MRI: Acquisition of laser ablation for ICP-MS and electron microprobe upgrade, for geological and environmental research and research training

0116660 PingitoreThis赠款，通过重大研究仪器计划，提供部分支持的成本升级UTEP的14岁，第一代Cameca SX-50电子微探针的操作系统。我们将获得一个控制系统升级，以取代我们的Cameca微探针上过时的DEC PDP软件。DEC系统不再得到DEC或Cameca的支持;我们无法获得新开发的分析和成像能力。原来的Kevex EDS（能量色散光谱仪）系统同样严重过时，没有EDS成像和绘图能力或光元素检测。我们将用一个具有完整成像和映射包、高计数率和轻元素探测器窗口的系统来取代它。 UTEP的电子探针实验室是一个多用户和多学科的设施。它为来自我们校园的个人和团体提供研究，研究培训和教学功能，包括科学，工程，文科和健康科学学院的成员。微探针实验室还协助个人，企业，教育机构，政府机构和非政府组织在埃尔帕索-华雷斯社区和超越。 这三名共同研究人员及其研究小组目前正在进行15个项目，这些项目将利用升级后的设施。这些研究项目包括以下专题：构造、变质反应、植物补救、环境生物传感器、沙漠清漆、颗粒物质空气污染、深成作用、重金属的生物吸附、珊瑚中的微量元素、微探针数据量化、土壤中金属的形态和有孔虫镁/钙古温度测定法。其他UTEP研究人员资助的项目中使用的其他微探针设备包括颜料，催化材料，考古学，健康，土壤盐渍化，复合材料和外来合金等主题领域。 早期和持续接触研究是UTEP吸引和留住科学和工程学生，特别是代表性不足的少数民族的战略的重要组成部分。墨西哥裔美国人约占UTEP学生总数的2/3。其中两名Co-PI是少数族裔成员，他们是特殊的榜样和亲密的学生导师。仪器和动手实验室的经验是很重要的，以建立与学生的“连接”，往往决定他们的学术选择，成功，并最终的职业道路。

0116660PingitoreThis grant, made through Major Research Instrumentation Program, provides partial support of the costs for upgrading the operating system of UTEP's 14-year-old, first generation Cameca SX-50 electron microprobe. We will acquire a control system upgrade to replace the antiquated DEC PDP-based software on our Cameca microprobe. The DEC system is no longer supported by DEC or Cameca; newly developed analytical and imaging capabilities have not been available to us. The original Kevex EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) system likewise is seriously outdated and has no EDS imaging and mapping capability or light-element detection. We will replace this with a system featuring a full imaging and mapping package, high counting rate, and light-element detector window. UTEP's electron microprobe laboratory is a multi-user and multi-disciplinary facility. It serves research, research training and instructional functions for individuals and groups from across our campus, including members of the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and Health Sciences. The microprobe laboratory also assists individuals, businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in the El Paso-Juarez community and beyond. The three co-investigators and their research groups have 15 projects, currently underway, which will make use of the upgraded facility. These research projects include the following topics: tectonics, metamorphic reactions, phytoremediation, environmental bio-sensors, desert varnish, particulate matter air pollution, plutonism, biosorption of heavy metals, trace elements in corals, microprobe data quantification, speciation of metals in soil, and foram Mg/Ca paleothermometry. Additional microprobe equipment use on funded projects from other UTEP researchers includes such topic areas as pigments, catalytic materials, archaeology, health, soil salination, composites, and exotic alloys. Early and continued exposure to research is an essential part of UTEP's strategy to attract and retain students in science and engineering, particularly under-represented minorities. Mexican-Americans comprise approximately 2/3 of the student body at UTEP. Two of the Co-PIs are minority members, who serve as special role models and close student mentors. Instrumentation and hands-on laboratory experience are important to establish the "connection" with students that often determines theiracademic choices, success, and ultimate career paths.***