State-of-the-art scanning electron microscope takes center stage of scientific research at Wesleyan

Dr. Joanna Webb, Chair of the West Virginia Wesleyan Chemistry Department, works with students to use the new scanning electron microscope, which is the latest R-1-level instrument to take center stage as part of WVWC's undergraduate research efforts. Also pictured, (L-R) Jake Hakey '21 of Fairfax, Vermont; Chase Dotson '21 of Newark, Ohio; Brittani Greene '21 of Hurricane, WV; and, Olivia Conaway '21 of Fairmont, WV. / Photo courtesy WVWC

News Release
April 8, 2021

BUCKHANNON – A new state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope is the latest instrumental centerpiece of West Virginia Wesleyan College’s undergraduate scientific research efforts, thanks to a generous gift by a Wesleyan alumnus and a matching grant by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC).

Robert H. Sammis ‘56 contributed the seed money for the NanoImages SME- 4500M Plus Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) that will support students’ scientific research efforts and overall scientific-focused laboratory curriculum that is on par with that received at an Research-1 (R-1) university, which is a designation to indicate universities in the United States that engage in the highest levels of research activity.

“The fact that Wesleyan is now able to offer more R-1 caliber instrumentation, along with a more intimate educational experience, will provide a significant competitive advantage for our students when it comes down to competing with graduates of bigger institutions,” said Dr. Joanna Webb, Chair of WVWC’s Department of Chemistry, who applied for and received the grant from the WVHEPC.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this Innovation Grant for West Virginia Wesleyan College to expand scientific research opportunities for students,” said Dr. Juliana Serafin, Senior Director of Science & Research at the WVHEPC. “By giving undergraduate researchers the high-caliber equipment they need to succeed in their studies, we are investing in their long-term success – and in our state’s ability to continue innovating well into the future.”

With its recent arrival to campus, the scanning electron microscope is already getting put to good use. It is the instrument at the heart of a NASA-awarded grant to Physics and Engineering professor Dr. G. Albert Popson to study, with undergraduate research students, the atomic structure of crystals.

“As an undergraduate, getting first hand experience on such piece of equipment will be incredibly helpful when entering the workforce,” said Brycen Pearl ‘22, a junior physics major from Boonsboro, Maryland.

Talley Sergent, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at Wesleyan, said that scores of current and future Wesleyan students will reap the rewards of using the SEM, thanks to Sammis’ vision and generosity.

“The College is grateful to Mr. Sammis – both for his gift and his vision – in making Wesleyan even more competitive in the scientific research fields and supporting our students in this way,” Sergent said.