Columbus State gets $293,000 grant to purchase advanced microscope

Columbus State University received nearly $300,000 from the National Science Foundation to purchase a scanning electron microscope to use in scientific research programs, the university announced.

“This research will ultimately aid in our understanding of the Natural Sciences, including the biological and physical diversity of the planet,” said Kevin Burgess, professor and herbarium curator at Columbus State University.

A scanning electron microscope is an advanced microscope that uses a focused beam of electrons to produce an image of a sample’s surface.

The $293,575 award will allow students to work directly with faculty and enhance on-going research programs at field sites, museums, herbarium collections and in biology and chemistry laboratories. The grant was written by Kevin S. Burgess, Clinton I. Barineau, Daniel W. Holley and Elizabeth A. Klar.

“Ultimately, the incorporation of SEM technology to the curriculum of Columbus State University will directly increase undergraduate and graduate participation in research,” said Burgess. “This could encourage students to pursue careers as professional biologists, chemists, environmental scientists and geologists.”

The technology will also be used at some of CSU’s summer camp programs to help local high school underscore careers in the natural and biomedical sciences.

“Research that includes an SEM experience will open up new opportunities to groups that are currently underrepresented in the natural sciences. The SEM will facilitate outreach opportunities for recruitment as well as the recruitment of high school students to STEM fields,” said Burgess.

This story was originally published September 18, 2017 at 7:45 AM with the headline "Columbus State gets $293,000 grant to purchase advanced microscope."