Equipment: Scanning Electron Microscope for United Tribes Technical College

A goal of the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) is to increase the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instructional and research capacities of specific institutions of higher education that serve the Nation's indigenous students. Expanding the STEM curricular infrastructure at these institutions expands the opportunities of their students to pursue challenging, rewarding careers in STEM fields, provides for research studies in areas that may be culturally significant, and encourages a community and generational appreciation for science and mathematics education. This project aligns directly with that goal. The necessity of modern sophisticated equipment is almost as great a priority as the necessity of compelling STEM instruction and research. United Tribes Technical College is installing a scanning electron microscope on its campus. While used extensively in UTTC’s instruction and research, the nearest one has been several hours away, so having one in-house significantly enhances the research and instruction in which faculty and students are immersed. Such access has a disproportionately positive impact on the view students have of scientific inquiry and career options. 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.