Smithsonian Institution, UC
Berkeley, Humboldt State Univ., Auburn Univ., Stanford Univ., and Bishop Museum. For the
most up-to-date information about this facility, please contact its manager, Ms. Anne Veillet:
aveillet@hawaii.edu .
Analytical Laboratory (http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~analab/) – The laboratory’s mission is to
support research at UHH, with a primary focus on water quality and ecological research. The
facility provides analytical services for researchers throughout the University of Hawai‛i System,
as well as for investigators from federal, state, and county agencies in Hawai‛i and other
universities. Services provided by the laboratory include: nutrient analyses of water samples
using a Pulse AutoAnalyzer; total organic carbon and nitrogen analysis of water samples with a
Shimadzu TOC-V and TNM-1 Analyzer; particulate carbon and nitrogen analysis of soil,
sediment, plants, and plankton using a Costech Elemental Analyzer; stable isotopic analysis of
particulate carbon and nitrogen using a Delta V Advantage mass spectrometer; and elemental
analysis of major and minor elements in water, plants, soils, sediments, and animal tissue using a
Varian Vista-MPX ICP spectrometer. For the most up-to-date information about this facility,
please contact its manager, Ms. Tara Holitzki: holitzki@hawaii.edu .
Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Labs (SDAV) (http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~sdalhelp/)
This facility is a cybergeo-, eco-informatics center that provides resources to faculty, graduate
and undergraduate students, federal and state agencies and faculty from other universities. The
facility provides access to cutting-edge Geographic Information Science (GIS), Remote Sensing
(RS), and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment. Field equipment available through
SDAV includes differential GPS units, handheld GPS units, a spectroradiometer, laser locator
binoculars, and tablet PCs. Airborne digital imagery collectors and the Hawai‛i IKONOS
Consortium (HIC) for satellite imagery are available through partnerships with other campuses
and agencies. The facility provides training that empowers faculty and students to use
visualization, modeling, and supercomputer facilities. SDAV provides easy access to Hawai‛ibased weather, climate, hydrologic, and soils data; mapping services including data collection,
analysis, production, and training; and technical support in designing, implementing, and
maintaining field sensor networks and associated communication systems. For the most up-todate information about this facility, please contact its manager, Ms. Lisa Canale:
canale@hawaii.edu .