MRI: track 1 acquisition of a variable pressure scanning electron microscope for nano and micro-scale imaging, elemental analysis and materials science at idaho state university

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded Idaho State University $745,287 on August 15, 2026, to acquire a variable pressure scanning electron microscope (SEM) for nano and micro-scale imaging, elemental analysis, and materials science research under the Integrative Activities program (CFDA 47.083).

The SEM will replace outdated equipment and serve as a shared institutional resource to advance microanalytical research capacity and strengthen the university and region's analytical infrastructure. The instrument will support interdisciplinary research and teaching across science, engineering, and applied research fields, with applications spanning forensic analysis and skeletal histology (human identification, trauma timing, dental and skeletal microstructure analysis, diet reconstruction, taphonomic research), paleoecological and paleoenvironmental research (microfossil and sediment analysis, organic and inorganic residue examination, human-environment interaction evidence), geosciences (rock and mineral characterization, geochronology), and related domains. The SEM will expand access for university collaborators, community partners, and industry users and improve student training opportunities.

Performance occurs in Pocatello, Idaho, with a period of performance through July 31, 2029. This is a Project Grant assistance type funding the acquisition of research infrastructure to build capacity for science and engineering research and education.

Abstract

Recent advances in microanalysis for earth, historical, and forensic sciences recognize that the characteristics of materials observed with the naked eye have corresponding structural features at micro and nano scales of observation that fuel novel research questions, support applied science that tackles real-world problems, and reveal unexpected domains of inquiry. Acquiring a state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope (SEM) with elemental and structural analysis capability at idaho state university (ISU) will advance microanalytical research capacity by replacing outdated and end-of-support equipment and strengthening the university and region?s analytical infrastructure for a new generation of material-focused scientists. Consistent with current best practices for institutional infrastructure, this new instrument will be a high-visibility, shared resource that will expand interdisciplinary research, support teaching and improve student training opportunities, and increase access for collaborators, community and industry partners. The activities enabled by this new SEM instrument will unlock significant new and collaborative research at ISU spanning science, engineering, and applied research fields through interdisciplinary training across a wide range of methods, materials and users. In forensic analysis and skeletal histology, IT will support work on human identification, trauma timing, dental and skeletal microstructures, diet reconstruction, and taphonomic research. For our paleoecological and paleoenvironmental research team, IT will fundamentally improve the analysis of microfossils, sediments, organic and inorganic residues, and evidence of human-environment interactions. In the geosciences, IT will enable rock and mineral characterization and enhance geochronology, thermochronology, and studies of tectonics and landscape history. The SEM will also advance engineering and materials research, including semiconductor thin films, additive manufacturing processes, thermally altered materials, and ceramic membranes for wastewater separation. In addition to enabling these activities for ISU researchers and their community and industry partners, the PIS will use the new SEM in their teaching and public outreach, to cultivate an enthusiasm for the microscopic world in students at all levels and build their real-world analytical skills and experiences. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.