Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP)
About BMAP
The Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) is an enterprise-wide, 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) and the Biomolecular Core Laboratory (established in 2001), BMAP has a combined 21 years of expertise to guide the research goals of clinicians, clinician scientists and investigators at Nemours Children’s, partner institutions and surrounding communities. We are a fully staffed laboratory under the direction of Dr. Diana Corao-Uribe, and we are supported by many federal and non-federal grants throughout Nemours. The Biobank is a tissue biorepository storing more than 12,000 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; and 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. 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
Paige Blanco, BA
Program Coordinator
(302) 287-9310
paige.blanco@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 Nemours Biobank and the current director of the Nemours 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 Nemours for 16 years and during her tenure she has grown the BMAP into an enterprise-wide, 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 Nemours Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP). She has been with Nemours for 24 years. Jenn provides leadership, management and direction to the program, and is responsible for the daily operations of BMAP enterprise wide. 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 Nemours Children’s in the Delaware Valley. Dr. Anand joined Nemours 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 Nemours, 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 Nemours as part of the Biomedical Research Department for 28 years. 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.
Paige Blanco, BA
Program Coordinator
(302) 287-9310
paige.blanco@nemours.org
Paige Blanco is the program coordinator for the Nemours Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) and has worked at Nemours since 2014. Paige is responsible for supporting the program manager and director in QA/QC procedures, regulatory IRB tasks, and participating in the planning of clinical research projects with investigators and research coordinators. She completed her undergraduate degree from West Chester University and is currently working toward her Master of Business Administration at Wilmington University.
Ian Kang, BS
Clinical Research Technologist
(302) 298-7934
ian.kang@nemorus.org
Ian Kang is a clinical research technologist for the Nemours 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 Nemours 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.
Ander Sanjuan, BS
Clinical Research Coordinator — Orlando
(407) 650-7796
ander.sanjuan@nemours.org
Ander Sanjuan is a clinical research coordinator for Nemours Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) in Orlando. In his role, Ander is responsible for patient screening, enrollment and specimen collection/shipping for the BMAP for Orlando. He completed His Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Florida.
Dominique Rogers, BS
Clinical Research Assistant — Jacksonville
(904) 697-3059
dominique.rogers@nemours.org
Dominique Rogers is the Biobank and Molecular Analysis Program (BMAP) coordinator for Nemours Children’s in Jacksonville, Florida and is also the clinical research assistant for the Hematology/Oncology Department. Dominique is responsible for patient screening, enrollment and specimen collection/shipping for the BMAP for Jacksonville. She completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at the University of North Florida and will graduate from there with her Master of Public Health in August of 2023.
If you would like to use BMAP services, please contact Paige Blanco, 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
Paige Blanco, Program Coordinator: paige.blanco@nemours.org or (302) 287-9310.
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 Nemours patients. Blood and saliva from close relatives.
Shipping
Our staff is fully trained for human biospecimen shipping.
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. Nemours uses FedEx and receives a discount. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
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 Nemours 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 Sequencing
- 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)
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
Nemours 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 Nemours 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 Paige Blanco, Program Coordinator. 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 Nemours patients and blood and saliva from close family members. Please contact Dr. Deepti Anand and Paige Blanco to set up a first contact meeting.
How do I submit a specimen for processing?
To register for an account with iLabs, visit iLabs, 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 Paige Blanco and provide her with your activity number so that she can assign your activity.
To submit specimens please visit iLabs 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 iLabs and fill out an iLabs form. Contact nemoursbiobank@nemours.org for any additional questions.
To register for an account with iLabs, visit iLabs, 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 Paige Blanco and 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 contact Paige Blanco with 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 Paige Blanco.