Equipment: MRI: Track 1 "Acquisition of an X-ray diffractometer for teaching, research and collaboration"

该重大研究仪器（MRI）奖由材料研究部和刺激竞争性研究的既定计划（EPSCoR）共同资助，支持新墨西哥州高地大学（NMHU）收购新的单晶X射线衍射仪。新功能可用于表征合成和天然晶体固体的分子和晶体三维结构。材料研究活动，涉及本科生和研究生，使用这些新合成的化合物，材料和矿物的发现仪器。来自不同学科的学生的混合（例如，化学、地质学）纳入实验室研究和培训的范围，为充分认识科学探究的跨学科性质带来了新的视角。新仪器有助于在一个友好的环境中为少数民族服务的机构提供晶体学研讨会、矿物学和材料研讨会以及其他课程的培训，使学生能够在学术界、国家实验室和工业界找到自己的职业道路。单晶X射线衍射仪配备了最新的面探测器和微焦点X射线源技术。通过X射线衍射方法鉴定分子结构和三维构型是设计新尖端材料的第一步。该仪器促进了跨学科和跨大学的研究，如（i）硅酸盐矿物中的氧化物夹杂物，发光二极管，以及NMHU的药物（ii）与科罗拉多大学博尔德分校合作的半导体和太阳能电池，以及（iv）与NSF BioPACIFIC MIP合作的金属有机框架夹杂物和磁共振成像造影剂。这些研究活动使学生获得数据处理、批判性思维和跨学科能力等技术和基本技能。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award, jointly funded by the Division of Materials Research, and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) supports the acquisition of a new single crystal X-ray diffractometer at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). The new capability enables the characterization of the molecular and crystal 3-dimensional structure of synthesized and natural crystalline solids. Materials research activities, involving undergraduate and graduate students, use the instrument in the discovery of these newly synthesized compounds, materials and minerals. The mixing of students from different disciplines (e.g., chemistry, geology) into the scope of laboratory research and training brings a fresh perspective to fully realize the cross-disciplinary nature of scientific inquiry. The new instrument helps to provide training in the form of crystallography workshops, mineralogy and materials seminars, and other courses in a friendly environment at a minority serving institution that allows students to find pathways in their career at academia, national laboratories, and industry.The single crystal X-ray diffractometer is equipped with the latest technology on area detectors and on micro focus X-ray sources. The identification by X-ray diffraction methods of the molecular structures and 3-dimensional configurations are the first steps in the design of the new cutting-edge materials. The instrument facilitates inter-disciplinary and inter-university research such as (i) oxide inclusions in silicate minerals, light emitting diodes, and pharmaceuticals at NMHU (ii) semiconductors and solar cells in collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder, and (iv) metal organic frameworks inclusions and magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in collaboration with the NSF BioPACIFIC MIP. These research activities expose students to technical and essential skills such as data processing, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary competency.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.