Acquisition of A Transmission Electron Microscope System to Strengthen JSU Nanomaterial Research and Education for Minority Participants on DOD Mission
Abstract
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, under authority of 10 U.S.C. ยค 2362 and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OASD(R&E)), allocated $28 million to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) with equipment and instrumentation enhancements to improve their research and education capabilities in scientific disciplines important to the defense mission. The program aims enhance the capacity of HBCU/MI to participate broadly in defense research programs and activities and to increase the number of graduates, including underrepresented minorities, in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Nanoscience and nanotechnology is one of the fastest growing science areas with vast applications in human endeavors including military operations and specialty materials for Department of Defense (DoD) applications. The interdisciplinary group of researchers at Jackson State University (JSU), will carry out comprehensive studies on nanomaterials with collaboration of Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) scientists to train underrepresented minority students in advanced nanomaterial research for DoD workforce. This proposal seeks support for the acquisition of a High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) system to provide the needed high-end instrument for ongoing and future nanomaterials research and education. With its strong research and education accomplishments, JSU is in a unique position to educate underrepresented minority students in the science and engineering areas for the nation s workforce. The proposed HRTEM will be a state-of-the-art and fully equipped high resolution analytical TEM. It is capable of providing high spatial resolution of atomic imaging and microstructure analysis of material samples with ultra-high resolution compositional analysis and elemental mapping using energy dispersive X-Ray spectrometer. It is also able to conduct electron energy loss spectroscopy and elemental mapping fora wide range of elements with high spatial resolution. With this HRTEM, we are committed to: 1) address materials science issues of DoD importance through pioneering research and education in nanoscience, 2) educate a new generation of underrepresented minority scientists in innovative, interdisciplinary ways of investigation for workforce development for the DoD, and 3) transfer relevant discoveries from the laboratory to the public. The instrument will be made accessible to both Mississippi Public Institutions of Higher Learning and private colleges, aiming at fostering stronger partnerships with these institutions. The research to be supported by the requested instrumentation will mainly be on the development and application of novel nanomaterials for the DoD mission. There are four cutting-edge and highly collaborative projects with AFRL research themes: 1) Development of Novel Electromagnetic Hybrid Nanostructure Nonlinear Optical Materials; 2) Graphene-Based SERS Probe for Detection of Explosive Molecules; 3) Understanding of Interaction of Biological Macromolecules with Nanoparticles and the Study of Mechanisms of Toxicity of Various Nanomaterials and 4) developing carbon dots based advanced bio-sensing devices. The potential transformative research results will be disseminated to a national and international audience through publications, patents, presentations, and possible commercial products. It will be used for DoD mission education for over 2500 minority students/year in JSU and other minority Schools in Mississippi including Alcorn State University, Tougaloo College, etc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610505
Entities
People
- Paresh Ray
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Jackson State University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense