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By , Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Director of the 

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides a close-up look of the world around us. 91��Ƶר��’s  is fortunate to have acquired such an instrument and offers it for use by students and professors from all disciplines.

While a traditional light microscope can magnify objects up to 1000 times, our SEM is capable of zooming in to see fine structural details at 30,000x or more! Unlike most types of microscopes, a SEM uses an electron beam to illuminate the surface of a specimen, rather transmitting images by passing electrons through the sample. Certainly microscopes are used every day in biology classes, but did you know that at 91��Ƶר�� electron microscopy can be used by students and faculty from a variety of disciplines to inform their studies?

For example, , a geologist, ceramics engineer, and adjunct

professor in the art department, and , an Honors student studying the physical and chemical properties of ceramic glazes, used the SEM to gain insights regarding the surface structure of pottery produced in 91��Ƶר��’s kilns.  , a Center staff member, provided Professor ’s archeology class with an introduction to paleobotany by demonstrating the utility of the SEM to investigate minute plant structures found during archeological digs.

Of course, students in the biology and environmental science programs are putting the SEM to good use as well. All of the students in

the  program this semester have been documenting the pollen structure of local native plants in preparation for future studies in pollination biology that we hope to initiate as part of our “” urban gardening project. Additionally, Abbi Strock, a biology student, is currently investigating the feeding ecology of a mayfly from the Potomac River. She is using the SEM to measure microscopic spaces between bristles on the insects’ fore legs that are thought to be used in collecting food particles.

We know that these uses for our Scanning Electron Microscope only scratch the surface of what could be done.  Bring us your ideas. We are always looking to help more students and faculty in their investigations.

Media Contact

Mason Cavalier

Media Manager

Phone

301-696-3802

Email

cavalier@hood.edu