RUI: Acquisition of New and Upgraded Electron Microscopy Equipment for Interdisciplinary Research and Teaching

一笔赠款已授予里士满大学博士的指导下.罗尼金斯利获得新的和升级的电子显微镜（EM）设备的学生和教师进行独立的和课程相关的研究在生物学，化学和心理学部门使用. 将购置以下设备：带数字成像的可变压力扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、现有透射电子显微镜（TEM）的数字成像设备、用于TEM样品切片的新超薄切片机和金刚石刀以及用于涂覆SEM样品的溅射涂覆机。 使用这种仪器进行的研究是多种多样的，但在所有项目中要解决的共同问题是实现最先进的研究和教学成像。这些图像是如此引人注目，同时产生必要的信息。该项目的目标是使用仪器与本科生进行引人入胜的创新研究。科学成功的关键是不断获得仪器，以支持与学生一起完成的研究。电子显微镜是许多学科中的一个基本要素，也是许多学科之间的联系。 因此，EM实验室将成为跨学科研究的焦点。获得的EM设备将加强许多教师的研究计划，并开辟新的教学机会。 它将用于跨几个科学学科和子学科的研究，包括细胞生理学和生物化学（金斯利，Aprille，贝尔），遗传学（沃里克），发育生物学（Radice），神经和行为生物学（金斯利），系统植物学（海登），纳米技术（利奥波德）和免疫学（Stenger）。数字成像将增强所有EM用户的研究计划，加上这种仪器将开辟新的合作研究领域。由数字成像产生的无纸图像可以由电子显微镜的研究人员和不同实验室、建筑物或机构的同事在真实的时间内进行审查。 同样，图像可以与单个学生研究人员或整个班级的学生一起审查。与传统摄影相比，这是一种从图像材料进行教学的绝佳方式：即时反馈，减少显影和打印的时间和繁琐，并且材料便宜得多。 新型SEM的可变压力模式将使研究人员能够研究含水样品和自然状态下的样品。TEM和SEM准备的新设备将加快所有研究项目的进度，并促进学生研究人员的培训。获得的EM升级和补充将创建一个真正的多学科研究设施。 它将允许更大的合作，使EM更容易为学生所用。 学生参与独立和课程研究促进分析和批判性思维，并为研究生和专业学校以及高科技劳动力做好更好的准备。UR是一个主要的本科院校，本科生参与本提案中描述的项目的所有阶段。作为本科教育的一部分，学生参与研究是招募和培养聪明的年轻人从事科学事业的过程的重要组成部分。来自大里士满地区参与大学正在进行的推广计划的学生也将使用获得的仪器。

A grant has been awarded to the University of Richmond under the direction of Dr. Roni Kingsley to acquire new and upgraded electron microscopy (EM) equipment for the use of students and faculty conducting independent and course-related research in the Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology departments. The following equipment will be acquired: a variable pressure scanning electron microscope (SEM) with digital imaging, equipment for digital imaging for an existing transmission electron microscope (TEM), a new ultramicrotome and diamond knives for TEM sample sectioning, and a sputter coater to coat SEM samples. The research to be conducted using this instrumentation is diverse, yet the common problem to be addressed throughout all of the projects is achieving state-of-the-art imaging for research and teaching. The images are so compelling while generating essential information. The goal of this project is to use the instrumentation to conduct engaging and innovative research with undergraduate students. A key to the success of the sciences is the continued accessibility to instrumentation to support the research done with students. Electron microscopy is an essential element in, and connection between many disciplines. Therefore, the EM laboratory will be a focal point of interdisciplinary research.The acquired EM equipment will enhance the research programs of a number of faculty members, as well as opening up new pedagogical opportunities. It will be used for studies across several science disciplines and sub-disciplines including cell physiology and biochemistry (Kingsley, Aprille, Bell), genetics (Warrick), developmental biology (Radice), neural and behavioral biology (Kinsley), systematic botany (Hayden), nanotechnology (Leopold), and immunology (Stenger). Digital imaging will enhance the research programs of all EM users, plus this instrumentation will open up new areas of collaborative research. The paperless images generated by digital imaging may be reviewed in real time by a researcher at the electron microscope and colleagues in a different lab, or building, or institution. Similarly, images can be reviewed with individual student researchers or with an entire class of students. Compared to traditional photography, this is an excellent way to teach from imaged material: immediate feedback, less time and tedium in developing and printing, and much less expensive in materials. The variable pressure mode of the new SEM will allow researchers to study hydrated specimens and specimens in their natural states. The new equipment for TEM and SEM preparation will expedite all research programs and facilitate the training of student researchers.The acquired EM upgrades and additions will create a truly multidisciplinary research facility. It will allow for greater collaborations and make EM far more accessible to students. The participation of students in independent and course research fosters analytical and critical thinking, and better prepares them for graduate and professional schools and the high technology work force. UR is a primarily undergraduate institution and undergraduates are involved in all phases of the projects described in this proposal. The involvement of students in research as part of their undergraduate education is an important part of the process of recruiting and training bright young people for careers in science. Students from the greater Richmond area involved in the University's ongoing outreach programs will also use the acquired instrumentation.