Award Abstract #0116660
MRI: Acquisition of laser ablation for ICP-MS and electron microprobe upgrade, for geological and environmental research and research training

NSF Org:	EAR Division of Earth Sciences
Initial Amendment Date:	September 24, 2001
Latest Amendment Date:	September 24, 2001
Award Number:	0116660
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Russell C. Kelz EAR Division of Earth Sciences GEO Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date:	September 15, 2001
Expires:	August 31, 2004 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$60000
Investigator(s):	Nicholas Pingitore nick@geo.utep.edu (Principal Investigator) Jorge Gardea-Torresdey (Co-Principal Investigator) Christopher Andronicos (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	University of Texas at El Paso ADMIN BLDG RM 209 ElPaso, TX 79968 915/747-5680
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):	0000099 Other Applications NEC
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR, 1189, 0000
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

0116660

Pingitore

This grant, made through Major Research Instrumentation Program, provides partial support of the costs for upgrading the operating system of UTEP's 14-year-old, first generation Cameca SX-50 electron microprobe. We will acquire a control system upgrade to replace the antiquated DEC PDP-based software on our Cameca microprobe. The DEC system is no longer supported by DEC or Cameca; newly developed analytical and imaging capabilities have not been available to us. The original Kevex EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) system likewise is seriously outdated and has no EDS imaging and mapping capability or light-element detection. We will replace this with a system featuring a full imaging and mapping package, high counting rate, and light-element detector window. UTEP's electron microprobe laboratory is a multi-user and multi-disciplinary facility. It serves research, research training and instructional functions for individuals and groups from across our campus, including members of the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and Health Sciences. The microprobe laboratory also assists individuals, businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in the El Paso-Juarez community and beyond. The three co-investigators and their research groups have 15 projects, currently underway, which will make use of the upgraded facility. These research projects include the following topics: tectonics, metamorphic reactions, phytoremediation, environmental bio-sensors, desert varnish, particulate matter air pollution, plutonism, biosorption of heavy metals, trace elements in corals, microprobe data quantification, speciation of metals in soil, and foram Mg/Ca paleothermometry. Additional microprobe equipment use on funded projects from other UTEP researchers includes such topic areas as pigments, catalytic materials, archaeology, health, soil salination, composites, and exotic alloys. Early and continued exposure to research is an essential part of UTEP's strategy to attract and retain students in science and engineering, particularly under-represented minorities. Mexican-Americans comprise approximately 2/3 of the student body at UTEP. Two of the Co-PIs are minority members, who serve as special role models and close student mentors. Instrumentation and hands-on laboratory experience are important to establish the "connection" with students that often determines their

academic choices, success, and ultimate career paths.

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