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，在生物地球化学和生态研究中稳定同位素技术的创新和应用方面有着悠久的卓越历史。该项目将通过购置仪器和翻新现有的仪器空间，改善UTMSI稳定同位素分析的研究基础设施。将购买新的同位素比质谱仪(IRMS)和外围部件，以提高自然丰度稳定同位素分析能力。此外，一个独特的铵同位素保留时间漂移(AIRTS)高效液相色谱系统将升级，该系统用于在研究所的氮气工艺研究中测量富含15N的铵。UTMSI稳定同位素分析能力的提高将通过支持更多的研究人员，在他们的工作中使用更广泛的稳定同位素技术来推动科学发现。新的仪器将使各种稳定的同位素技术得以开发和应用，这些技术正在推动生物地球化学和生态学研究的前沿，同时加强我们支持依赖研究所现有分析能力的内部和外部用户的能力。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更多稳定同位素分析和应用技术的培训，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年春季启动的一个新的本科教育项目(海边学期)为学院带来了更多的本科生。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的应用。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的夏季科学夏令营开发一个新的面向食物网络的模块，该模块突出了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.