The Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility - SIRF
Located on the first floor of Palmisano Hall, the 7,000-square-foot Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility is a hub for Merrimack faculty and students, as well as industry partners, to conduct research in biology, chemistry and other life sciences.
Cutting-Edge Instrumentation
The instruments housed in the SIRF support cutting-edge science for both faculty members and industry partners.
THE SIRF ADVANTAGE
The SIRF is a focal point of the region’s research ecosystem and accelerates Merrimack’s pursuit of the Carnegie’s Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s R2 status.
Sq. Ft. Space
A facility of this capacity gives faculty the infrastructure needed to generate streams of research.
Federal Funding
Over one million federal funding dollars supporting research within the SIRF.
Dedicated Labs
Within the SIRF, you will find six separate laboratories dedicated to specific project scopes.
External Research Partnerships
Merrimack's research teams have partnered with more than 20+ national and global institutions.
Explore Spaces at the SIRF
Biotechnology
Lab
A lab that allows principal investigators to manipulate and analyze different DNA segments.
Confocal Microscopy Lab
From monolayers to thicker layers, our researchers can examine and project samples.
MitoCure
Lab
This lab aims to identify and ameliorate the effects of aging through research on cell biology and targeted therapies.
Molecular Analysis Lab
Maintains specific temperatures to allow for amplifying DNA segments.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Lab
NMR spectroscopy is used to determine molecular structure of chemicals and biological molecules.
Plant Culture
Lab
Where plant tissue fragments are transferred to a controlled environment to grow.
SIRF Equipment
Confocal Microscopy
Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer
Meet Some of Our Current SIRF Researchers
Examples of Current Research in the SIRF
Biology
Nutrition & Public Health
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Biology
Student Research Spotlights
Since Erin was a senior biology undergraduate student, she has assisted Dr.
Noori with her research on the impact of silver nanoparticles in tomato plants. “Data analyzing wasn’t a skill I had before working with Dr. Noori,” she said. “She is a really great mentor and I found proficiency in those skills that I didn’t know I had. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with her.”
Erin Lincoln '24 M'25
Research Assistant
Major: Biology, Applied Chemistry Master's Program
"This internship is setting me up for success because I want to become a doctor
and med schools really like to see research in your resume. Working through this internship has also taught me a lot of practical and critical thinking skills within the lab."
William Joergensen '26
Major: Health Science and Biochemistry
Minor: Psychology, Pre-Med Track
"Dr. Leena Bharath and I investigate cellular-level changes in aging, particularly in immune cell mitochondria, and aim to understand the development of aging-related metabolic diseases. My future career goal is to become a Physician Assistant and work in low-income, minority communities, particularly in the areas of obstetrics/gynecology and family medicine."
Evelyn Ocegueda '25
Major: Health Science
Minors: Biology and Public Health
Inside the SIRF
Research in Action
Access to the SIRF
Faculty and external partners may apply to access the space.
For information about accessing the SIRF, please contact Manikandan Santhanaraman, SIRF Manager.
Research News at Merrimack
Keep up to date on research-related news at Merrimack.
Molecular Analysis Lab
Maintains specific temperatures to allow for amplifying DNA segments.