MRI: Acquisition of Elemental Stable Isotope Chemistry (ESIC) Mass Spectrometer

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The PIs request funding for an elemental stable isotope chemistry (ESIC) mass spectrometer. This instrument will serve South Texas, a geographically, socio-economically and educationally isolated region. The ESIC is a modern requirement for ecosystem-level research and applied environmental assessment. In the fields of biological, geological and environmental sciences IRMS provides advanced scientific understanding of key earth cycles. In addition, it is a primary assessment tool to determine anthropogenic influences on environmental health, enabling development of effective strategies to manage ecosystems. The ESIC will enhance environmental research and STEM education at six South Texas Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) through the NSF-funded Research Coordination Network (RCN) - Climate, Energy, Environment and Engagement in Semiarid Regions.Broader Impacts: Funding of this proposal will dramatically increase access of cutting edge research tools to underrepresented Hispanics, as use of the mass spec will be incorporated into many classes. Training on the IRMS and stable isotope biogeochemistry will be incorporated into coursework, bolstering the technical proficiency of the impacted local student population and generally improving the research infrastructure in South Texas. The instrument is expected to foster collaborations and training opportunities with six other Hispanic-Serving Institutions in South Texas. The instrument is also anticipated to improve faculty and student recruitment at multiple Hispanic-serving institutions.