JUNE 26, 2020 — Over the past decade UTSA has experienced explosive growth in the areas of research and acquisition of technology. This period of expansion began in 2010 with a $1.2 million gift from the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation for a JEOL-brand aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope, model JEM-ARM200F, nicknamed Helenita after Helen Kleberg.
The electron microscope, one of the most powerful on earth, is housed in the Kleberg Advanced Microscopy Center on Main Campus. The primary mission of the center is to study materials across multiple disciplines through microscopy, analysis and imaging support for researchers and students within The University of Texas System and other academic institutions in Texas.
The Kleberg center houses numerous instruments, including scanning electron microscopes, spectrometers and X-ray diffractometers. Helenita was the seventh instrument to be added to the collection.
Currently, KAMC is mainly used for scholarly discoveries but also can be used for corporate research and development of micro-electro-mechanical systems, nanosensors, semiconductors, aerospace, energy and life sciences.
“We offer comprehensive training programs for researchers, including students, on our electron microscopes and other advanced equipment,” said Kelly Nash, director for the KAMC and an associate professor of physics at UTSA. “We aim to establish cross-campus collaborative research. KAMC strongly participates in outreach directed toward various community groups, K–12 and other higher education institutions.
One example of this community outreach happens every fall, when the center hosts students from the Advanced Materials Technology Program at Northwest Vista College. The KAMC provides a hands-on opportunity to work and learn about various microscopes, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and raman spectroscopy.
Due to the pandemic, the KAMC temporarily closed. However, the scientists at the center are now preparing to reopen with the hopes of supporting continued and new research areas.
“We are especially preparing to be a resource to those investigators who may be tackling the challenges presented by COVID-19,” said Nash.
The KAMC is a world-class materials characterization center with the mission to not only foster collaborative research in materials characterization between UTSA and other research institutions but also provide hands-on training to students. The opportunity for researchers, particularly students to gain hands-on experience remains unique to the KAMC, compared to other electron microscopy centers across the country.
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Join the PEACE Center and Wellbeing Services for Denim Day, a day of learning about the importance of consent and why we wear denim on the last Wednesday of the month each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Stop by our Denim Day display to take a photo in front of our Denim Wall, spin the "Is It Consent?" Wheel, and get a Concha or goodie.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusLearn to use Zotero®, a citation manager that can help you store and organize citations you find during your research. Zotero can generate bibliographies in various styles, insert in-text citations and allow you to share sources with collaborators.
Virtual EventThis event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
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