Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP)
About BMAP
The Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) is an enterprisewide, state-of-the-art facility that houses a tissue biorepository as well as a wet lab specializing in molecular biology instrumentation and methodologies. Formed from the merger of the Biobank (established in 2009), the Biomolecular Core Laboratory (established in 2001) and the Pediatric Genomic Laboratory (merger June 2023), BMAP has a combined 21 years of expertise to guide the research goals of clinicians, clinician scientists and investigators at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Children's, partner institutions and surrounding communities. We are a fully staffed laboratory under the direction of Diana Corao-Uribe, MD. We are supported by many federal and nonfederal grants throughout ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
The Biobank is a tissue biorepository storing more than 10,000 specimens (solid/liquid tumor, tissue, cells, blood, stool, etc.) and is fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists. We offer clinical trial support as well as basic specimen processing, including serum and plasma isolation, mononuclear cell isolation, liquid nitrogen flash freezing, as well as cell culture of surgery specimens (bone, cartilage, skin, etc.).
The Molecular Analysis Program houses multiple instrumentation that allows for immediate specimen processing, including but not limited to, nucleic acid extraction and QC, specimen identification and profiling, Real-Time qPCR and gene expression analysis, CNV (copy number variation) detection and digital PCR, as well as DNA sanger sequencing. Next-generation sequencing services (such as whole exome, transcriptome, and targeted panels) are provided through the Pediatric Genomic Lab. In addition to bulk sequencing, single cell applications are supported via 10X.
We manage a shared instrumentation facility with access to the following: QIAsymphony, Nanodrop, Qubit, Biomek liquid handler and a QS7 Flex Real-Time PCR system. In addition to our fee for services, BMAP offers experimental design and project development for molecular biology applications.
Contact
Diana Corao-Uribe, MD
Director
(302) 651-6384
diana.coraouribe@nemorus.org
Jennifer Holbrook, BS
Program Manager
(302) 651-6824
jennifer.holbrook@nemours.org
Deepti Anand, PhD
Research Scientist
(302) 298-7367
deepti.anand@nemours.org
Program Coordinator
nemoursbiobank@nemours.org
- Meet Our Team
- Biorepository Services
- Molecular Analysis Services
- Regulatory (IRB, HIPAA, CAP)
- FAQs
BMAP Associates
Diana Corao-Uribe, MD
Director
(302) 651-6384
diana.coraouribe@nemorus.org
Dr. Corao-Uribe is the founder of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank and the current director of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank and Molecular Analysis program (BMAP). She completed her Anatomic and Clinical Pathology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a pediatric fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has been at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ since 2008 and during her tenure she has grown the BMAP into an enterprisewide, state-of-the-art facility that houses more than 13,000 specimens and supports the needs of the research community.
Jennifer Holbrook, BS
Program Manager
(302) 651-6824
jennifer.holbrook@nemours.org
Jennifer Holbrook is the program manager for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP). She has been with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ since 1998. Jenn provides leadership, management and direction to the program, and is responsible for the daily operations of BMAP enterprisewide. She works with administrative leadership in developing strategic plans and budgets for the program, as well as implementing and improving operational practices and procedures, including our CAP accreditation.
Deepti Anand, PhD
Research Scientist
(302) 298-7367
deepti.anand@nemours.org
Deepti Anand, PhD, is a research scientist at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Children’s in the Delaware Valley. Dr. Anand joined ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in August 2022 to serve as a technical advisor, guide and develop clinician and investigator-led, patient-centered research projects and provide technical support for expanding the services offered by the Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program.
Before joining ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, Dr. Anand spearheaded several research projects, managed national and international collaborations, and published in leading journals during her research tenure at the University of Delaware. She received several awards and a prestigious career-starter grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.
Deborah Stabley, BS
Senior Research Associate
(302) 651-6723
deborah.stabley@nemours.org
Deborah (Deb) Stabley is a senior research associate who has been with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ as part of the Biomedical Research Department since 1995. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bucknell University and has multiple peer-reviewed publications. Deb has extensive experience performing molecular biology techniques and is responsible for providing core services as well as custom research projects.
Raymond George, MS
Clinical Research Associate
(302) 298-8052
raymond.george@nemours.org
Raymond George is a clinical research associate in the Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP). He completed his BS and MS in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Delaware. Raymond is a member of our genomics team responsible for performing various molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation and next generation sequencing (NGS). He also supports ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank functions by processing clinical trial and patient specimen samples.
Lee Hirata, BS
Senior Clinical Research Technologist
(302) 651-6833
lee.hirata@nemours.org
Lee is a Senior Clinical Research Technologist with the Pediatric Genomics Laboratory — now a part of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP). Lee earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Virginia Tech and has extensive experience in molecular biology. Her focus in the department is to offer researchers services in Next Generation Sequencing.
Ian Kang, BS
Clinical Research Technologist
(302) 298-7934
ian.kang@nemorus.org
Ian Kang is a clinical research technologist for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP). Ian is responsible for processing specimens and clinical trials for the various studies participating with the Biobank. He recently graduated from University of Delaware with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.
Dhwani Shah, MS
Clinical Research Coordinator
(302) 651-6548
dhwani.shah@nemours.org
Dhwani Shah is the clinical research coordinator for the Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) and is also clinical research coordinator for the Clinical Research Core Department. Dhwani is responsible for recruiting the patients for the clinical trials in the Biobank. She completed both her bachelor’s and master’s in pharmacy in clinical research from India.
Keeana Bacchus, BS
Research Assistant I
(302) 651-6723
keeana.bacchus@nemours.org
Keeana Bacchus has her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently a research assistant for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Children’s Biobank, primarily focused on The American Lung Association [ALA] Lung Health Cohort, where she coordinates specimen acquisition with sites and follows specimen specific protocol for storage within the Biobank. She also manages the ALA-ACRC, the Biospecimen Inventory System (BSI), to ensure specimens are corresponding to the Biobank’s freezer locations.
Gwen Ovalle, BS
Clinical Research Assistant — Jacksonville
(904) 517-9334
gwen.ovalle@nemours.org
Gwen Ovalle is the clinical research assistant and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) contact local to Jacksonville. Gwen's responsibilities include managing patient consents, sample acquisitions and shipments, and coordinating contact between researchers and program managers. Gwen has graduated from Florida State University with her BS in Environmental Science and Policy and is working towards a second BS from Florida State College at Jacksonville in Biomedical Sciences.
Pooja Patel
Clinical Research Coordinator II
pooja.patel4@nemours.org
If you would like to use BMAP services, please contact the Program Coordinator, who will set up a meeting including Jennifer Holbrook, Program Manager, Dr. Deepti Anand, Research Scientist and Dr. Diana Corao-Uribe, Director.
Questions related to fees, funding and billing please contact:
Jennifer Holbrook, Program Manager: jennifer.holbrook@nemours.org or (302) 651-6824.
Consenting Questions
Program Coordinator: nemoursbiobank@nemours.org.
We encourage clinical teams to obtain consents since they already have an established relationship with patients and families, but the Biobank can assist in special circumstances.
Tissues
All human tissues and bodily fluids from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ patients. Blood and saliva from close relatives.
Shipping
Our staff is fully trained for human biospecimen shipping.Ìý
BMAP does not offer free shipping, nor do we supply the materials needed for shipping. However, we can assist or advice in packing/shipping your specimens if needed.
Many factors go into the cost of shipping, including date and delivery time, season of year, temperature of specimen, packaging, etc. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ uses FedEx and receives a discount. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.Ìý
Special Considerations
Autopsy samples are not considered human subjects and are therefore excluded from IRB regulations.
We can help establish protocols or we can use already established protocols by the Principal Investigator.
If you do not have the appropriate funding, please contact us. We will consider financial options on a case-by-case basis and offer discounts for pilot projects.
An outline of our basic fees is below. We offer many additional services. Please contact us for specifics.
Services and Equipment
BMAP operates under strict HIPAA regulations, is CAP- (College of American Pathologists) accredited and is a CLIA-certified site. Our service core unit currently supports the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Molecular Diagnostic DNA sequencing and fragment analysis CLIA-certified tests.
- Biorepository (solid/liquid tumor, tissue, cells, blood, stool, etc.) with data management system
- Biobank Specimen Processing including plasma/serum isolation, mononuclear cell isolation
- Cryopreservation
- Clinical Trial Processing Support
- Tissue and Specimen cell culture (from surgery specimens)
- Nucleic Acid (DNA/RNA) extraction
- Nucleic Acid Quantitation and QC (RQN/DQN)
- DNA Sanger SequencingÌý
- DNA Fragment Analysis
- SNP analysis
- Copy Number Variation Analysis
- Cell Line Authentication and Specimen Profiling
- Gene Expression analysis
- Digital PCR
- PCR
- Custom Oligonucleotide Synthesis
- Mycoplasma testing
- Covaris Ultrasonicator (DNA Shearing, paraffin removal)
- Microarray assays
Shared Instrumentation:
Available for independent use after training.
- QIAsymphony
- Nanodrop/Nanodrop One
- Qubit
- Biomek Liquid Handler (Biomek 3K/Biomek 4K)
- QS7 Real-Time PCR System
Laboratory Instruments:
- ABI3500 Genetic Analyzer
- QuantStudio 12K FLEX Real-Time PCR System
- QuantStudio 7 Real-Time PCR System
- QuantStudio 3-D Digital PCR
- Used by investigators for CNV, absolute or relative quantification.
- QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System
- Agilent (AATI) Fragment Analyzer
- Beckman Biomek 3000 Liquid Handler
- Beckman Biomek 4000 Liquid Handler
- Qubit Flurometer
- NanoDrop 2000
- NanoDrop One
- AirClean 600 PCR Workstation
- QIAsymphony (2)
- QIAXcel
- QIAxpert
Molecular Analysis
Expression Analysis:
- Digital PCR (absolute/relative quantification)
- Pathway-focused real-time qPCR (mRNA and miRNA)
- Affymetrix microarray (global gene expression, Transcriptome, 3’IVT and WT assays)
Genotyping/Variant Analysis:
- Digital PCR (CNV analysis)
- Allelic discrimination probes (SNP real-time PCR)
- Fragment analysis (capillary electrophoresis up to 1200 bp)
- DNA sequencing (Sanger sequencing)
- Human Cell Line Authentication and Specimen Profiling
- Affymetrix microarray (CNV, CytoScan, SNP arrays)
Ìý
Research Support (fellow grad project)
Updates coming soon.
Deepti Anand, PhD
Research Scientist
(302) 298-7367
deepti.anand@nemours.org
If you are using specimens immediately for a project, you will need IRB approval.
IRB Contact:
Soniya Anis
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ IRB Coordinator
Email: soniya.anis@nemours.org
Phone: (302) 651-6807
If you are sending specimens to external institutions, you will need an MTA (Material Transfer Agreement) and DUA (Data Use Agreement).
MTA & DUA Contact:
Dr. Thomas Shaffer
Director of Technology Transfer Office
Email: thomas.shaffer@nemours.org
CAP Certificate
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biobank is the only CAP-accredited Pediatric Biobank in the tristate area. Access certificate
Our staff is fully HIPAA trained and our lab operates under HIPAA compliance.
How do I start a study with the Biobank?
Please email Dr. Deepti Anand and nemoursbiobank@nemours.org. We will set up a meeting with you and the BMAP team so we can plan your study. New Study Packet
What are your fees?
See the price list
I’m a clinician without a wet lab. How do I start doing research?
If you are a clinician and do not have a wet lab we can help you with project development, experimental design and grant writing. We can also guide you to internal funding sources. Please contact Dr. Deepti Anand.
I’m a clinician that wants to start a biorepository. How do I start that?
We can help you set up your own biorepository, which includes all tissues and bodily fluids from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ patients and blood and saliva from close family members. Please contact Dr. Deepti Anand and nemoursbiobank@nemours.orgÌýto set up a first contact meeting.
How do I submit a specimen for processing?
To register for an account with iLabs, visit , click register in the top right corner, and follow the prompt. Contact mbcore@nemours.org for any additional questions.
As a follow up, please reach out to nemoursbiobank@nemours.orgÌýand provide her with your activity number so that she can assign your activity.
To submit specimens please visit and fill out an iLabs form. Contact mbcore@nemours.org for any additional questions.
Sign in, click the request services tab, Molecular Analysis Program service request, biomolecular core lab request form 2021, on the right side initiate request button, fill out the information.
How do I submit a clinical trials processing request?
To submit specimens please visit and fill out an iLabs form. Contact nemoursbiobank@nemours.org for any additional questions.
To register for an account with iLabs, visit , click register in the top right corner, and follow the prompt. Contact nemoursbiobank@nemours.org for any additional questions.
As a follow up please reach out to nemoursbiobank@nemours.orgÌýand provide her with your activity number so that she can assign your activity.
Sign in, click the request services tab, click the drop down for Biobank Service Request, click initiate request next to Clinical Trials Processing Services, and finally fill out the information.
Do I have to consent myself?
We encourage all clinical providers to obtain consent themselves, as they already have relationships with their patients. However, we do have Biobank staff who are fully trained to obtain consent. Please contactÌýnemoursbiobank@nemours.orgÌýwith any other questions regarding consenting.
If I want to store my specimens with the Biobank is there a fee?
There is a cost for Biobanking. If you do not have the appropriate funding, we will consider financial options on a case-by-case basis and offer discounts for pilot projects.
Email Jennifer Holbrook, Program Manager, or call (302) 651-6824.
Do I have to submit an IRB to start a biorepository?
No, you do not need an IRB to start a biorepository collection. You can collect specimens under the Biobank’s IRB. We can assist with that process.
Do I need an IRB approval to obtain specimens from the Biobank?
You will need an IRB approval or exemption if you wish to withdraw specimens from the Biobank.
What processing do you offer?
See the price list
What shared instrumentation do you have?
See the list
Do I have to send my specimens to Delaware if I’m a Florida associate?
Yes, currently all specimens are stored in Delaware. Shipping your specimens back to Florida when you are ready to use them is a quick process. We will have short-term storage in Florida. Due to Florida’s hurricane history your precious samples should be stored in a reliable location.
Do I have to pay for shipping?
No.
What if I currently have specimens in a different location and want to move them to the Biobank?
We will help facilitate that. Please reach out to nemoursbiobank@nemours.org.