About

The Tumor Engineering and Phenotyping (TEP) Shared Resource is the largest space dedicated to cancer research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. TEP supports all researchers on campus and external users.

One-Question Survey for TEP Users

Whether you are a first-time or returning TEP user, we want to hear from you.

“What is one thing the TEP can do to better support your research?” Respond here.

Our Vision

  • To be a one-stop shop for advice, resources, and validation to support discovery or development with biological experiments and analyses.
  • To function as a “maker lab” for the development of novel tumor models and accurate simulation and improvement of our understanding of the structure, function, and dynamics of tumors and their microenvironment.
  • To become a unique resource nationally.

Our Mission

  • To provide access to specialized technologies, cancer models, services, and expertise that enhance productivity, collaboration, stability, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and quality control.
  • To maintain state-of-the-art facilities for cell and tissue evaluation utilizing standardized protocols that are subject to strict quality control measures for both in vitro and in vivo studies.
  • To ensure rapid availability of novel pre-clinical in vitro tissue cultures and in vivo tumor models for drug screening, toxicity, mechanobiology, and mechanistic studies using emerging fabrication techniques (e.g. 3D printing).
  • To train students and scholars in experiments utilizing the TEP.
  • To provide expert guidance in experimental design and analysis pipeline to maximize the cost-benefit ratio.

Our Process

If you are new to the TEP, here is an overview of the process of working with us.

  1. Visit or email us
  2. Set up a new user account
  3. Submit an online order
  4. Drop off samples at TEP
  5. TEP processes samples
  6. TEP updates data on user’s account
  7. User collects data
  8. TEP bills user’s account