# Instrumentation Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $218,591

## Abstract

Instrumentation Core
7. Project Summary/Abstract
The Instrumentation Core is a new configuration of two long-standing service modules: the Machine Shop
Module and the Electronics Module. Services previously provided by each module are all still available and
represent some of the main goals and strengths of this Core. In addition, by bringing these two previously
independent modules together under a single directorship, we have instituted greater coordination between
services to facilitate the complex fabrication that is increasingly among the goals of Instrumentation Core
users. For example, this reconfiguration allows for the coordinated design of devices with integrated electro-
mechanical components, which streamlines production by considering structural and electronic features
simultaneously in the initial design phase. Such added goals ensure that the Instrumentation Core is a focal
point where investigators can work with the Core staff as a team to design and improve electro-mechanical
devices that are central to data acquisition for new as well as ongoing experiments. Both the machine shop
and the electronics components of this Core are staffed by highly skilled technicians. Because the machinist is
experienced with on-going scientific projects by Core users, he routinely offers design and materials
recommendations that help to improve and expedite project outcomes. This design process is further facilitated
by the tool and ide maker’s recently acquired Associate degree in computer-aided drafting and design. The
electrical engineer, newly hired during the past year, is completing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical
Engineering at UAB, and consequently will be providing fresh insight into the latest technologies for device
control and signal acquisition. Like his predecessor in this engineering position, his efforts will be additionally
motivated by occasional co-authorship in publications, as warranted. The improved coordination of the Core
staff under a one Director/one Associate Director team is expected to increase effective communication
between Core staff and scientists, leading to increased productivity. At present, the re-configured Core is used
extensively or moderately by 14 of the 23 Core grant participants, of which 8 are NEI R01-funded.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9987609
- **Project number:** 5P30EY003039-40
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Paul Douglas Gamlin
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $218,591
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9987609

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9987609, Instrumentation Core (5P30EY003039-40). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9987609. Licensed CC0.

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