This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).
Funds from this grant will support the acquisition of a variable pressure sample chamber scanning electron microscope (VP-SEM) equipped with cathodoluminescence (CL) and energy dispersive spectrometers (EDS). The VP-SEM will support the research and teaching activities of five principle investigators spanning the Departments of Geology, Biology, Physics and Environmental Studies. PI and student research topics ranging from paleoclimate investigations to vertebrate paleontology to igneous and metamorphic petrology will be facilitated by the capabilities of the requested instrument for microtextural and semi-quantitative chemical characterization. Macalester College is an undergraduate institution with a strong track record of promoting the engagement of students in research. Students trained in modern microscopy research methods are well prepared for the technical job market where materials microcharacterization is a critical element.
