Equipment: MRI: Track 1 "Acquisition of an X-ray diffractometer for teaching, research and collaboration"

这一重大研究仪器(MRI)奖由材料研究部和既定的激励竞争研究计划(EPSCoR)联合资助，用于支持新墨西哥州高地大学(NMHU)购买新的单晶X射线衍射仪。这一新功能使合成和天然晶体固体的分子和晶体三维结构的表征成为可能。涉及本科生和研究生的材料研究活动，使用该仪器发现这些新合成的化合物、材料和矿物。将来自不同学科(如化学、地质学)的学生纳入实验室研究和培训的范围，为充分认识科学探究的跨学科性质带来了新的视角。新仪器帮助在一个友好的环境中为少数族裔服务机构提供结晶学讲习班、矿物学和材料研讨会等课程的培训，让学生在学术、国家实验室和行业找到职业道路。单晶X射线衍射仪配备了最新的面探测器和微焦点X射线源技术。用X射线衍射法鉴定分子结构和三维构型是设计新型尖端材料的第一步。该仪器促进了跨学科和大学间的研究，如：(I)NMHU硅酸盐矿物、发光二极管和制药中的氧化物包裹体；(Ii)与科罗拉多博尔德大学合作的半导体和太阳能电池；以及(Iv)金属有机骨架包裹体和磁共振成像造影剂，与NSF BioPACIFIC MIP合作。这些研究活动向学生展示了技术和基本技能，如数据处理、批判性思维和跨学科能力。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award, jointly funded by the Division of Materials Research, and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) supports the acquisition of a new single crystal X-ray diffractometer at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). The new capability enables the characterization of the molecular and crystal 3-dimensional structure of synthesized and natural crystalline solids. Materials research activities, involving undergraduate and graduate students, use the instrument in the discovery of these newly synthesized compounds, materials and minerals. The mixing of students from different disciplines (e.g., chemistry, geology) into the scope of laboratory research and training brings a fresh perspective to fully realize the cross-disciplinary nature of scientific inquiry. The new instrument helps to provide training in the form of crystallography workshops, mineralogy and materials seminars, and other courses in a friendly environment at a minority serving institution that allows students to find pathways in their career at academia, national laboratories, and industry.The single crystal X-ray diffractometer is equipped with the latest technology on area detectors and on micro focus X-ray sources. The identification by X-ray diffraction methods of the molecular structures and 3-dimensional configurations are the first steps in the design of the new cutting-edge materials. The instrument facilitates inter-disciplinary and inter-university research such as (i) oxide inclusions in silicate minerals, light emitting diodes, and pharmaceuticals at NMHU (ii) semiconductors and solar cells in collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder, and (iv) metal organic frameworks inclusions and magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in collaboration with the NSF BioPACIFIC MIP. These research activities expose students to technical and essential skills such as data processing, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary competency.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.