MRI: Acquisition of Elemental Stable Isotope Chemistry (ESIC) Mass Spectrometer

PI要求为元素稳定同位素化学（ESIC）质谱仪提供资金。该仪器将服务于南德克萨斯州，这是一个地理，社会经济和教育孤立的地区。环境标准分类是生态系统一级研究和应用环境评估的现代要求。在生物、地质和环境科学领域，IRMS提供了对关键地球周期的先进科学认识。此外，它还是确定人类活动对环境健康影响的主要评估工具，有助于制定有效的生态系统管理战略。ESIC将通过NSF资助的研究协调网络（RCN）-气候、能源、环境和半干旱地区的参与，加强德克萨斯州南部六个西班牙裔服务机构（HSI）的环境研究和STEM教育。 这项提案的资金将大大增加尖端研究工具的使用，以代表性不足的西班牙裔，因为质谱仪的使用将被纳入许多类。关于IRMS和稳定同位素地球化学的培训将纳入课程，提高受影响的当地学生群体的技术熟练程度，并普遍改善德克萨斯州南部的研究基础设施。该工具预计将促进合作和培训机会与其他六个西班牙裔服务机构在南德克萨斯州。预计该工具还将改善多个西班牙裔服务机构的教师和学生招聘。

The PIs request funding for an elemental stable isotope chemistry (ESIC) mass spectrometer. This instrument will serve South Texas, a geographically, socio-economically and educationally isolated region. The ESIC is a modern requirement for ecosystem-level research and applied environmental assessment. In the fields of biological, geological and environmental sciences IRMS provides advanced scientific understanding of key earth cycles. In addition, it is a primary assessment tool to determine anthropogenic influences on environmental health, enabling development of effective strategies to manage ecosystems. The ESIC will enhance environmental research and STEM education at six South Texas Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) through the NSF-funded Research Coordination Network (RCN) - Climate, Energy, Environment and Engagement in Semiarid Regions.Broader Impacts: Funding of this proposal will dramatically increase access of cutting edge research tools to underrepresented Hispanics, as use of the mass spec will be incorporated into many classes. Training on the IRMS and stable isotope biogeochemistry will be incorporated into coursework, bolstering the technical proficiency of the impacted local student population and generally improving the research infrastructure in South Texas. The instrument is expected to foster collaborations and training opportunities with six other Hispanic-Serving Institutions in South Texas. The instrument is also anticipated to improve faculty and student recruitment at multiple Hispanic-serving institutions.