RUI/MRI: Acquisition of an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope for Research and Teaching Grant uri icon

abstract

  • The purpose of this proposal is to request funds for the acquisition of a new FEI Quanta 200 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) equipped with energy dispersive x-ray. At present it is the only scope on the market that can operate at full resolution with the specimen fully hydrated and the specimen chamber filled with water vapor and other gases. Specimens as a result are not subjected to the harsh preparations typically necessary for SEM study. Merit Review Criterion 1: Intellectual Merit. The ESEM will be used in support of the research and teaching missions of at least three separate ECU departments: Biology, Chemistry and Geology. At a minimum we anticipate major use of an ESEM by a group of five core users and a core of seven auxiliary users who will use the equipment on an irregular basis. The acquisition of this scope will directly impact the research programs of the five core users (PI's), three of which are currently funded by the NSF. These core research programs include studies of spider morphology for systematics (J. Bond, Biology; DEB 0108575 & 0228699), pollination biology and the evolution of self-incompatibility (C. Goodwillie, Biology; DEB 0212903), mineralogical and geochemical assessment of changes occurring in coastal limestone aquifers (R. Corbett, Geology; OCE 0220215), studies of the surface morphology and stoichiometry of the surface of zeolites (R. McIntyre, Chemistry), and investigation of the groundwater chemistry of Coastal Plain aquifers in North Carolina (T. Woods, Geology).

date/time interval

  • July 2003 - June 2006