Science teachers from eight Clark County School District high schools will gain hands-on experience in the emerging field of nanotechnology July 9-13 as part of the inaugural Nanotechnology Summer Institute (NSI) at UNLV.
Under the direction of Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering Professor Biswajit Das, the NSI will provide an overview of nanotechnology, discuss its many applications and provide hands-on experimental practice in the state-of-the-art laboratories of the Nevada Nanotechnology Center (NNC). The goal is for teachers to learn about the fastest-growing field in science and to develop nanotechnology-based lessons for their own classrooms.
During the weeklong program, teachers will work on a laboratory project to build a nanotechnology device and characterize it using advanced tools such as an electron microscope and an atomic force microscope.
"To participate, shape and economically benefit from this new industrial revolution, it is necessary to develop an educated Nevada work force in the field of nanotechnology," said Das. "Our teachers know the best methods for inspiring children, and we believe that training them in this fascinating field is an ideal way to stimulate interest in science and technology among our school children.
Nanotechnology is widely believed to be the driving force behind the next industrial revolution and involves work at the molecular level to create new materials critical to applications in chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. Research in this area is leading to more efficient manufacturing processes and has improved our understanding of nature and the environment.
Nanotechnology research currently being conducted at UNLV includes the development of fabrication techniques to improve commercial manufacturability; enhancement of the electrical and optical properties of existing light-emitting diodes; and the development of a high-performance infrared detector for use in space-based reconnaissance systems. Additional research plans include biomedical applications of nanotechnology, such as advanced drug delivery systems, cancer-tagging mechanisms and implantable devices that automatically administer drugs.
The NNC is an integral component of and link to national and international nanotechnology research efforts. The center serves as a local, state, and national nanotechnology research and education center and is an important source for K-12 and post-secondary education resources in the field of nanotechnology. More information about the NNC can be found online at http://nanotechnology.unlv.edu.
