Nebraska State College System Receives $120,000 Scanning Electron Microscope to Boost Student Skills and Research Possibilities

The Nebraska State College System recently received a $120,000 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF). This state-of-the-art equipment will benefit both students and faculty at Chadron State College.

The SEM is capable of revealing the elements that compose a specimen with more detail than traditional microscopes. It works by bombarding the specimen with electrons, which only occurs in a vacuum. To prevent electrical charge from accumulating on the specimen, it must be coated with metal if it is not already conductive. Dr. Mike Leite, a Professor of Physical Science, believes that this equipment will help students acquire skills desired by potential employers.

Leite stated that the applications of this equipment are vast and range from industry to law enforcement to environmental research. By offering students the opportunity to collect and interpret a wider range of data, their problem-solving and creative skills will be enhanced.

Dr. Joyce Hardy mentioned that the SEM will greatly expand the research possibilities for CSC students and faculty. The microscope’s capabilities in visualizing surface materials with high resolution and analyzing the distribution and composition of chemical elements will have significant applications in medical, environmental, biological, and ecological research, especially in the local region.

Leite, Hardy, and Dr. Ryan Morgan, the Dean of Business, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, have experience in operating an SEM and are planning to create protocols and conduct training sessions for faculty and students on how to utilize the microscope effectively.