Recipient Organization
UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS
(N/A)
AMHERST,MA 01003
Performing Department
Dept: Food Sciences
Non Technical Summary
We propose to acquire a state-of-the-art X-ray microtomography (XRM) instrument for UMass Amherst, a powerful imaging tool that allows researchers to see the internal 3D structure of foods, plants, soils, and other materials without destroying the sample. This technology will provide insights that are currently impossible to obtain with conventional methods.The XRM will support a wide range of research and educational activities. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced imaging and data analysis, preparing them for careers in food science, agriculture, materials science, and related fields. Faculty and researchers will use the instrument to study food quality, resilient agriculture, and plant-soil interactions, ultimately guiding the development of healthier foods and more resilient agricultural systems.Housed in the UMass Core Facilities, the XRM will be accessible to a broad community of users, including collaborators from other universities and industry. Workshops and training sessions will provide additional opportunities for students, faculty, and external users to learn how to operate the instrument and apply it to their research.Overall, the XRM will strengthen UMass's ability to conduct cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and train the next generation of scientists, while supporting innovations that improve the safety, quality, and resilience of the food system.
Animal Health Component
20%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
60%
Applied
20%
Developmental
20%
Goals / Objectives
The overall aim of this proposal is to acquire a state-of-the-art X-ray microtomography (XRM) instrument for UMass Amherst. This instrument will provide powerful, non-destructive 3D visualization capabilities that are essential for advancing modern food and agricultural research. By enabling detailed imaging of the internal microstructure of foods and agricultural materials, the XRM will allow us to elucidate structural hierarchies across multiple length scales. Such knowledge is critical for the rational design of healthier and more appealing foods, the optimization of textural and functional properties in products made from novel ingredients, and the improvement of agricultural systems under changing environmental conditions.The acquisition of this advanced tool will create new opportunities to address pressing challenges in food and agricultural sciences, including the health impacts of modern diets, the safety of food production, and the resilience of agricultural systems. The XRM will benefit a wide community of faculty members across departments and provide a shared research platform that strengthens collaborations both within and beyond UMass. By establishing this capability, we will accelerate scientific discoveries that connect food structure, processing, and function to agricultural practices and plant health, thereby fostering innovation and resilience throughout the food system.
Project Methods
The instrument will be procured in coordination with UMass procurement and Core Facilities administration, ensuring compliance with university policies and installation requirements. The XRM will then be delivered, installed, and commissioned with calibration and performance verification conducted to confirm that the system meets specifications for resolution, imaging speed, and sample handling.To ensure safe operation, standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be developed covering sample handling, scanning, data management, and safety protocols. Core Facility staff and initial faculty users will be trained to operate the instrument effectively, and the system will be fully integrated into the UMass Core Facilities to allow broad access to faculty, students, and external collaborators.Finally, the project will include user training and outreach, with workshops and hands-on sessions to familiarize students and interested users with the XRM's capabilities. Documentation and online resources will be provided to support independent use.