Overview of Lombardi's Shared Resources

Director of Lombardi Shared Resources, Stephen Byers, PhD, explains that these shared resources allow Lombardi and Georgetown scientists to pool their equipment, technicians and knowledge for the benefit of all. This program, which is supported by government funding, is in place to provide cost effective access to state-of-the-art technologies. New shared resources are continually being developed and brought on line.

Using breast cancer research as an example: It is clear that researchers need to study breast cancer tumor tissue. To do this, they will work with Lombardi's Histopathology & Tissue Shared Resource, which collects and stores tissue samples. Not only do breast researchers have access to the samples, they also rely on the pathologist leading the resource for his expertise. All of this takes place without the breast cancer lab investing in these resources itself. Lombardi investigators, as well as other investigators at Georgetown, have access to these shared resources.

Each shared resource is handled like a small business and is coordinated by a faculty member who is experienced in that research area. This person has a staff of one or more who facilitates access to that resource. Each "business" provides a specialized service for a reasonable user fee.

Director:
Stephen Byers, PhD
E415, The Research Building
(202) 687-1813

Assistant to the Director:
Alexine Martin
E-410 Research Building
(202) 687-2069