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Abstract:
Congressman Tonko to address event co-sponsored by CNSE and the National Center for Learning & Teaching at Northwestern University

UAlbany NanoCollege to Host National Conference on Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education

Albany, NY | Posted on August 3rd, 2009

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 cnse.albany.edu/Calendar/index.cfm?InstanceID=574&ViewType=Event&CalendarEventID=250
&CalendarCategoryID=0&CurDate=.

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About UAlbany NanoCollege
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. CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced research enterprise of its kind at any university in the world. With over $5 billion in high-tech investments, the 800,000-square-foot complex attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany NanoCollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSE's Albany NanoTech, from companies including IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Novellus Systems, Vistec Lithography and Atotech.

About NCLT

The NSF-supported National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NCLT) is designed to build capacity in Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education (NSEE), and aims to equip future generations by advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. NCLT was established in October 2004 as a national center for learning and teaching of nanoscale science and engineering. The mission of NCLT is to develop the next generation of leaders in nanoscale science and engineering teaching and learning, with an emphasis on NSEE capacity building, providing a strong impact on national science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. The guiding theme of the NCLT is learning and teaching through inquiry and design of nanoscale materials and applications. For more information, visit www.nclt.us/.

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Contacts:
Steve Janack, CNSE Vice President for Marketing and Communications
518-956-7322
(cell) 518-312-5009

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