DSU Receives $500,000 Research Instrumentation Grant

A group of DSU faculty members from the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology have been awarded a $501,100 Major Research Instrumentation Grant from the National Science Foundation.

The grant will enable the University to acquire a Scanning Electron Microscope for use in multidisciplinary research.

The principal investigator grant is Dr. Mukti M. Rana, assistant professor of physics. The co-PIs for the grant were Dr. Hacene Boukari, associate professor of physics and engineering; Dr. Theresa Szabo-Maas, assistant professor of biological sciences; Dr. Wafa Amir, director of the DSU Imaging Facility; and Dr. Dula Man, assistant professor of chemistry

The NSF grant funding the purchase of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) will provide DSU with an ultra-modern tool to image a sample with more than a million magnification. The technology will also have the capability to determine the atomic composition/structure of samples.

In addition to high magnification, the instrument will provide other capabilities such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microanalysis system and electron back scattered diffractometer, which can be used to determine the elemental composition and crystallographic orientation of a specimen. 

The SEM will be used to complete various ongoing research projects at DSU, which includes:

• The development of ultra-low power Indium Arsenic Nitride semiconductor transistors
• The fabrication of a nanofiber in situ electroporation chip to deliver DNA into cells
• The study of membrane-associated estrogen receptors in the Mauthner cell circuit of goldfish.
• The characterization of tubulin nanorings.

This high-resolution imaging microscope will enhance the research and educational capabilities at DSU, as well as provide DSU STEM students with “hands on” experience and training in this broadly-used technology.

Further, it is expected that SEM will stimulate new research opportunities, while it will develop new collaborative projects among DSU and non-DSU researchers including potential high technology companies. It will also strengthen the research and education capabilities of DSU in nano-scale science and technology, which involves many departments at DSU.

The SEM will be located at new Optical Science Center for Applied Research (OSCAR) Building that is currently under construction on the DSU campus.

 “This is another piece that we will contribute to our efforts to build a world class optics program at DSU,” said Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, dean of the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology. “The SEM will add tremendous value to the University and the high technology community in the state while at the same will provide excellent opportunities for students to acquire hands on imaging skills” said the Dean and director of the optics program, Dr. Noureddine Melikechi.”