Texas A&M University’s Department of Geology and Geophysics recently received a nearly $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation for a new thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS). The tool allows for high-precision measurements of chemicals in rocks, minerals and sediments by ionizing the surface of the materials and recording the mass of the resultant ions. This in turn allows researchers to investigate various environmental effects on the ocean, atmosphere and continents over millions of years, such as continental weathering and the effects of volcanism.
At Texas A&M, the new TIMS will allow analysis of small samples with low concentrations of osmium and other isotopic systems, enhancing the University’s capacity to conduct high-impact geochemical research. Outside of the new experiments, it will also foster collaborations with various national and international partners, and will also provide hands-on training for undergraduate and graduate students.
Dr. Lucien Nano Yobo is the lead Principal Investigator on the award. His co-Principal Investigators are Drs. Brent Miller, Franco Marcantonio and Ethan Grossman, all of the Texas A&M Department of Geology and Geophysics.
According to the official award page, “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.”