State University of New York ("SUNY") Chancellor Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher today joined with SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Carl Hayden, Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, Assemblyman John J. McEneny, University at Albany Interim President George Philip, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros and a host of state and local elected officials, technology executives and business leaders in announcing that CNSE will become the world's first college to offer a comprehensive baccalaureate program in Nanoscale Science - launching a groundbreaking educational and research curriculum that will uniquely prepare students for growing scientific opportunities in the nanotechnology-enabled careers of the 21st century.
As part of the event, the UAlbany NanoCollege also announced a significant donation by G. Thomas Selfridge, Owner and President of Albany Valve & Fitting Company and a longstanding supporter of CNSE, as part of $10 million in private funding and endowments that have already been secured to support undergraduate student fellowships, scholarships, and awards under the degree program.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, "I am delighted to congratulate Dr. Kaloyeros and the University at Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering as it prepares to offer the world's first comprehensive undergraduate degree program in nanoscale science. Interim President George Philip, the UAlbany campus community and the SUNY System can take great pride in today's announcement. Through this innovative and pioneering initiative, which builds on CNSE's globally recognized model for nanoscale education and research excellence, the UAlbany NanoCollege is showcasing the best of the SUNY system - groundbreaking education, cutting-edge research and strong economic impact that have broad implications to enable a brighter tomorrow for students, faculty, communities and New York State as a whole."
SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Hayden said, "SUNY's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering is a shining example of how higher education, through unique partnerships with government and industry, can provide unprecedented value in terms of groundbreaking education, innovative research and significant economic impact. I congratulate Dr. Kaloyeros on the launch of still another first-of-its-kind initiative that further positions SUNY as a global leader in the knowledge-driven economy of the 21st century."
G. Thomas Selfridge said, "I am convinced that the future of the Capital Region and New York State will be well served by the students who participate in the unique and unparalleled nanoscale science program at the UAlbany NanoCollege. I am very excited to bring the best and the brightest to the nanoscience arena as early as possible, as it is critical that we find the ‘Edisons' among us to capture the science advances we need for our future, and to spur economic growth that will benefit our region and state."
Building on CNSE's pioneering graduate-level program - which was also a global first when it commenced in September 2004 - the bachelor's degree in Nanoscale Science represents the world's first such comprehensive baccalaureate curriculum, with a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary, and truly innovative instructional portfolio centered on scholarly excellence that taps into CNSE's international academic leadership in nanoscale science and engineering.
The undergraduate curriculum harnesses the unparalleled intellectual and technological resources of CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex, which is the most advanced nanotechnology research enterprise at any university in the world. With more than $5 billion in public and private investments, and the participation of more than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, faculty, and graduate students from leading global corporations and top research universities, the UAlbany NanoCollege will offer undergraduate students a world-class experience working with, and learning from, the top innovative minds in the academic and industrial worlds.
State Senator Neil Breslin said, "Once again, the UAlbany NanoCollege is raising the bar as it provides the tools for students to receive a world-class education focused on the most important science of the 21st century. This is a great testament to New York's global recognition as a leader in nanotechnology education, research and development, and I congratulate CNSE on taking another bold step forward that will mean new and exciting opportunities for all New Yorkers."
Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, "The new undergraduate degree program at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering provides another critical building block as the Capital Region continues to build the world's most advanced nanotechnology education, research and development capabilities and to continue to attract related businesses. The presence of a highly educated and trained workforce will serve as a key element in the attraction of new companies to the region."
UAlbany Interim President Philip said, "The University at Albany's global recognition as one of the world's leading research universities is further enhanced by the launch of the world's first comprehensive undergraduate degree program in nanoscale science at the UAlbany NanoCollege. I congratulate Dr. Kaloyeros on the development and introduction of this groundbreaking program, which will provide our students with unmatched education and training to prepare them to be leaders in nanoscale science and engineering, and our region and state with the finest workforce to support further economic attraction and investment."
CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Kaloyeros said, "I am delighted to join with SUNY Chancellor Zimpher, SUNY Chairman Hayden and UAlbany Interim President Philip in embarking on the pioneering undergraduate degree program in nanoscale science, through which the UAlbany NanoCollege and SUNY are again demonstrating global leadership in nanoscale education and training - ensuring that New York will be home to the world's premier workforce to help attract new high-tech jobs, companies and investment across the state. I would also like to thank Tom Selfridge, a longstanding champion and advocate for the NanoCollege, for his generous donation to support the undergraduate program, which will play a critical role in ensuring unparalleled education and unlimited opportunities for our students."
The bachelor's degree in nanoscale science will offer an academically rigorous preparation for students intending to pursue scientific, technical, or professional careers in nanotechnology-enabled fields or graduate studies in nanoscale science or nanoscale engineering, as well as other physical sciences such as materials science, physics, and chemistry. As a result, graduates will demonstrate the technical and professional proficiencies necessary to enable the identification, description, discovery, experimental investigation, and theoretical interpretation of nanoscale phenomenon and, as a result, become highly successful scientists, educators, and leaders in the global innovation economy of the 21st century.
To read the full press release, click here.