NSF Major Research Instrumentation Grant
Contact: Diana Berkshire-Hearit
Nov. 12, 2018
Â鶹´«Ã½ recently was awarded a National Science Foundation grant of $621,618, from the Major Research Instrumentation Program. Clement Burns, professor of physics, is the principal investigator and lead on this grant. Also included in the team led by Burns are four Co-PIs: Lisa M. Paulius and Asghar Kayani, physics; Pnina Ari-Gur, mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Ekkehard Sinn, chemistry.
The award supports the acquisition of a Quantum Design Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS) at WMU. According to the NSF description of this project, the instrument will provide a powerful new capability for measurements of electrical, magnetic, thermal and optical properties of a wide variety of materials under different conditions. Beyond the four departments at WMU that benefit from the PPMS, the instrument will serve as a local resource for a research hub, including five nearby colleges and universities. Students from all these institutions will gain valuable experience using the state-of-the-art instrument for their research and education. Community outreach to local high schools will offer Â鶹´«Ã½ to participate in long-term research.