The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Laboratory was established by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station to provide SEM services for agricultural research at KSU. The lab is administered through the KSU Entomology Department and is used by researchers in approximately thirteen different departments in Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Human Ecology, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences. The facility has also been used by non-university organizations such as the American Institute of Baking, U.S. Grain Marketing and Production Research Center, and Kansas Department of Transportation.

This microscope has a backscatter detector, secondary electron detector, absorbed electron (environmental) detector, and a cold stage unit. One can examine non-coated specimens without concern for charging because the system can be operated under low vacuum. Additionally, the SEM has an Oxford INCA microanalytic system for X-ray microanalysis of specimens. The SEM captures digital images. A factory-trained technician is available to run the SEM and to help with analytical needs.