Proposal

Narrative

Students in the Geosciences need real-world data sets to enhance their training, skills, and marketability. Engaging with datasets of changing environmental conditions over the last few hundred years is missing in the current curriculum. Connecting modern meteorological datasets to historical trends requires an easy to understand and implement approach to benefit a variety of students ranging from IFP 2000-level students (MET2010 Weather, Climate, Climate Change), to Geosciences capstone seniors (EVR4112 Hazards Climate People), to directed independent research undergraduates (GEO4915), and Geoscience and Environmental Science graduate students (EVR6931 and EVR6417). X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is an instantaneous analytical technique to discern the elemental composition of a sample that requires minimal training with easy to understand, but valuable data output. When applied to wetland, marine, or lake sediment cores, it is possible to reconstruct changing environmental conditions over the recent past including critical climate parameters such as drought and flooding. By tracing percentages of key elements over time, students can see shifts in climate proxies and use their classroom training to assess these trends. This research focus and training for FAU students aligns with FAU’s Ocean Science and Engineering/Environmental Sciences Pillar, the Sensing and Smart Systems Pillar, and the Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Platform. Students (730 annually) at a variety of levels would engage with the XRF analyzer. For 2000-level students, the most appropriate use of the equipment is to develop a Canvas module with a recorded video introducing and then using the XRF analyzer to produce a dataset with an associated assignment. Upper-level undergraduate students could utilize XRF datasets for capstone research projects associated with hazards and climate. DIR students and graduate students could use the XRF device to produce their own novel dataset for class projects.

Facilities

Not applicable: No renovation of facilities or upgrades are needed for this project

Hardware Requirements

This project requires one Niton XL5 plus XRF Analyzer, which is a handheld unit. Also required are two calibration sets including the XL5 Mining Calibration and the XL5 Soils Calibration.

Software Requirements

Not applicable

Personnel Costs

Not applicable

Other Costs

Not applicable

Timeline

Setup, initial calibration, and testing of the XRF analyzer will begin immediately on receiving the unit. July through October 2024: initial data collected for undergraduate research projects while recording for environmental change modules to be posted on Canvas for classes in Spring 2025 and beyond. November through December 2024: development of environmental change module on Canvas with graded research assignments for use in Spring 2025 and beyond. Continual updating of the datasets and Canvas modules every few semesters. Available for upper level and graduate students to use for class projects by Spring 2025.

Sustainability

The equipment has a decade-long life expectancy and continued use beyond with the replacement of batteries. All software included with the equipment are lifetime use.

Resource Matching

The Department of Geosciences has received a special educational discount through Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc. which will save the University $14,115. The discount is 25% off for the analyzer and 32% off for the calibration standards. The Department of Geosciences maintains teaching and research computer labs with approximately 100 computers that support educational and research activities, so no computer hardware is required.

Implementing Organization

The Department of Geosciences, Charles E Schmidt College of Science and the Environmental Change Laboratory will lead with implementing this project. Faculty: Erik N. Johanson.