Southern Oregon University biology professor John Roden has received a National Science Foundation instrumentation grant of $490,000 to purchase a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). The grant will also pay for materials and staff time to implement protocols for use of the instrument.

An IRMS allows for the precise measurement of mixtures of different types of stable isotopes, specifically sorting isotopes based on weight. Since stable isotopes do not deteriorate, an IRMS can assist in research on topics that involve historical analysis of materials.

“Acquisition of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer would provide a unique facility in southern Oregon and northern California," Roden said. "This type of equipment is generally found only in research universities or specific industrial research labs. It will provide unique opportunities for students at Southern Oregon University to gain experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation—an experience normally limited to graduate students.”

In 2002, Dr. Roden and researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, worked with funding from the NSF to investigate stable isotopes in coastal redwood tree cellulose. With this research, they were able to study water sources for coastal redwoods and gain an understanding of the climate history of the region. To do this research, Roden used a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer in Berkeley to sort isotopes. This gave Roden an understanding of the types of water that trees used, which helps with identifying the climate in the region during a tree’s lifespan.

“The stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer adds to our growing body of instrumentation available to students through our biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science programs,” said Alissa Arp, dean of SOU’s College of the Arts and Sciences. “Millions of dollars worth of cutting-edge equipment is incorporated into the curricula for science majors, giving our students excellent hands-on experiences.”

This is the only stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer in southern Oregon. The closest IRMS outside the region is located at the University of Oregon.

For more information, contact John Roden at rodenj@sou.edu or call 541-552-6798.

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