Purchase of Scanning Electron Microscope
Issue
By policy, all purchases over $150,000 require Board of Trustee approval.
Request
The Forensic Science Bachelor of Science program requests approval from the UVU
Board of Trustees to purchase a scanning electron microscope to be installed in the
Forensic Science Laboratory, ME136.
Background
A Department of Justice Grant with this purchase as a budget item has already been
awarded (UVU index 20608). The anticipated cost is $165,000 to $175,000. Funds for
this expenditure have been identified, verified and approved for this purchase by Troy
James, Sr. Accountant - Grants & Contracts. Scanning electron microscopes are
configured with specialized emission sources and detectors to perform certain kinds of
work. This instrument has been specifically configured for applied materials analysis that
is the focus of forensic science. It is complete and ready to use as ordered, and does not
require additional components, furniture or infrastructure.
Intended Use and Justification
A scanning electron microscope is a standard and important piece of crime lab
equipment. It is used for trace analysis, the examination of microscopic sized evidence.
This instrument directly supports FSCI 3860 Microscopy, FSCI 3540 Forensic Trace
Analysis 1, FSCI 3550 Forensic Trace Analysis 2 and FSCI 4400 Forensic Chemistry.
Paints, gunshot residue, tool marks, metals alloys, glass, building materials and textiles
are types of evidence routinely analyzed with this instrument.
The above forensic science courses teach hands-on operation of a variety of analytical
instruments and microscopes. This applied science approach has met with great success
with employers. Because of this training, students have been offered summer and fulltime
jobs before receiving their degrees. Although forensic methodology is emphasized, basic
instrument operation opens employment opportunities in all types of analytical fields.
Hands-on instrument experience provides a strong foundation for deeper technical
understanding in their following science courses.
Funding
The anticipated cost is $165,000 to $175,000. A Department of Justice grant of $144,800
(UVU index G20608) has already been awarded with this purchase as a budget item.
$25,000 in T&C College funds has been deposited in UVU index F50181. If needed, an
additional $5,000 is also available in F50181. These monies have been verified and
approved for this use by Troy James Sr. Accountant - Grants & Contracts. If this
purchase is approved, the microscope will be installed in the forensic science laboratory,
ME136, about December 1, 2011.
Instrument Description
This electron microscope provides three kinds of information. First, the secondary
electron detector makes a highly magnified image from which the dimensions and
morphology of the evidence can be determined. Second, the backscattered electron
detector produces an image based on density that is used to visualize compositional
heterogeneity, the distribution of the components in mixtures. This is important in
samples like gun shot residue, metal alloys, soil samples, building materials and
pharmaceutical formulations. Third, the x-ray dispersion detector determines the
elemental composition of the material. Elemental and chemical composition along with
morphology and other physical properties identify what the material is and how it applies
to the crime.
Due Diligence Information from Gary H. Naisbitt, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and
Forensic Science Program Coordinator
Over the last year I have spent over one hundred hours to identify the best instrument for
the intended applications and the best value for the money. I have talked to users in
crime labs about their application needs and experience regarding software, hardware and
technical support. I have attended trade shows, talked to salesmen and technical support
personnel, read technical and application literature and handled the equipment when
possible. I have reviewed all of this with Dr. John Gardner at BYU’s Electron
Microscopy lab. Some manufacturer’s representatives have visited UVU’s forensic
science lab to suggest the best location for the instrument and assess the supporting
infrastructure. In conclusion, the laboratory and infrastructure are suitable without
modification. Instrument specifications have been identified and honed resulting in bid
specifications that lead to purchasing an instrument very well suited for its intended use
for the best possible price.
Recommendation:
UVU Administration recommends that the Board of Trustees approve the purchase of a
Scanning Electron Microscope for use in the Forensic Science program.