The College of Nanoscale
Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany hosted 16 students
and three teachers from a Montessori School in Monterrey, Mexico on January
29 as part of a week-long student exchange program with the Woodland Hills Montessori
School in North Greenbush.
The students listened to an overview of the emerging field of nanotechnology
given by Dr. Vincent LaBella, Associate Professor of Nanoscience. They were
led on a tour of CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex by Equipment Evaluation and
Support Specialist Steve Stewart, who also offered a demonstration on how to
gown up in the "bunny suits" worn in CNSE's high-tech cleanrooms.
The visit concluded with a hands-on activity led by Assistant Professors of
Nanobioscience Dr. Yubing Xie and Dr. Magnus Bergkvist, in which students built
a "gummy worm" polymer chain.
"We are delighted to have partnered with the Woodland Hills Montessori
School to give students from Monterrey, Mexico a chance to learn about nanotechnology
and, through the UAlbany NanoCollege, the global leadership of New York State
in this exciting field that will define the future careers of young people around
the world," said Diana Dumesnil, CNSE Manager, Strategic and Educational
Outreach. "CNSE is firmly committed to raising awareness of the benefits
of nanotechnology through a wide array of innovative educational programs that
inspire students to pursue careers in science and technology."
The visit to CNSE was one of a series of activities designed to highlight important
and exciting places in the Capital Region and New York State.