MRI: Acquisition of a Scanning Electron Microscope with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Education

作为肯塔基州东部阿巴拉契亚地区唯一的四年制公立高等教育机构，莫尔黑德州立大学（MSU）的承诺之一是提高当地社区和周边地区的生活质量。在履行这一承诺的许多战略中，有一项是向该区域引进现代技术，并在这些技术的应用方面进行教育。通过主要研究仪器（MRI）拨款购买的扫描电子显微镜（SEM）将被安置在物理科学系内，为教师和学生提供使用主要科学仪器进行教育和研究的机会。已经确定了密歇根州立大学校园内的四个学科和一个外部行业致力于使用该仪器，并且校园内外还有许多其他潜在用户。在密歇根州立大学收购一台易于使用的电子显微镜，将使教师更容易进行研究，为他们提供获得新知识的机会，并在他们选择的领域保持最新状态。将立即受益于扫描电镜的研究包括：中大陆裂谷岩的岩石学研究；昆虫学和孢粉学的分类研究艺术颜料降解研究；冶金研究;在轴承制造中进行工艺工程研究。除了促进正在进行的研究外，还计划将该仪器纳入课堂并参与学生研究。每年大约有40个专业毕业于生物和物理科学，这需要一个“顶点”课程，包括原创研究。扫描电镜是一种完美的仪器，因为它的多功能性和易用性。随着这一仪器的获得，估计每年将有超过100名学生受益，无论是通过直接研究，还是在各种课程中接触。此外，当地工业也将受益，这对莫尔黑德地区的经济产生了影响。* * *

0420725JerdeAs the only 4-year public institution of higher education located in the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky, one of Morehead State University's (MSU) commitments is to improve the quality of life for the local community and surrounding region. Among the many strategies for meeting this commitment is the introduction of modern technologies to the region, and education in the application of these technologies. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) purchased through funding from this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant will be housed within the Department of Physical Sciences, providing the opportunity for faculty and students to use a major scientific instrument for education and research. Four disciplines on the MSU campus and one outside industry have been identified that are committed to making use of the instrument, and there are many other potential users both on and off of campus. The acquisition of a SEM at MSU, with its ease of use, will make research more accessible to the faculty, providing opportunities to gain new knowledge and remain current in their chosen fields. Research that will immediately benefit from the SEM include: petrologic studies of mid-continental rift rocks; taxonomic investigations in entomology and palynology; studies of art pigment degradation; metallurgical research; and process engineering studies in the manufacture of bearings. In addition to promoting ongoing research, there are plans to integrate this instrument into the classroom and involve student research. Approximately 40 majors per year graduate in the Biological and Physical Sciences, which requires a "capstone" course that includes original research. The SEM is a perfect instrument because of its versatility and ease of use. With the acquisition of this single instrument, it is estimated that over 100 students per year will benefit, whether through direct research, or exposure in various classes. In addition, local industry will benefit, which has effects on the economy of the Morehead area. ***