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

0216556 Lindline新墨西哥州高地大学（NMHU）的自然资源管理系将利用这一重大研究仪器奖获得粉末X射线衍射仪和直接阅读分光镜用于地球材料研究。 新仪器将发挥以下作用：（1）为岩石、矿物、沉积物和土壤研究提供分析能力;（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）支持学生现代分析方法的培训。 粉末X射线衍射仪将允许识别不同的晶相，确定固溶体矿物的组成，并计算矿物结构。 分光镜将提供岩石和矿物样品的大量化学成分数据。 这种仪器的收购解决了现代分析设备的需要，以支持NMHU的使命提供一个优秀的，最新的，本科教育的科学。 NMHU是一个历史上的西班牙裔机构致力于专注于其多民族学生团体（76%少数民族学生）的计划，特别是新墨西哥州独特的西班牙裔和美洲原住民文化。 该设备将促进学生参与教师的研究在一些感兴趣的区域项目新墨西哥州的学生，包括东北部新墨西哥州的新生代火山的历史，当地湖泊的沉积记录，以及森林土壤和原生植被火灾的影响。 鉴于76%的少数民族学生在NMHU和大约40个地球科学专业服务，仪器将积极影响教育和代表性不足的群体的培训。

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.***