Acquisition of Scanning Electron Microscopy for Nanoscience and Biotechnology

Northeastern University, Boston MA

Investigators

Abstract

This action supports an ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) for research, education, and training in nanoscience and biotechnology. Twenty faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering will use the instrument to carry out research on several projects. Research areas include bacterial biofilms, microbial diversity in marine environments, protozoan biochemistry and metabolism, nanostructures in spintronic materials, collective electrodynamics of nanostructured oxides and borides, metal-insulator transition in two-dimensional semiconductors, novel green routes to the synthesis of conducting polymers, chemical vapor deposition of metals, and structure-property relations of thin films for electronic applications. The SEM will facilitate research programs that are supported by awards from several Federal agencies: NSF, AFOSR, ONR, DOE, NIH, as well as from industrial companies and private foundations. The instrument will catalyze new interdisciplinary collaborations in nanoscience and biotechnology. The SEM will be integrated into interdisciplinary graduate courses in nanotechnology and biotechnology offered by several departments. It will be used in undergraduate laboratory courses, undergraduate projects and co-op internships. The SEM will be integrated into the "Building Bridges" and the ACS Project SEED outreach programs for middle and high school students, and the Connections. Program for women and underrepresented populations.