The College of Nanoscale
Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany,
in partnership with the National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale
Science + Engineering ("NCLT") headquartered at Northwestern University,
will host a national conference this week to assess the current state of nanoscale
science and engineering education and chart a course for the future.
The "Symposium on Advances in Higher Education in Nanoscale Science +
Engineering," to be held August 5 through 8 at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex,
will convene experts at institutions of higher education from around the nation,
including educators, curriculum developers, experts in simulation and modeling,
and scientists and researchers working in the area of nanoscale science and
engineering education. A series of presentations and discussions will provide
an important and highly visible benchmark to support and enhance nanoscience
and nanoengineering educational opportunities at all levels.
Highlights of the event include an address by U.S. Representative Paul Tonko
that will focus on the critical importance of building strong nanotechnology
educational curricula and outreach programs, as well as a discussion open to
the public entitled "The Grand Challenges of Nano Education: Why Nano Ed
Matters," with speakers that include Tom Sonderman, vice president of manufacturing
systems and technology for GlobalFoundries.
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of
CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to partner with the NCLT
to host this first-of-its-kind educational symposium. As nanotechnology enables
new advances in nanoelectronics, health care, energy and other important areas,
this conference will play a critical role in both assessing and enhancing the
educational paradigms that are paramount to supporting U.S. competitiveness
in the global economy of the 21st century."
Dr. Richard Matyi, CNSE Professor of Nanoscience and a conference organizer,
said, "Education is at the heart of nanoscale science and engineering,
from research and development to the commercialization and deployment of exciting
innovations and groundbreaking applications. We look forward to working with
the NCLT and others from across the U.S. to assess the current nanoscale educational
environment, and to identify new opportunities to ensure development of a well-educated,
well-trained scientific and technological workforce."
Dr. Robert Chang, Director of the NCLT and a conference organizer, said, "It
is a pleasure to collaborate with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
on this pioneering educational symposium, which addresses a topic of vital importance
that has a direct impact on both innovation and productivity. The presentations
and discussions at this event will provide a critical platform to support and
augment educational efforts at the nanoscale, which have become increasingly
important in today's technology-driven economy."
The need to assess and enhance educational programs centered on nanoscale science
and engineering is particularly timely amid projections by the National Science
Foundation ("NSF") that the U.S. will need more than two million nanotechnology-savvy
workers by 2014. A complete agenda for the Symposium, including the event open
to the public on the morning of Thursday, August 6, is available at http://cnse.albany.edu/Calendar/
index.cfm?InstanceID=574+ViewType=Event+CalendarEventID=250 +CalendarCategoryID=0+CurDate=.
Posted August 3rd, 2009
