MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of a TEM for Multi-disciplinary Research and Education at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-A Hispanic Serving Institution.

得克萨斯州里奥格兰德河谷大学(UTRGV)获得了一台透射电子显微镜(TEM；日立HT7800 120千伏)，这将极大地促进跨越生物、地球、环境、海洋科学、化学、物理、机械工程、健康和生物医学、免疫学和微生物学等多个学科的研究和教学活动。作为美国最大的少数族裔服务机构之一，UTRGV致力于促进3万多名学生的学业发展，其中90%以上是西班牙裔学生。购买这种最先进的显微镜将增加几个社会效益，包括增强研究能力，改善教育质量，以及扩大科学、技术、工程和数学(STEM)领域中未被充分代表的群体的参与。UTRGV位于德克萨斯州南部腹地的美墨边境沿线的战略位置，使其成为重要的环境和公共卫生研究中心。这是该地区第一次收购TEM，表明UTRGV致力于继续在科学探索和创新方面处于领先地位。此外，该显微镜将成为各种课程和项目不可或缺的一部分，让更多的学生接触到这项尖端技术，并激发他们对STEM专业的兴趣。该仪器将使各种生物、化学和物理样本能够进行高分辨率成像和分析，为研究人员和学生提供关键数据，这些项目包括研究植物对昆虫的反应、斑马鱼神经元对环境化学品的反应，以及用于磁热癌症治疗的热感纳米颗粒。该仪器还将检测应用于能源、光电子、水处理、医疗保健、食品包装和生物医学领域的纳米纤维的形态，以及植物组织中边界凹坑的超微结构，以了解植物的抗旱性。其用户友好的特点，如集成的高分辨率相机和专利的无毒样品制备技术，使其成为教育和实践培训的宝贵工具。显微镜的收购将扩大UTRGV的研究和教学努力，为本科生和研究生提供实践经验和接触真实世界的应用。这种接触应该会提高他们的就业能力和高级学位课程的竞争力。此外，显微镜将促进不同部门和学校之间的合作，从而加强UTRGV成为R1机构的使命。总体而言，此次收购将巩固UTRGV作为STEM研究和教育领先机构的声誉，特别是有利于未被充分代表的少数族裔学生，最终帮助格兰德河谷和其他地区。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

An award is made to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to acquire a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM; Hitachi HT7800 120 kV), which will significantly boost the research and teaching activities spanning several disciplines, such as biology, earth, environmental, marine sciences, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, health and biomedical sciences, immunology and microbiology. As one of the largest minority-serving institutions in the USA, UTRGV is dedicated to the academic growth of over 30,000 students, more than 90% of whom are Hispanic. The acquisition of this state-of-the-art microscope will increase several societal benefits, including enhancing research capabilities, improving educational quality, and expanding participation by underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. UTRGV's strategic position along the US-Mexico border in the heart of deep south Texas makes it a key environmental and public health research center. The acquisition of the TEM, a first for the region, shows UTRGV’s dedication to continue leading in scientific exploration and innovation. In addition, the microscope will become an integral part of various courses and programs, exposing more students to this cutting-edge technology and sparking their interest in STEM professions.The instrument will enable high-resolution imaging and analysis of various biological, chemical, and physical samples, providing critical data for investigators and students working on projects such as studying plant responses to insects, zebrafish neuron reactions to environmental chemicals, and theranostic nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia cancer treatment. The instrument will also examine the morphology of nanofibers for applications in energy, optoelectronics, water treatment, healthcare, food packaging, and biomedical sectors, as well as the ultrastructure of bordered pits in plant tissues to understand plant drought resistance. Its user-friendly features, such as the integrated high-resolution camera and patented non-toxic sample preparation technologies, make it a valuable tool for education and hands-on training. The acquisition of the microscope will expand research and teaching efforts at UTRGV, providing undergraduate and graduate students with practical experience and exposure to real-world applications. This exposure should improve their employability and competitiveness for advanced degree programs. Moreover, the microscope will foster collaboration across various departments and schools, thus strengthening the mission of UTRGV to become an R1 institution. Overall, this acquisition will solidify UTRGV's reputation as a leading institution for STEM research and education, particularly benefiting underrepresented minority students, ultimately helping the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.