University of Mary Washington has received a prestigious $247,241 grant from
the National Science Foundation to acquire a variable-pressure scanning electron
microscope.
The SEM provides magnification of up to 300,000 times. Most microscopes in
use in science departments achieve magnification of up to only 1,000 times.
In addition, the SEM encompasses a vast depth of field allowing the observer
to study a larger portion of the sample area. Another key difference is that
the SEM uses electrons to form images, whereas traditional microscopes use
light.
SEMs are rarely found at undergraduate institutions, said Kathryn Loesser-Casey,
associate professor of biology and co-investigator of the grant. Even many
of the scanning electron microscopes at major research universities fall short
of “the capabilities of the one that is being purchased by Mary Washington,
which is one of the most advanced models available today,” she said.
The SEM, housed at Jepson Science Center, will be used by the biology, geology,
chemistry, and physics departments during the academic year. In addition,
the University’s Summer Science Research Program, made up of faculty
and upper-level students, anticipates using the SEM during its 10-week research
program. Other departments, including historic preservation and classics,
also will incorporate research using the SEM into their course work.
In addition to Loesser-Casey, the individuals responsible for writing the
proposal to receive this grant include Jodie Hayob, associate professor of
environmental science and geology; Susan Matts, assistant professor of physics;
Deborah O’Dell, associate professor of biology; Neil Tibert, assistant
professor of environmental science and geology; Leanna Giancarlo, assistant
professor of chemistry; and Stephen G. Gallik, professor of biology.
In 2001, the chemistry faculty received a similar National Science Foundation
grant to acquire a scanning probe microscope. This microscope allows researchers
to study the properties of atomic level surfaces and produce a three-dimensional
topographic image of the surface at the atomic scale.