This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grant supports acquisition of a thermal demagnetizer and ancillary paleomagnetic lab equipment to support research and research training in the Department of Natural Sciences at New Mexico Highlands University. A new ASC thermal demagnetizer will replace an inoperative thermal demagnetizer in the PIs lab and will support a wide range of paleomagnetic investigations including studies of magma flow dynamics based on magnetic fabric measurements, paleogeographic investigations of Neoproterozoic glacial deposits preserved in the high Arctic, and Quaternary paleoenvironmental studies of lacustrine deposits. NMHU is a Hispanic serving institution (56% of the student body is Hispanic) and has a documented record of recruiting students into STEM fields.
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INTRODUCTION The NMHU Paleomagnetic-Rock Magnetism Laboratory (PRM), funded by NSF-MRI 0820853/1039421, arrived in early 2009 with final installation and all systems brought on-line in mid May 2009. All current and requested equipment is/will be housed in suite 162/164 of the Lora Shields Science Building. This 900+ ft2 facility is a modern, dedicated laboratory space complete with a 17 ft2 magnetically shielded low-field room (Magnetic Measurement Systems LTD.) constructed as part of the Universities 2008 cost share agreement with NSF and the PIs. Award 1039421 provided funding to purchase an ASC Scientific Model TD48-SC Thermal Demagnetizer and other minor equipment to complement the existing Paleomagnetic-Rock Magnetism Laboratory at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). The equipment has been integrated with the recently acquired NSF award (NSF-MRI 0820853) and existing lab facilities. The major equipment requested (ASC thermal demagnetizer) replaces the inoperative Schoensted thermal demagnetizer. The acquisition of this additional laboratory equipment further enables the department to create a well-equipped learning environment that integrates research with education. Collectively, the instruments at the NMHU Paleomagnetic-Rock Magnetism Laboratory are serving the following functions: (1) providing analytical capabilities for rock, mineral, sediment, and soil research; (2) facilitating teaching and applying key concepts in geology, environmental science, and natural resources management courses; and (3) supporting student training, particularly Hispanic students, in modern analytical methods. Since the establishment of the Paleomagnetic-Rock Magnetism Laboratory, it has seen near continuous use for a variety of student-oriented projects and national/international research collaborations. The broad impacts of these endeavors are not only training the next generation of scientists in modern laboratory skills but also imbuing them with invaluable technical skills they will require as they move into their geoscience careers. The intellectual merit of national and international collaborations are building the reputation of northern New Mexico's premier Hispanic serving institution, recruiting students into the STEM fields, and providing an all inclusive laboratory facility to conduct transformative and cutting-edge paleomagnetic-rock magnetic research.
