|
Nanotechnology Education at Washington University
in St Louis’ NNIN Site
REU Program – The NNIN REU Program provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduates to explore nanotechnology through hands-on research. The multi-disciplinary emphasis at Washington University's School of Engineering encourages a holistic approach to nanotechnology development, including the consideration of its impact on environment, health, safety, and broader societal dimensions. The Nano Research Facility (NRF) and Research Labs are available for REU fellows to engage in nanotech research for future career development. The NRF is a shared engineering core facility that serves as a vibrant learning environment and fosters interactions among users from various disciplines through its training courses and collaborations. Additionally, research laboratories are available for individual projects that address applications for nanotechnology in public health, environment, and biomedical science. The intellectual merit of research activities underpins the foundation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and covers a broad spectrum of disciplines in nanotechnology. We will offer research themes in the areas that include Synthesis of Nanomaterials -- the bottom up approach to nanofabrication; Nanotoxicity -- nanotechnology in the context of public health and environment; and Nanomedicine -- putting nanotech to work for biomedical research. The REU fellows will live on campus and interact with other groups of undergraduates who perform summer research. We are confident that our program will offer an exciting research experience through a pathway called the “Wash U Way” -- referring to a culture of readiness to help and collaborate across disciplines and across schools at Washington University in St. Louis.
RET Program -- The Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) ultimate goal is to build the nanotechnology workforce for tomorrow. We will engage the RET fellows in nanotech research and translate their research experience into education resources in practice. The fellows will gain hands-on experience in the Nano Research Facility (NRF) and build connections between nanotechnology and subjects in physics, chemistry, biology, and life sciences. They will also work in research labs on projects that have links to scientific inquires that may be raised by the targeted audience from communities such as high schools, general public, and community colleges. The RET serves as a vigorous vehicle to disseminate knowledge for a better understanding of nanotech, inspire positive attitudes for participation and engagement in nanotech, and encourage behaviors for learning and perceiving nanotech proactively.
NanoDays -- In collaboration with the Saint Louis Science Center, the Nano Research Facility brings education and information to the public about nanotechnology through this special exhibit. With hand-on activities and demonstrations, students, teachers, and the public learn about uses of nanotechnology in the world today. In addition to the activities, teachers can find information on how to incorporate nanotechnology into their K-12 curriculum.
|
