Acquisition of Powder X-Ray Diffraction and Spectroscopy Instrumentation for Mineral and Soil Research at New Mexico Highlands University

0216556 Lindline新墨西哥高地大学(NMHU)自然资源管理系将利用这一重大研究仪器奖获得一台粉末X射线衍射仪和直读光谱仪，用于地球材料研究。新仪器将发挥以下功能：(1)提供岩石、矿物、沉积物和土壤研究的分析能力；(2)促进地质学、环境科学和自然资源管理课程中关键概念的教学和应用；(3)支持学生培训现代分析方法。粉末x射线衍射仪将能够识别不同的晶相，确定固溶体矿物的成分，并计算矿物结构。光谱仪将提供岩石和矿物样品的大量化学成分数据。这项仪器采购满足了对现代分析设备的需求，以支持NMHU提供优秀的、最新的、科学领域的本科教育的使命。NMHU是一所历史悠久的拉美裔大学，致力于开展专注于其多种族学生群体(76%的少数族裔学生)的项目，特别是具有新墨西哥州特色的拉美裔和美洲原住民文化。该设备将促进新墨西哥州学生感兴趣的一些地区性项目的教师参与研究，包括新墨西哥州东北部的新生代火山史、当地湖泊的沉积记录以及火灾对森林土壤和本地植被的影响。考虑到南华大学76%的少数民族学生和大约40名地球科学专业的学生，该仪器将对代表不足的群体的教育和培训产生积极影响。

0216556LindlineThe Natural Resources Management Department at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) will use this Major Research Instrumentation award to acquire a powder x-ray diffractometer and direct reading spectroscope for earth materials research. The new instruments will serve the following functions: (1) provide analytical capabilities for rock, mineral, sediment, and soil research; (2) facilitate teaching and applying key concepts in geology, environmental science, and natural resources management courses; and (3) support student training in modern analytical methods. The powder x-ray diffractometer will permit the identification of different crystalline phases, compositional determinations of solid solution minerals, and the calculation of mineral structures. The spectroscope will provide bulk chemical compositional data for rock and mineral samples. This instrument acquisition addresses the need for modern analytical equipment to support NMHU's mission of providing an excellent, up-to-date, undergraduate education within the sciences. NMHU is a historically Hispanic institution committed to programs that focus on its multiethnic student body (76% minority students), especially the Hispanic and Native American cultures that are distinctive of New Mexico. This equipment will facilitate student-involved faculty research in a number of regional projects of interest to New Mexico students including the Cenozoic volcanic history of northeastern New Mexico, the sedimentary record of local lakes, and the effects of fires on forest soils and native vegetation. Given the 76% minority student population served at NMHU and the approximately 40 earth science majors, the instrumentation will positively impact the education and training of underrepresented groups.***