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UAlbany NanoCollege teams up with local organizations to give children a hands-on nanotechnology experience
(Nanowerk News) Further expanding its critical mission of inspiring young people to pursue exciting educational and career opportunities in the fast-growing field of nanotechnology, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany is partnering with several local organizations to present a unique series of events and activities as part of the celebration of national "NanoDays 2012."
CNSE is collaborating with the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium, the Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) in Troy, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany, and the Capital District YMCA's Black and Latino Achievers Program to offer a comprehensive schedule of programs from March 24 through 31. These hands-on activities offer fun, educational opportunities for students of all ages to connect with nanotechnology, which is impacting nearly every facet of society.
"This innovative initiative developed by the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering embodies the critical role that SUNY can and should play in engaging young people in emerging fields, such as nanotechnology, that are defining their educational and career paths," said SUNY Board Chairman H. Carl McCall. "Programs such as this introduce students to the rich opportunities they have for success in the high-tech arena, while continuing to build the highly skilled workforce that will give New York a true competitive advantage in the global economy."
"A product of the vision and leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo in advocating for the future of our children by making the UAlbany NanoCollege a powerhouse in the worldwide nanotechnology economy, this initiative provides students with a window into the exciting field that will define their future," said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO. "CNSE is delighted to partner with forward-thinking organizations throughout the community to further build an innovative educational paradigm that will help enable New York's high-tech competitiveness in the 21st century global economy."
A host of interactive programs will engage children and teenagers in a variety of areas, from understanding the structure of thin films and DNA, the importance of polymers, and the unique properties of hydrogels to exploring technologies that power solar panels and automobiles. Other activities will see students construct self-assembled polymer spheres, discover how super-absorbent materials can be used to move a straw, and explain how to gown up in a cleanroom "bunny suit."
Programs will be held at CMOST on Saturday, March 24 and the Schenectady Museum on Saturday, March 31, and at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany each afternoon from Monday, March 26 through Thursday, March 29. In addition, members of the Capital District YMCA's Black and Latino Achievers Program will visit CNSE on Wednesday, March 28.
NanoDays 2012 is organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) with funding from the National Science Foundation. It is an effort among universities, research centers, and science museums across the country to increase understanding and raise awareness of nanotechnology. The events involving CNSE's students, faculty and researchers put an emphasis on engaging children with scientific concepts that come to life right before their eyes.
About CNSE
The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience and nanoeconomics. With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, CNSE represents the world's most advanced university-driven research enterprise, offering students a one-of-a-kind academic experience and providing over 300 corporate partners with access to an unmatched ecosystem for leading-edge R&D and commercialization of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology innovations. CNSE's footprint spans upstate New York, including its Albany NanoTech Complex, an 800,000-square-foot megaplex with the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 85,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,700 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty work here, from companies including IBM, Intel, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Samsung, TSMC, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Novellus Systems. An expansion now underway, part of which will house the world's first Global 450mm Consortium, will add nearly 500,000 square feet of next-generation infrastructure, an additional 50,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms, and more than 1,000 scientists, researchers and engineers from CNSE and global corporations. In addition, CNSE's Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon provides a prototyping and demonstration line for next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells. CNSE's Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC) in Rochester offers state-of-the-art capabilities for MEMS fabrication and packaging. CNSE also co-founded and manages operations at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNYIT in Utica and is a co-founder of the Nanotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Excelerator in Syracuse. For information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu
Source: CNSE