Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory Newsblog

Keyence Lunch & Learn

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MCFF is pleased to extend an invitation to the MTU research community for a Lunch and Learn session with Keyence on Thursday, November 13th, 2025. The event will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. in Chem Sci 310. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 if you would like to attend.

Learn about the capabilities and operation of the Keyence elemental analyzer, metallograph, and digital microscope.

Notable features of these instruments include:

  • Elemental analysis that requires no coating or vacuum
  • Automatic element identification
  • Analysis that can be performed over multiple layers, points, or angles
  • High resolution images for microstructures

Event Overview

  • Date: Thursday, Nov 13, 2025
  • Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
  • Location: Chem Sci 310
  • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, November 11th, 2025

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Cryo-SEM Day

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Please join MCFF for a cryo-SEM open demonstration day from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29 in MM630. 

One of the features available on the Apreo2 FESEM is cryo-SEM analysis. Cryo-SEM is a technique used to analyze samples that are air sensitive or cannot withstand a high vacuum environment. This includes liquids, reactive metals, biological samples, etc. Samples are frozen using liquid nitrogen and are ready for analysis.

We encourage you to bring your own samples for imaging and analysis. Samples will be prepped by staff during the event.

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Meet Katherine Jarvis, The New ACMAL Staff

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Katherine Jarvis

As an ACMAL Lab assistant Jarvis will be working on electron optics analysis, sample preparation, cleaning and other duties. 

What made you want to work at ACMAL?

Jarvis got a bachelors in material science and wanted to use her degree for hands-on work with the instruments.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

Jarvis enjoys doing outdoor activities, riding bikes, hanging out with her friends and playing the yard game Kubb. Cooking is always fun for her, and her favorite food is pasta.

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Learn How to Break The Ice and Analyze Frozen Samples with Cryo-SEM Training

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Image of a snowflake under a Cryo-scanning electron microsope.
Image taken by Joey Tomei, Masters Student and ACMAL staff, on Apreo2

ACMAL staff and guests alike are making the decision to get trained on the Cryo-SEM. Getting trained on these instruments allows for the opportunity to use a scanning electron microscope to analyze frozen samples. A wide range of sample types can be used with this instrument including magnetic materials, powders, and biological materials. Using this method to examine biological material samples can be especially efficient because freezing them can leave them in a closer to natural state. In the most recent training, snowflakes were used as samples (as pictured). 

Visit the Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory’s webpage to learn more about our shared facility and instruments available to the Michigan Tech research community.

To book a Cryo-SEM session or discuss a potential project contact: Elizabeth Miller – ACMAL Director Email: eafraki@mtu.edu.

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2025 Conferences for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics

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ACMAL is pleased to support the 2025 Conferences for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics (CU*iP) held at Michigan Tech January 24-26.  Dr. Erico Freitas and Isabella Jaszczak led the Transmission Electron Microscopy Workshop during the event. Seventy attendees joined the TEM Workshop at the STEM Lab on January 25 and 26. Participants were able to see in real time the acquisition of atomic resolution images, electron diffraction patterns, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis during the event. The hands-on workshop allowed great discussions about the physics behind the TEM with the students.

Erico Freitas and students smiling at the camera.
Erico demonstrating to students in the lab.
Erico showing students information on multiple computer monitors.
Erico and students sitting in the lab.
Erico and students standing near computer monitors in the lab.
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Welcome Joey Tomei

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Joey Tomei
Joey Tomei

ACMAL is pleased to welcome Joey Tomei to the ACMAL team as a full-time Research Engineer I.

Joey completed his BS in material science and engineering from MTU in 2023 and is currently completing his MS in material science and engineering. During his graduate studies, he investigated biodegradable magnesium alloys for cardiovascular implants. He worked with SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD, and TEM to characterize these alloys. He has also worked on the ICON Olympus Off Planet Construction project where he characterized simulated lunar soils using XRD and SEM techniques. His areas of expertise include characterization of anorthite minerals, sample preparation, XRD analysis, and SEM imaging and analysis. When he’s not working, he enjoys exploring the Copper Country on his mountain bike or skis.

Please contact Joey for help with SEM, XRD,or sample preparation.

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Fall 2024 Electron Microscopy Workshop at ACMAL, MTU

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I am delighted to share we had a wonderful Electron Microscopy Workshop at Michigan Technological University, in ACMAL shared core facility. Graduate students, postdocs and staff attended the event this Fall 2024.

Dr. Erico Freitas conducted one-on-one hands-on SEM and STEM sessions utilizing the ThermoFisher Apreo2 Field-Emission SEM and the FEI Titan Themis STEM to help ACMAL user community to get the most of these cutting-edge research instruments.

“Thank you for the opportunities ACMAL is providing. The workshop gave me more expertise in Apreo 2 SEM” (Shebeer A Rahim, Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering).

“While I didn’t necessarily get the data I was looking for, I learned quite a bit about the process and know how I should move forward if I want to utilize this instrument in the future” (Ben Jewell, PhD candidate – Mechanical Engineering).

“It was interactive and very informative” (Raksha Dubey D., PhD candidate; Physics).

“This is a very useful and inspiring workshop that allows us to explore the interesting features in microscopy and x-ray diffraction from many aspects” (Dr. Peijia Lin, Research Associate, Chemical Engineering)

Four people standing in front of a large machine.
Two people standing in a lab with two others seated at a computer in the background.
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ACMAL HOLIDAY HOURS

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ACMAL will be closed next week on Thursday, July 4th, in observance of the holiday.

Please note the following availability of our team members during that week:

  • I will be out of the office all week.
  • Erico is still on leave in Brazil.
  • Ed will be available Monday through Wednesday.
  • Izzy will be available Monday through Wednesday, and possibly Friday.
  • Tim will be available by appointment.
  • Cooper will be available on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Alyssa will be available on Monday.

Plan accordingly for any deadlines or projects that may be affected by the closure. If you have any urgent matters that require attention, please reach out to the respective available team members listed above.

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