# Equipment: MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of a High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope to Enhance Advanced Materials Research and Training in the State of Mississippi

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Mississippi State University (MS) · $726,437

## Abstract

Nontechnical Description:
This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award supports the acquisition of an advanced scanning electron microscope (SEM) at Mississippi State University, significantly enhancing the capacity for advanced materials research and training across Mississippi. This instrument allows researchers across a broad range of disciplines, including engineering, chemistry, and biology, to examine a wide range of materials essential for discovery and advancements in health, energy, and manufacturing sectors. The microscope enables non-destructive evaluation of materials over multiple length scales. Housed in an open-access imaging facility, the instrument facilitates and broadens access from researchers in academia and industry from Mississippi and surrounding states, offering both on-site and remote access. This award enables the expansion of workforce training and economic development, boosting innovation and economic growth in Mississippi and beyond.

Technical Description:
A fully integrated SEM equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) detector, all controlled through a unified software platform, enables nanoscale, multimodal chemical and structural analysis. The SEM is designed to operate under low vacuum, low acceleration voltage, and beam deceleration conditions, allowing for the detailed examination of beam-sensitive and nonconductive mater

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2510038
- **Awardee organization:** Mississippi State University (MS)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NTXJM52SHKS7
- **PI:** Santanu Kundu
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION, NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, INSTRUMENTATION, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $726,437
- **Funds obligated:** $363,218
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2510038

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2510038, Equipment: MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of a High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope to Enhance Advanced Materials Research and Training in the State of Mississippi. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2510038. Licensed CC0.

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