Acquisition of Powder X-Ray Diffraction and Spectroscopy Instrumentation for Mineral and Soil Research at New Mexico Highlands University

新墨西哥高地大学自然资源管理系（NMHU）将利用该主要研究仪器奖获得粉末x射线衍射仪和直读光谱仪，用于地球材料的研究。新仪器将具有以下功能：(1)为岩石、矿物、沉积物和土壤研究提供分析能力；(2)促进地质、环境科学和自然资源管理课程中关键概念的教学和应用；(3)支持学生现代分析方法的培训。粉末x射线衍射仪将允许鉴定不同的结晶相，测定固溶体矿物的成分，并计算矿物结构。分光镜将提供岩石和矿物样品的大量化学成分数据。此次仪器收购解决了对现代分析设备的需求，以支持NMHU在科学领域提供优秀，最新的本科教育的使命。NMHU是一所历史悠久的西班牙裔大学，致力于为其多民族学生（76%的少数民族学生）提供课程，特别是新墨西哥州独特的西班牙裔和美洲原住民文化。该设备将促进新墨西哥州学生感兴趣的一些区域项目的学生参与的教师研究，包括新墨西哥州东北部的新生代火山历史，当地湖泊的沉积记录，以及火灾对森林土壤和原生植被的影响。鉴于NMHU有76%的少数族裔学生和大约40个地球科学专业的学生，该仪器将对代表性不足的群体的教育和培训产生积极影响

0216556LindlineThe Natural Resources Management Department at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) will use this Major Research Instrumentation award to acquire a powder x-ray diffractometer and direct reading spectroscope for earth materials research. The new instruments will serve the following functions: (1) provide analytical capabilities for rock, mineral, sediment, and soil research; (2) facilitate teaching and applying key concepts in geology, environmental science, and natural resources management courses; and (3) support student training in modern analytical methods. The powder x-ray diffractometer will permit the identification of different crystalline phases, compositional determinations of solid solution minerals, and the calculation of mineral structures. The spectroscope will provide bulk chemical compositional data for rock and mineral samples. This instrument acquisition addresses the need for modern analytical equipment to support NMHU's mission of providing an excellent, up-to-date, undergraduate education within the sciences. NMHU is a historically Hispanic institution committed to programs that focus on its multiethnic student body (76% minority students), especially the Hispanic and Native American cultures that are distinctive of New Mexico. This equipment will facilitate student-involved faculty research in a number of regional projects of interest to New Mexico students including the Cenozoic volcanic history of northeastern New Mexico, the sedimentary record of local lakes, and the effects of fires on forest soils and native vegetation. Given the 76% minority student population served at NMHU and the approximately 40 earth science majors, the instrumentation will positively impact the education and training of underrepresented groups.***