Acquisition of a FE-SEM for enhancement of multi-disciplinary research and student training at UNLV
Abstract
This proposal aims to acquire a new high resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) for the Electron Microanalysis & Imaging Laboratory (EMiL) laboratory at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). SEMs are used across science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) fields to analyze solid materialsÕ external morphology (texture, topography), chemical composition, crystalline structure, and orientation of materials at the micrometer to nanometer scale. This EMiL facility is a critically important general user facility that houses the only electron beam instruments available to all researchers and students at UNLV. The laboratory is used by students and researchers from across STEM disciplines in the College of Sciences and College of Engineering with >50 users per year. Acquisition of a new FE-SEM will enable a wide variety of scientific studies, continued student participation in research, and encourage interdisciplinary efforts at UNLV. The primary research foci of current and future users of the lab are: 1) investigation of geologic and planetary materials, 2) characterization of strategically important manufactured materials, 3) quantitative analysis of radiochemical materials, and 4) evaluation of engineering materials which multiple application including hazardous material mitigation and environmental remediation. The proposed FE-SEM system is fully equipped with capabilities and detectors (including backscatter and secondary electron, cathodoluminescence, energy dispersive x-ray, and electron backscatter diffraction detectors) for advanced materials characterization at nano- to micrometer scales. Many research projects that utilize SEMs align with DoD areas of interest including the Army Research office interests in mechanical sciences (i.e., solid mechanics, Earth materials and processes), material sciences (i.e., mechanical behavior of materials, physical properties of materials), chemical sciences (i.e., electrochemistry, environmental chemistry), and with the Air Force Research interests in engineering and complex systems (RTA1), chemistry and biological sciences (RTB2; i.e., natural materials, systems, and extremophiles), and physical sciences (RTB1; i.e., materials with extreme properties). The new FE-SEM will continue to facilitate ongoing efforts and enable future research in these priority areas. The new FE-SEM will enable hands-on research training and provide lab-based learning with cutting edge technologies for undergraduate and graduate students that builds vital skills required for STEM careers. The student population is highly diverse, and UNLV is both a minority and Hispanic serving institution. UNLV students will have access to the instrument through course work and their own research projects. The Geoscience Department and College of Engineering have a strong commitment to education and outreach efforts which align with the DoDÕs mission to foster workforce diversity and entry of underrepresented minorities into STEM disciplines important to national defense. These include GeoscienceÕs recent NSF funded GEOPaths program, yearly participation in the Las Vegas Science Festival including offering EMiL lab tours, and the College of EngineeringÕs Solar Energy Water Nexus Work Force STEM pipeline Development Projects. A new outreach activity using the FE-SEM, ÒZooming in on Desert ThingsÓ, will be developed to increase middle and high school studentÕs interest in STEM fields through fun and interactive microscale investigations of specimens they submit. All student activities are aimed at attracting students and growing student participation in Engineering, Chemistry, Earth, Planetary, and Environmental sciences research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210162
Entities
People
- Margaret Odlum
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas