Acquisition of a Transmission Electron Microscope to Enhance Multidisciplinary Research and STEM Education
Abstract
For many years, research at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has been well-aligned with DoD missions and priorities. The funds are requested for acquiring a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). TEM is critical in all fields that require materials characterization on the nanometer length scale. While the entire university will benefit from the acquisition of a TEM, this proposal arises from the combined effort of 14 faculty members across six colleges and institutes, including College of Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Medicine, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Honors College, and College of Education. DoD-sponsored materials research at FAU involves the development of flexible body armor and polymer matrix composites with outstanding mechanical and chemical stability. Nanoscale imaging capabilities will not only ensure rapid progress in current DoD-funded materials research, but also stimulate new research in DoD-relevant areas, such as air revitalization in submarines, drug development and delivery, bone tissue engineering, sensing and threat detection, and nanotechnology. Having TEM onsite will allow us to overcome current limitations in DoD-funded research projects and develop advanced analytical tools to better understand how microscopic features contribute to enhanced macroscopic performance. TEM will further contribute to the development of new therapeutic tools and disease interventions. FAU is the most ethnically diverse public university in Florida. The new research instrumentation will enhance FAUÕs capability to educate the next generation STEM workforce in using state-of-the-art technology. TEM will be a key instrument for active student recruitment events targeting women and minorities in DoD-relevant fields, such as physical sciences, engineering, and biomedicine. As part of a broader K-12 outreach, we will work with local minority-serving middle and high schools to generate early interest in STEM careers among students who are under-represented in these disciplines. Outreach efforts will encompass a number of initiatives, including structured student visits to the TEM lab, internships for selected schoolteachers, or the development of a Nanoscale Imaging teaching module. Electron microscopy will be integrated into the undergraduate STEM curriculum to promote active learning and student engagement in the classroom. The Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry will support talented undergraduate students to work on TEM-related projects under the leadership of a faculty mentor. TEM is of great importance as it can stimulate students interest and motivation for studying science and technology by establishing a meaningful connection between the classroom and the real word.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110147
Entities
People
- Vivian Merk
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Florida Atlantic University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense