FAQs

FAQs

Basic

What is the phone number of the NIS?
If people are scanning, you can reach them at 305-284-5223.
For information related questions, please contact 305-284-6082.
What is the cost of a scan?
Funded research with UM accounts: A fee of $500.00 per hour is charged for funded research for studies performed during the Facility's business hours. For studies that require less than one hour of time in the scan suite, the $250.00 fee will be prorated based on 30-minute increments.
Funded research from non-UM accounts would need to have an approved Facility Use Agreement.
If scans are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, a cancellation fee $83.57 will be assessed.
The research participant did not show up. Does our research group have to pay for the scan?
Yes. The $83.57 cancellation fee will apply.

Training

How long will safety training take?
Approximately 3-4 hours. Individuals on research teams that will use the scanner must read the safety manual, watch a safety video, attend in-person safety training and attend an on-site equipment training session. Each of these components lasts approximately 1 hour.
When will I learn how to use the mock scanner?
The equipment training will review the procedures for using both the equipment in the MRI suite and the mock scan room.
I have completed safety training. How do I get access to the MRI scan suite?
The principal investigator of your research lab should make a request to nis@psy.miami.edu. Your position (e.g., graduate student, post-doctoral fellow) and safety training status must be confirmed by NIS staff. If approved, a work order must be placed for you to obtain access to the mock scanner or MRI scan suite. Undergraduate students will not be granted access to the MRI scan suite.
I completed MRI safety training at another institution. Will it transfer?
No. We would like everyone to attend a MRI safety training course at the University of Miami. In addition to a general overview of MRI safety, we will discuss specific features of our Facility.

Approval

Do I need to have IRB approval before I can start scanning?
You must have IRB approval from your home institution before scanning.

Non-UM research teams

If I am a non-University of Miami visitor, where do I park?
Visitors may park at a meter or purchase a parking pass to park in the dedicated visitor parking areas (e.g., Pavia or Flipse Garages). More information about parking at UM.
I parked in front of the Neuroimaging Building. Is that ok?
No. Parking directly outside of the building is restricted to UM Purple Parking holders during 8am-6pm M-F. You may incur a $35 parking ticket.
Who will let me into the building?
A UM technologist that is assigned during your scan session will let you into the building and the appropriate rooms. If you need additional time prior to your scan, you must arrange to have a UM staff member let you into the building.
How do I access the internet at NIS?
UM investigators should use Secure Canes wifi. Non-UM investigators can use Wireless Canes wifi.
I am not affiliated with UM. Is there a place to store my lunch?
The kitchen is general-use space. You are welcome to use it.

MRI Resources

How can I be added to or removed from the MRI community email listserv (UMPSY_FMRI_USERS@LISTSERV.MIAMI.EDU) so I can get announcements that pertain to the MRI facility?
Please email Andre Perwin (aperwin@miami.edu) to make requests. Note: The email that you provide will be the only one approved to send messages to this listserv.
Where can I get the educational material presented in AFNI bootcamp?
The material is available on the NIMH website.
University of MiamiDepartment of PsychologyNIS