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UAlbany NanoCollege to Mark National NanoDays 2011 with Educational and Community Outreach Initiatives

UAlbany NanoCommunity Day 2010

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering will offer several community presentations during 'NanoDays 2011' -- highlighting CNSE’s leadership in the emerging nanotechnology economy. (Photo Mia Ertas, CNSE)

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ALBANY, N.Y. (March 24, 2011) --

The University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) today announced a series of educational and community outreach initiatives -- including the awarding of a first-of-its-kind Girl Scouts' patch for nanotechnology -- as part of the UAlbany NanoCollege's celebration of National NanoDays 2011.

Organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) and held March 26 through April 3, National NanoDays is the largest public outreach effort to raise awareness of nanotechnology, involving universities, science museums and research centers from Puerto Rico to Alaska.

More than 150 Girl Scouts will receive a first-ever NanoPatch developed by CNSE in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) on Saturday, March 26 as they participate in the Girl Scouts "Go Nano!" event at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex. Through tours, hands-on activities and interactive presentations that bring the emerging science of nanotechnology to life, each participant will experience firsthand the science described as "leading to the next Industrial Revolution."

CNSE student John Garramone

NanoDays 2011 presentations will highlight for prospective students the world of opportunities in nanotechnology. (Photo Mia Ertas, CNSE)

"From health care, clean energy and the environment to information technology, transportation and national defense, nanotechnology is transforming all facets of society in the 21st century," said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer. "Through the celebration of National NanoDays 2011, the UAlbany NanoCollege looks forward to sharing the promise and potential of this emerging science with the community, as well as the growing global leadership of CNSE and New York State in nanotechnology education, research and development, and economic outreach."

CNSE will conduct a host of educational and community outreach programs, activities and presentations during the week, including:

  • The 13th Annual STEP Statewide Student Conference in Albany on Saturday, March 26 will feature CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alain Kaloyeros as the Keynote Speaker. The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) provides academic support services and enrichment activities to African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and economically disadvantaged students in grades 7-12 with the goal of increasing the number of students who pursue post-secondary education in the scientific, technical, and health-related fields. Over 325 students and 175 program directors/advisors are expected attend the conference;
  • "Nano in the Mall," to be held Monday, March 28 through Friday, April 1 on the second floor of Crossgates Mall in Albany, will showcase exhibits and hands-on activities conducted by CNSE faculty and staff that demonstrate the growing impact of nanotechnology on 21st century society, including the role of nanoscale education, research and development in health care, clean energy, the environment and electronics;
  • NanoCareer Day on Wednesday, March 30, will give more than 300 middle and high school students an up-close look at nanotechnology through presentations, interactive programs, and a tour of CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex;
  • NanoDays 2011 at the Children's Museum of Science and Technology in Troy on Saturday, April 2 will include experiments and demonstrations led by CNSE graduate and undergraduate students that explore a variety of topics and concepts in nanotechnology; and,
  • NanoDays 2011 at the New York State Museum in Albany on Saturday, April 2 will include presentations by CNSE Assistant Vice President for NanoHealth Initiatives Sara Brenner and CNSE Associate Professor of Nanoscience Vincent LaBella highlighting the exciting world of nanotechnology.

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 $6.5 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, from companies including IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Novellus Systems, Vistec Lithography and Atotech. An expansion currently in the planning stages is projected to increase the size of CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex to over 1,250,000 square feet of next-generation infrastructure housing over 105,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms and more than 3,750 scientists, researchers and engineers from CNSE and global corporations.

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