Controlled Environment Facility

UC Davis Controlled Environment Facility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

What is the UC Davis Controlled Environment Facility (CEF)?
The UC Davis Controlled Environment Facility (CEF) is a state-of-the-art research facility designed to provide precise control over environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and air quality. It supports a variety of research projects, including those related to agriculture, environmental science, and sustainability.

Who can use the Controlled Environment Facility?
The facility is available to UC Davis researchers, faculty, and students, as well as external collaborators from industry or other institutions who meet the facility's research needs. 

How can I subscribe to the CEF user listserv?
To receive important updates, announcements, and facility-related communications, users should subscribe to the CEF user listserv. Go to: https://lists.ucdavis.edu/sympa/subscribe/cef_users_no_reply and you will be added.

What are the fees for using the CEF?
Rates vary depending on the type of research and the duration of the use. For specific pricing details, please refer to the CEF Rate Page.

What should I do if I encounter technical issues while using the CEF?
The facility provides technical support for equipment-related issues. The facility manager and technical staff are available during business hours to assist users with any problems or questions. Please submit a Repair/ Change request form.

How to exit/ end use of a chamber?
Please submit Chamber End Request form. It is the responsibility of the user/PI to submit the form and failure to notify CEF staff of chamber exit/end will result in the continued billing of the chamber. 

How can I unsubscribe to the CEF user listserv?
Go to the list environment sympa homepage and log on. Go to the information page of the list you want to unsubscribe from. In the left menu, click on the 'Unsubscribe' link.

Access and Training

Are there any specific requirements for using the CEF?
Yes. All users must complete the Annual CEF Basic Training, which covers operational procedures, safety protocols, and equipment usage. Additionally, users are required to create a Stratocore PPMS account.

Where can I sign up for the Controlled Environment Facility training? How often do I need to take Controlled Environment Facility training?
You can sign up for the in the Learning Center here: CEF Basic User Training course. You need this training before being given access to the facility and it must also be completed annually.  You will lose access if you fail to complete the training within 365 days.

How do I gain entry access to the facility?
To access CEF, users must submit a request via AggieAccess for students or AggieAccess for staff to gain entry to the building. Once approved, you will be granted entry to the building.

What if I lose my access to the facility?
Users must resubmit another request via AggieAccess for students or AggieAccess for staff to regain entry to the building.  

Facility Usage and Reservations

How can I reserve space in the Controlled Environment Facility?
Space reservations can be made through the Chamber Request Form Site. Please ensure you provide all necessary details regarding your research needs when making a reservation.

What specific environmental conditions can be controlled in the CEF?
The facility allows control over: 

- Temperature (ranging from -20°C to 45°C)
- Humidity levels
- Light intensity and photoperiod (including full-spectrum lighting)
- CO2 levels
- Air circulation and filtration

Safety, Compliance, and Pest Management

How can I report a hazard in the Controlled Environment Facility?
You can report a hazard in the facility with this Hazard Alert Form.  Please email it to cefrequest@ucdavis.edu or drop it off in the request box located outside the office in CEF-A or CEF-B.

How can I get a code for the Autoclave?
Autoclave users must be trained on its use.  Contact the Office of Research Safety Officer Tony Schrick (tschrick@ucdavis.edu) to schedule training.

Where can I find out what pesticides were applied in the Controlled Environment Facility?
All safety information is available on the Controlled Environment Facility (CEF) safety website: https://cef.sf.ucdavis.edu/safety.

What should I do if I notice pests in my chamber?
CEF is not currently able to provide pest control due to permitting constraints. Users are responsible for monitoring their plants and may apply Circadian sunrise or Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap, which do not require permits. Please report any pest sightings using this Google Form. The CEF Faculty Advisory Committee will review submissions and help coordinate support as needed. For help identifying pests, contact Tomas Melgarejo (tamelgarejo@ucdavis.edu) or Robert Gilbertson (rlgilbertson@ucdavis.edu).

What can I do to reduce the risk of outbreaks?
Remove dead or diseased plants from your chamber before adding new plants, and discard them OUTSIDE of the CEF to
avoid spreading pests to other chambers. Leave space for air circulation between plants. Do not tie up or bundle plants in such a way that pests can hide from air flow, light, and sprays. Clean up debris and detritus in your chamber to reduce habitat for pests. Proactively check your plants for pest and disease issues so they can be resolved before they become larger outbreaks. If at all possible, avoid bringing plant material and soil from the field into CEF chambers because of the possibility of associated pathogens and insects. Avoid overwatering to reduce fungal issues, shore fly, and fungal gnat infestations. Limit field-collected soil or plant material in chambers

Stratocore PPMS