Acquisition of a scanning electron microscope, Beloit College

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0079326DavidsonThis grant, made through the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, provides partial support of the costs of acquiringa modern, fully automated, low-vacuum scanning electron microscope and light-element EDS detector (SEM-EDS) for research and research training in Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology, and Museum Studies at Beloit College. SEM-EDS analysis is an essential tool in these fields for characterizing surface topography and chemical composition at the micron scale. Current student and faculty research that will be enhanced by the acquisition of the new SEM-EDS system include 1) metamorphic petrology and tectonic studies of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia; 2) subduction-zone metamorphism in Syros, Greece; 3) the chemical, biologic, and physical environment of microbial nodules from a freshwater creek in southcentral Wisconsin; 4) provenance studies of copper and bronze artifacts from Chile; and 5) use and wear patterns of stone tools from the Gottschall rock shelter in southwestern Wisconsin. In addition, the new SEM-EDS facility will enhance the educational outreach mission at Beloit College by allowing K-12 students in the Beloit area to image and analyze specimens they collect. ***