The acquisition of an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM),is requested. To date, no Philadelphia area universities have ESEM capabilities, so this project would also be of significant interest to local universities and industries through partnerships established through the Nanotechnology Center. Additionally, the proposed work will have a strong impact on Drexel University's educational initiatives with respect to community outreach, mentorship activity and graduate/undergraduate education. This will also include high students through summer courses designed for underrepresented minorities from Philadelphia schools as well as students from Math and Science academies. Additionally, new graduate and undergraduate curricula are being established that will make use of ESEM as a training tool.
