News Summary
Wofford College’s Grace Schwartz, Ph.D., has been awarded a $40,000 grant to purchase a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. This technology will enhance her research on urbanization’s impact on local stream health in Spartanburg, advancing sample analysis from hours to minutes. Additionally, the XRF will be integrated into the college’s chemistry curriculum, benefiting both research and student education.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Grace Schwartz, Ph.D., an assistant professor of chemistry at Wofford College, has been awarded a grant of approximately $40,000 from South Carolina’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. This significant funding will enable Schwartz to purchase a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, which will enhance her research in environmental chemistry.
The newly acquired XRF analyzer is expected to revolutionize the analysis of environmental samples collected during Schwartz’s research on the impacts of urbanization on local stream health. Currently, Schwartz’s studies are specifically examining how urban development is influencing levels of heavy metals such as lead and mercury in the streams of Spartanburg.
Traditionally, in order to analyze stream sediment samples for heavy metal content, Schwartz’s team relied on a lengthy acid digestion process that involved harmful chemicals and time-consuming heating procedures. This method not only took around eight hours but also required transporting the samples to a different institution equipped to perform such analyses. The transportation process was often manageable during the summer months when classes were not in session, but it posed challenges during the academic year, complicating research timelines and accessibility.
With the introduction of the XRF analyzer, the sample analysis process will be significantly expedited. The device reduces the total analysis time to just one or two minutes, providing accurate results more efficiently. The XRF functions by projecting X-rays onto the sample, which leads to the ejection of inner electrons and the release of unique fluorescent energy that corresponds to the specific chemical elements present, thus allowing for real-time analysis on-site.
In addition to benefitting Schwartz’s research, the XRF will also be integrated into the chemistry curriculum at Wofford College. It will be utilized in various chemistry courses throughout the academic year, thereby enhancing educational opportunities for students. The introduction of such advanced technology not only elevates the level of research that can be conducted at Wofford but also enhances the skills and experience that students gain during their studies.
This grant and the resulting technological advancement are expected to strengthen Schwartz’s ability to submit more competitive applications for future research funding. By improving the capability to conduct comprehensive analyses of environmental samples, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in urban environmental health remains high.
The acquisition of the XRF analyzer marks a significant step forward in both Schwartz’s research endeavors and the broader mission of Wofford College to engage in impactful, scientific exploration. With urbanization presenting ongoing challenges to the environmental integrity of communities, the findings from this research could contribute valuable insights into maintaining the health of local ecosystems.
Wofford College continues to support innovative research initiatives while providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world scientific work, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to developing future leaders in science and environmental stewardship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of South Carolina’s IMBA Program Maintains Top Ranking
University of South Carolina Tops IMBA Rankings Again
Republican Lawmakers Express Concerns over MAHA Commission’s Pesticide Report
Xoted Biotechnology Labs Launches New Facility in Spartanburg County
Xoted Biotechnology Labs to Open New Facility in Spartanburg County
Xoted Biotechnology Labs Launches Facility in Spartanburg
Xoted Biotechnology Labs Launches New R&D Hub in Spartanburg
Spartanburg County Promotes Community Gardening with Free Seeds
Xoted Biotechnology Labs Invests $4.2 Million in Spartanburg County
New Autism Research Initiative Sparks Mixed Reactions
Additional Resources
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Wikipedia: Urbanization
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Google Search: urbanization and environmental health
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Google Scholar: urbanization heavy metals
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urbanization
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Google News: urbanization environmental impact
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
