RUI: Acquisition of New and Upgraded Electron Microscopy Equipment for Interdisciplinary Research and Teaching

在Roni Kingsley博士的指导下，里士满大学获得了一笔拨款，用于购买新的和升级的电子显微镜（EM）设备，供学生和教师在生物、化学和心理学系进行独立和课程相关的研究。将获得以下设备：具有数字成像的变压扫描电子显微镜（SEM），现有透射电子显微镜（TEM）的数字成像设备，用于TEM样品切片的新型超微显微镜和金刚石刀，以及用于喷涂SEM样品的溅射涂层机。使用该仪器进行的研究是多种多样的，但在所有项目中要解决的共同问题是为研究和教学实现最先进的成像。这些图像是如此引人注目，同时产生重要的信息。该项目的目标是使用该仪器与本科生进行引人入胜的创新研究。科学成功的关键是持续使用仪器来支持与学生一起完成的研究。电子显微镜是许多学科中必不可少的组成部分，也是许多学科之间的联系。因此，电磁实验室将成为跨学科研究的焦点。获得的EM设备将加强一些教职员工的研究计划，并开辟新的教学机会。它将用于多个科学学科和子学科的研究，包括细胞生理学和生物化学（金斯利、阿普里尔、贝尔）、遗传学（沃里克）、发育生物学（拉迪斯）、神经和行为生物学（金斯利）、系统植物学（海登）、纳米技术（利奥波德）和免疫学（斯滕格）。数字成像将加强所有EM用户的研究计划，加上该仪器将开辟新的合作研究领域。由数字成像产生的无纸化图像可以由电子显微镜的研究人员和其他实验室、建筑物或机构的同事实时查看。同样，图像可以与单个学生研究人员或整个班级的学生一起审查。与传统摄影相比，这是一种极好的从图像材料中进行教学的方式：即时反馈，在显影和打印过程中较少的时间和繁琐，并且材料便宜得多。新型扫描电镜的变压模式将使研究人员能够研究水合试样和自然状态下的试样。用于TEM和SEM制备的新设备将加快所有研究计划，并促进学生研究人员的培训。收购的EM升级和补充将创建一个真正的多学科研究设施。它将允许更多的合作，并使学生更容易接触到EM。学生参与独立研究和课程研究，培养分析和批判性思维，更好地为研究生和专业学校以及高技术工作做好准备。UR主要是一所本科院校，本科生参与本提案中所述项目的所有阶段。作为本科教育的一部分，学生参与研究是招募和培养从事科学事业的聪明年轻人过程的重要组成部分。来自大里士满地区参与大学正在进行的外展项目的学生也将使用获得的仪器。

A grant has been awarded to the University of Richmond under the direction of Dr. Roni Kingsley to acquire new and upgraded electron microscopy (EM) equipment for the use of students and faculty conducting independent and course-related research in the Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology departments. The following equipment will be acquired: a variable pressure scanning electron microscope (SEM) with digital imaging, equipment for digital imaging for an existing transmission electron microscope (TEM), a new ultramicrotome and diamond knives for TEM sample sectioning, and a sputter coater to coat SEM samples. The research to be conducted using this instrumentation is diverse, yet the common problem to be addressed throughout all of the projects is achieving state-of-the-art imaging for research and teaching. The images are so compelling while generating essential information. The goal of this project is to use the instrumentation to conduct engaging and innovative research with undergraduate students. A key to the success of the sciences is the continued accessibility to instrumentation to support the research done with students. Electron microscopy is an essential element in, and connection between many disciplines. Therefore, the EM laboratory will be a focal point of interdisciplinary research.The acquired EM equipment will enhance the research programs of a number of faculty members, as well as opening up new pedagogical opportunities. It will be used for studies across several science disciplines and sub-disciplines including cell physiology and biochemistry (Kingsley, Aprille, Bell), genetics (Warrick), developmental biology (Radice), neural and behavioral biology (Kinsley), systematic botany (Hayden), nanotechnology (Leopold), and immunology (Stenger). Digital imaging will enhance the research programs of all EM users, plus this instrumentation will open up new areas of collaborative research. The paperless images generated by digital imaging may be reviewed in real time by a researcher at the electron microscope and colleagues in a different lab, or building, or institution. Similarly, images can be reviewed with individual student researchers or with an entire class of students. Compared to traditional photography, this is an excellent way to teach from imaged material: immediate feedback, less time and tedium in developing and printing, and much less expensive in materials. The variable pressure mode of the new SEM will allow researchers to study hydrated specimens and specimens in their natural states. The new equipment for TEM and SEM preparation will expedite all research programs and facilitate the training of student researchers.The acquired EM upgrades and additions will create a truly multidisciplinary research facility. It will allow for greater collaborations and make EM far more accessible to students. The participation of students in independent and course research fosters analytical and critical thinking, and better prepares them for graduate and professional schools and the high technology work force. UR is a primarily undergraduate institution and undergraduates are involved in all phases of the projects described in this proposal. The involvement of students in research as part of their undergraduate education is an important part of the process of recruiting and training bright young people for careers in science. Students from the greater Richmond area involved in the University's ongoing outreach programs will also use the acquired instrumentation.