Expansion and modernization of stable isotope analysis capabilities at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute

德克萨斯大学海洋科学研究所 (UTMSI) http://www.utmsi.utexas.edu 成立于 1941 年，在稳定同位素技术在生物地球化学和生态研究中的创新和应用方面拥有悠久的卓越历史。 该项目将通过购买仪器以及改造容纳仪器的现有空间来改善 UTMSI 稳定同位素分析的研究基础设施。 将购买一台新的同位素比质谱仪（IRMS）和外围组件，以提高自然丰度稳定同位素分析能力。 此外，该研究所用于测量氮工艺研究中富15N铵的独特铵同位素保留时移（AIRTS）高效液相色谱系统也将得到升级。 UTMSI 稳定同位素分析能力的提高将通过支持更多研究人员、在工作中使用更广泛的稳定同位素技术来推进科学发现。 新仪器将促进各种稳定同位素技术的开发和应用，这些技术正在推动生物地球化学和生态研究的前沿，同时增强我们为依赖研究所现有分析能力的内部和外部用户提供支持的能力。 在教育方面，这些改进将：1）促进对研究生和博士后科学家进行稳定同位素分析和应用技术方面的更多培训，2）支持本科生在研究项目中使用稳定同位素的更多机会。 2013 年春季启动的新本科生教育计划（海边学期）正在为该学院招收更多本科生。 该计划包括一个主要的研究部分，鼓励该计划的学生在开发研究项目时考虑稳定同位素应用。 该项目还包括对公众宣传的承诺。 项目人员将与研究所正在进行的项目合作，与更广泛的受众分享他们对稳定同位素应用的知识和兴趣。 这将包括为 UTMSI 夏季科学营开发一个新的以食物网为导向的模块，该模块强调稳定同位素如何帮助科学家了解饮食关系。

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) http://www.utmsi.utexas.edu, established in 1941, has a long history of excellence with respect to innovation and application of stable isotope techniques in biogeochemical and ecological studies. This project will improve research infrastructure for stable isotope analyses at the UTMSI through acquisition of instrumentation as well as renovations to existing space that will house the instrumentation. A new isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) and peripheral components will be purchased to improve natural abundance stable isotope analysis capabilities. In addition, a unique Ammonium Isotope Retention Time Shift (AIRTS) high performance liquid chromatography system that is used for measurements of 15N-enriched ammonium in nitrogen process studies at the Institute will be upgraded. Improvement of stable isotope analysis capabilities at the UTMSI will advance scientific discovery by supporting more investigators, using a wider range of stable isotope techniques in their work. The new instrumentation will enable development and application of a variety of stable isotope techniques that are pushing the frontiers of biogeochemical and ecological studies, while enhancing our ability to support internal and external users that rely on existing analysis capabilities at the Institute. With respect to education, the improvements will 1) promote greater training of graduate students and postdoctoral scientists in stable isotope analysis and application techniques, and 2) support additional opportunities for undergraduates to employ stable isotopes in research projects. A new undergraduate education program (Semester by the Sea) initiated in spring 2013 is bringing more undergraduates to the Institute. This program includes a major research component, and students in the program are encouraged to consider stable isotope applications as they develop research projects. The project also includes a commitment to public outreach. Project personnel will work with ongoing programs at the Institute to share their knowledge and interest in stable isotope applications with a broader audience. This will include development of a new food-web oriented module for the Summer Science Camp at UTMSI that highlights how stable isotopes help scientists understand dietary relationships.