CNF New User Application Process

The Cornell NanoScale Facility (CNF) welcomes new users and is committed to providing a smooth and informative application process. To begin your journey with the CNF, please follow these steps⁚

Initial Contact and Project Feasibility⁚ Contact one of the CNF User Program Managers (Chris Alpha or Michael Skvarla at userprogramcnf.cornell.edu) to discuss your research idea and its feasibility. They have extensive experience working with CNF users and can provide valuable guidance on project timeline and cost estimations.
New User Application Form⁚ Complete the New User Application form electronically and email the file to userprogramcnf.cornell.edu. Print the form, obtain the necessary signatures, and submit it to the CNF Receptionist at orientation. Handwritten forms are not accepted. For Cornell users, the form requires an approval statement from the Principal Investigator.
Orientation and Training⁚ After submitting your application, you will be required to attend an orientation session. The CNF offers a comprehensive orientation covering access to the Cleanroom and second floor lab areas. You will also receive an abridged Second Floor Training that allows access to the second floor lab spaces. Further training on specific tools or areas can be obtained from the tool manager(s) or the CNF User Program.
CNF User Resources⁚ The CNF provides various resources for its users, including a user process wiki, a data repository at the tools, and information on AFS (Andrew File System). This information is regularly updated and maintained by the CNF community.
CNF Project Participation⁚ Once your application is approved, you can participate in a CNF project either by joining an existing project or starting a new project. The CNF User Program will guide you through the process of joining or creating a project, including filling out the necessary forms.

The CNF User Program staff is dedicated to assisting you throughout the application process. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact them.

Initial Contact and Project Feasibility

The initial step in the CNF new user application process is to establish contact with the CNF User Program. This crucial step allows potential users to discuss their research ideas and receive expert guidance on project feasibility. The CNF User Program, comprised of experienced professionals, is dedicated to supporting researchers in navigating the complexities of utilizing the CNF facilities;

To initiate this process, potential users are encouraged to reach out to either Chris Alpha or Michael Skvarla, the CNF User Program Managers, via email at userprogramcnf.cornell.edu. These individuals possess extensive experience working directly with CNF users, enabling them to provide valuable insights and assessments regarding the feasibility of proposed projects. Their expertise extends to guiding users in developing a clear project scope, identifying potential challenges, and suggesting alternative approaches if necessary.

During this initial contact, the CNF User Program Managers will engage in a thorough discussion of the research idea. This conversation will delve into the specifics of the proposed project, exploring its technical aspects, potential applications, and the resources required for successful implementation. The managers will utilize their deep understanding of the CNF facilities and capabilities to assess the feasibility of the proposed project, considering factors such as equipment availability, technical limitations, and potential scheduling conflicts.

The CNF User Program Managers are committed to providing accurate and timely feedback to potential users. They will diligently assess the proposed project and provide a realistic evaluation of its feasibility, taking into account the available resources, timelines, and potential challenges. This assessment will include a comprehensive cost estimate, outlining the anticipated expenses associated with the project; This transparency allows potential users to make informed decisions regarding their project’s viability and resource allocation.

The initial contact and feasibility assessment are crucial steps in the CNF new user application process. By engaging with the CNF User Program, potential users benefit from expert guidance, project feasibility assessments, and clear cost estimations. This collaboration ensures that users are well-equipped to proceed with their project applications, confident in their understanding of the facility’s capabilities and the resources required for their research.

New User Application Form

The New User Application form serves as a comprehensive document that outlines the essential information required for the CNF to evaluate and process a new user’s request to access its facilities. This form is designed to gather crucial details regarding the user’s research project, their affiliation, and their training requirements. The information provided in this application enables the CNF to assess the user’s project, ensure appropriate access to resources, and facilitate a smooth onboarding experience.

The New User Application form is available electronically and can be accessed through the CNF website or directly from the CNF User Program. Applicants are required to complete the form electronically and submit it via email to userprogramcnf.cornell.edu. After electronic submission, the application must be printed, signed by the appropriate individuals, and submitted to the CNF Receptionist at orientation.

The New User Application form encompasses a variety of sections, each designed to gather specific information. These sections may include⁚

User Information⁚ This section collects basic information about the applicant, including their name, contact information, affiliation (e.g., university, company), and research interests.
Project Information⁚ This section delves into the specifics of the proposed research project, requiring details about the project title, project description, anticipated duration, and any specific equipment or resources required.
Safety Training⁚ The CNF prioritizes the safety of its users. This section of the application ensures that applicants have received the necessary safety training and understand the protocols and procedures for working within the facility.
Cornell User Approval⁚ For Cornell users, the application form includes an approval statement that must be signed by the Principal Investigator (PI). This step confirms the PI’s support for the project and the user’s access to the CNF facilities.

The CNF carefully reviews all New User Applications to ensure that the proposed research aligns with the facility’s capabilities, that the user has received appropriate training, and that the project meets the CNF’s safety standards. The application process is designed to ensure a seamless and efficient onboarding experience for all new users, facilitating their access to the CNF’s cutting-edge resources and expertise.

Orientation and Training

Upon successful completion of the New User Application process, new users are required to participate in a comprehensive orientation program. This orientation serves as a vital introduction to the CNF facilities, its policies, and its safety protocols. It is designed to equip new users with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate within the facility safely and effectively.

The CNF offers two distinct orientation programs⁚ a full orientation and an abridged Second Floor Training. The full orientation provides a comprehensive overview of the CNF facilities, encompassing both the Cleanroom and the second floor lab areas. This orientation covers a range of topics, including⁚

Facility Overview⁚ A detailed tour of the CNF facilities, highlighting the various labs, equipment, and resources available to users.
Safety Procedures⁚ A thorough review of the CNF’s safety protocols, including proper attire, handling of hazardous materials, and emergency procedures.
Equipment Usage⁚ An introduction to the CNF’s equipment, covering basic operation procedures, safety guidelines, and troubleshooting techniques.
User Policies⁚ A review of the CNF’s user policies, outlining guidelines for project planning, data management, and facility access.

The abridged Second Floor Training is tailored for users who require access to the second floor lab spaces only. This training focuses on the specific equipment and procedures relevant to the second floor labs. It provides a more focused introduction to the facilities and procedures required for working safely within this area.

In addition to the comprehensive orientation and the abridged Second Floor Training, the CNF offers further training on specific tools and areas. These training programs are delivered by the tool manager(s) or the CNF User Program and are designed to equip users with specialized knowledge and skills for operating specific equipment or performing particular tasks.

The CNF recognizes that user needs may vary. Some training programs are offered online, providing users with the flexibility to learn at their own pace. The CNF also utilizes CULearn, a learning management platform, to deliver online training modules and facilitate online signups for training programs. Documentation on using CULearn for training is readily available on the CNF Computing CULearn Trainings page.

The CNF is committed to providing a supportive learning environment for its users. The orientation and training programs are designed to ensure that users are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to utilize the CNF facilities safely and effectively, contributing to the success of their research endeavors.

CNF User Resources

The Cornell NanoScale Facility (CNF) is committed to providing its users with a comprehensive suite of resources to support their research endeavors. These resources encompass a variety of tools, information, and support services, designed to enhance user productivity, facilitate collaboration, and foster a thriving research community.

A cornerstone of the CNF’s user resources is the CNF User Process Wiki. This online platform serves as a central repository for user-submitted recipes, manuals, and other valuable information relevant to the CNF community. The wiki is continuously updated and maintained by the CNF user community, ensuring that users have access to the latest information and best practices.

The wiki is an invaluable resource for both new and experienced CNF users. It provides readily accessible information on a wide range of topics, including equipment operation, fabrication procedures, safety protocols, and troubleshooting tips. Users can contribute to the wiki by submitting their own recipes, guides, or other helpful information, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared and disseminated.

In addition to the CNF User Process Wiki, users have access to data repositories located at the tools themselves. These repositories provide users with critical information and resources directly relevant to the specific tools they are using. This localized access ensures that users have immediate access to the information they need, facilitating their work and promoting efficiency.

The CNF also leverages AFS (Andrew File System) to provide users with a secure and robust platform for storing, sharing, and managing their research data. AFS is a distributed file system that offers high availability and scalability, enabling users to collaborate efficiently and access their data from multiple locations.

The CNF User Program staff is dedicated to providing users with comprehensive support and guidance. They are readily available to answer questions, assist with troubleshooting, and provide training on specific equipment or processes. The CNF User Program also plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration among users, fostering a vibrant research community.

The CNF User Resources are designed to empower users, promoting their success by providing them with the tools, information, and support they need to conduct their research effectively. This commitment to user support reflects the CNF’s dedication to fostering a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

CNF New User Application Process