MRI-R2: Acquisition of a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer for studies in biogeochemistry at Southern Oregon University.

该奖项是根据2009年美国复苏和再投资法案（公法111-5）资助的。这项主要研究仪器-回收和再投资（MRI-R2）奖励资助了南俄勒冈大学（SOU）具有元素分析仪接口的稳定同位素比质谱仪的采购。该仪器为通过生物系统了解水、碳和氮的通量提供了有力的工具。稳定同位素分析已经渗透到生物学、化学、地质学以及环境和法医学的大多数分支学科中。教师和学生在研究和教学中越来越多地利用同位素的概念和应用。该工具既可作为教学工具，也可作为研究项目的资源，涵盖许多学科。有了这个仪器，当地科学家就可以探索创新的新项目，并获得初步数据，从而增强研究基础设施和竞争性资助的前景。SOU对卓越教学有着坚定的承诺。所有的科学仪器都可用于教学。学生在课堂上学习稳定同位素，并能够通过主动学习练习和实践研究经验增强他们对这一复杂主题的理解。这项技术的获得增强了SOU生物和化学系的仪器基础设施，并为学生提供了一个强大的工具，可以用于高级独立研究项目。上面列出的一些潜在项目可以通过增进对气候变率和变化的了解、加强刑事调查的法医应用和对水生和森林生态系统所面临的环境问题的更大认识使社会受益。由新设备促成的研究结果将通过学生和教员在区域和国家会议上的发言以及通过在同行评议的期刊上发表来传播。

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).This Major Research Instrumentation-Recovery and Reinvestment (MRI-R2) award funds the acquisition of a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer with an elemental analyzer interface at Southern Oregon University (SOU). The instrumentation provides a powerful tool for understanding the fluxes of water, carbon and nitrogen though biological systems. Stable isotope analysis has permeated most sub-disciplines in biology, chemistry, geology as well as environmental and forensic science. Faculty and students are increasingly utilizing isotopic concepts and applications in both research and teaching. The instrument serves as both a pedagogical tool and a resource for research projects than span many disciplines. With access to this instrument, local scientists explore innovative new projects and obtain preliminary data that enhances research infrastructure and prospects for competitive funding. SOU has a strong commitment to teaching excellence. All scientific instrumentation is available for use in instruction. Students learn about stable isotopes in lecture and are able to enhance their understanding of this complex topic through active-learning exercises and hands-on research experiences. Acquisition of this technology enhances the instrumentation infrastructure at SOU for both the Biology and Chemistry departments and provides students with a powerful tool that can be utilized in senior independent research projects. Some of the potential projects listed above could benefit society through an increased understanding of climate variability and change, forensic applications that enhance criminal investigations and a greater appreciation for environmental issues facing aquatic and forest ecosystems. Results from the studies enabled by the new equipment will be disseminated by student and faculty presentations at regional and national meetings, and through publication in peer-reviewed journals.