Purchase analytical equipment for measurement science

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $963,000 Project Grant (CFDA 11.617 - Congressionally-Identified Projects) to the University of St. Thomas to purchase five analytical instruments: (1) a $495,000 microfocus computer tomography system, (2) a $163,000 inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry system, (3) a $183,000 matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscopy system, (4) a $86,000 size-exclusion chromatography/gel permeation chromatograph, and (5) a $36,000 micro-analytical balance. These instruments will support the university's interdisciplinary programs related to environmental, sustainability, and anthropological research, and provide training opportunities for undergraduate students through the university's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiative. The grant award period is from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to purchase analytical equipment for measurement science. Funds will be used to purchase (1) microfocus computer tomography system $495,000; (2) inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry system $163,000; (3) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscopy system $183,000; (4) size-exclusion chromatography/GEL permeation chromatograph $86,000; (5) micro-analytical balance $36,000. Total expenditures are $963,000.

Activities

Five analytical instruments will be purchased through the university's competitive bidding system.

Expected outcomes

The instruments will support the university's interdisciplinary programs related to environmental, sustainability, and anthropological research.

Intended beneficiaries

The instruments will be used by UST professors, research staff and students. The equipment will provide training opportunities for undergraduates as part of the interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (steam). UST also maintains collaborations with local community partners, such as the science museum of minnesota, which will benefit from the added capabilities provided by the instruments.