I just got back from an incredible nanotechnology workshop held by the The Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK Center) at Penn State University. This was just AWESOME.   NACK was established at the Penn State College of Engineering in September 2008 through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. I am going to write more about it next week, but if you want to learn about nanotechnology, and it doesn’t matter if you are a grade school, high school, or a college instructor (all were present at the workshop and all enjoyed it) – then you need to come to the workshop (and, they may have some funds to help you if you need it).  Just go to the Nano4me.org.

This three-day workshop utilizes the facilities at Penn State to teach nanotechnology at an introductory level and also enables the participant to understand how nanotechnology is and will continue to be integral to STEM curriculum and careers. Participants will learn about the growing applications of nanotechnology in many industries including the biotechnology, MEMs, optoelectronics, chemical, and electronics industries. The basics of nanofabrication processes and tools will be covered and practiced through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on processing, utilizing the Penn State NNIN Nanofabrication Facility along with the NACK Center educational cleanroom. Please contact Lisa Daub at 814-865-9635 or ldaub@engr.psu.edu to register, or for further information.

I believe their next workshop for educators will be in November, but they offer so much more than that.  If you want to learn about Nanotechnology – visit NACK’s sight – Nano4me!

Mark Viquesney