USING THE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PURPOSES FROM AN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER'S POINT OF VIEW

My proposal is to present about the process of learning how to use a Scanning Electron Microscope as an undergraduate research tool. I am learning how to get Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of the mineral content of volcanic facies within the Trans-Pecos magmatic province of Texas. At Sul Ross University, the addition of a Scanning Electron Microscope is very recent. One part-time technician is helping undergraduate students like me become familiar with the machine. I am the first official geology undergraduate cleared for such research.

My research will cover the study area of Hancock Hill. It is stratigraphically situated in the Buck Hill volcanic series as the Crossen Trachyte formation, and consists of massive flows of trachyte. I want to address the following questions: What are the general facies? What are the descriptions of the samples collected? What are the chemical compositions of the minerals present? How do the samples and chemical compositions compare?

My methods for this research will include looking for different facies to sample, and using a map-grade GPS to record their locations. I will spend winter break making billets and thin sections to view under petrographic microscopes. By Spring semester, my SEM training should be complete, and I will begin the back-scatter analysis in earnest.

As a guinea pig for undergraduate research using extremely refined equipment, I will be concerned with answering the following questions:

What are the limitations and strengths of my training? What is the experience of using such equipment like? What are the benefits/draw-backs of undergraduate research? What would I like to accomplish? What did I accomplish? What difficulties did I face, and what improvements can be made?

As for undergraduate research, I would like to share the learning process that is currently unfolding before me. My perspective as an undergraduate is an important part of scientific observation and learning process. I would like to present on this educational process. I will be involved in every step of research from reading papers, to collecting samples and making thin sections, to operating and interpreting SEM analyses. I am looking forward to this opportunity, and would love a chance to present either in poster or presentation format, to gain experience, share and receive insight.

Thank you.