2408115
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of SMARTLAB SE X-ray diffractometer for multidisciplinary research enhancement at Marshall University.
The project enables the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Rigaku SMARTLAB SE X-ray diffraction system (XRD) to be housed in the College of Science at Marshall University.
The instrument will expand research capabilities and related educational initiatives across a multitude of disciplines including materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering, geology, forensics, and pharmaceutics.
Research and design of novel materials have expanded dramatically in recent years, and the structural characterization data generated by advanced diffractometer systems lie at the core of emerging materials technologies.
Reflecting that trend, the new XRD system will provide educational opportunities and hands-on training to over 63 graduate students and 425 undergraduates.
The new system will replace an obsolete GE XRD-6D/VS4 diffractometer installed in the 1970s.
The SMARTLAB SE system is ideal for bridging the dual research and educational needs of the Marshall University community, as it is highly automated, modular, and multipurpose.
The instrument is suitable for a range of materials and sample types and has the flexibility to be used for both research and education, given its ease of operation and accessibility to both novice and experienced users.
The SMARTLAB SE XRD instrument represents a quantum leap in structural analysis capabilities at Marshall University.
The system will significantly enhance the university’s research profile, leading to new insights in multiple scientific fields.
Examples specific to this project include advanced research into the development of new materials for ion batteries, the study of polymorphisms in cancer drugs, identification of clay minerals in units of shale, fireclay, and tonstein with significant amounts of rare earth minerals, and the characterization of biomaterials for tissue engineering, among other thrusts.
The instrument’s advanced features will allow for more precise and accurate experimentation, opening doors to innovative research that was previously not feasible utilizing the prior X-ray diffractometer.
From the societal perspective, the instrument will 1) enhance educational objectives through the incorporation of XRD into the curriculum, 2) promote a culture of shared resources by fostering collaboration with other institutions and state agencies, 3) advance STEM outreach to underrepresented groups, recognizing that West Virginia ranks 49th in median household income in the country and Marshall’s undergraduate population includes 48% first-generation college students, and 4) extend the project’s impacts beyond academia, benefiting local communities and industries.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
The project enables the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Rigaku SMARTLAB SE X-ray diffraction system (XRD) to be housed in the College of Science at Marshall University.
The instrument will expand research capabilities and related educational initiatives across a multitude of disciplines including materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering, geology, forensics, and pharmaceutics.
Research and design of novel materials have expanded dramatically in recent years, and the structural characterization data generated by advanced diffractometer systems lie at the core of emerging materials technologies.
Reflecting that trend, the new XRD system will provide educational opportunities and hands-on training to over 63 graduate students and 425 undergraduates.
The new system will replace an obsolete GE XRD-6D/VS4 diffractometer installed in the 1970s.
The SMARTLAB SE system is ideal for bridging the dual research and educational needs of the Marshall University community, as it is highly automated, modular, and multipurpose.
The instrument is suitable for a range of materials and sample types and has the flexibility to be used for both research and education, given its ease of operation and accessibility to both novice and experienced users.
The SMARTLAB SE XRD instrument represents a quantum leap in structural analysis capabilities at Marshall University.
The system will significantly enhance the university’s research profile, leading to new insights in multiple scientific fields.
Examples specific to this project include advanced research into the development of new materials for ion batteries, the study of polymorphisms in cancer drugs, identification of clay minerals in units of shale, fireclay, and tonstein with significant amounts of rare earth minerals, and the characterization of biomaterials for tissue engineering, among other thrusts.
The instrument’s advanced features will allow for more precise and accurate experimentation, opening doors to innovative research that was previously not feasible utilizing the prior X-ray diffractometer.
From the societal perspective, the instrument will 1) enhance educational objectives through the incorporation of XRD into the curriculum, 2) promote a culture of shared resources by fostering collaboration with other institutions and state agencies, 3) advance STEM outreach to underrepresented groups, recognizing that West Virginia ranks 49th in median household income in the country and Marshall’s undergraduate population includes 48% first-generation college students, and 4) extend the project’s impacts beyond academia, benefiting local communities and industries.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION PROGRAM:", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23519
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding Agency
Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Huntington,
West Virginia
25755-0002
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 215% from $107,633 to $338,657.
Marshall University Research Corporation was awarded
Project Grant 2408115
worth $338,657
from the NSF Office of Integrative Activities in August 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Huntington West Virginia United States.
The grant
has a duration of 3 years and
was awarded through assistance program 47.041 Engineering.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity Major Research Instrumentation Program.
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 5/19/25
Period of Performance
8/15/24
Start Date
7/31/27
End Date
Funding Split
$338.7K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$338.7K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to 2408115
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2408115
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Public/State Controlled Institution Of Higher Education
Awarding Office
490702 DIVISION OF CHEMICAL BIOENGINEERING
Funding Office
490106 OFFICE OF INTEGRATIVE ACTIVITIES
Awardee UEI
HH1NQ1B5MPV3
Awardee CAGE
1KGD5
Performance District
WV-01
Senators
Joe Manchin
Shelley Capito
Shelley Capito
Modified: 5/19/25