The objective of this proposed workshop is to develop potential approaches for the introduction of nanoscale engineering into the undergraduate and graduate engineering education process. Recognizing that nanoscale engineering is a very interdisciplinary activity, the correct approach to accomplish the education of future nanoelectronic engineers is not clear. The primary goal of this effort is to hold a workshop with a collection of individuals well versed in the various technologies that are necessary to accomplish advances in nanotechnology as well as individuals that have been instrumental in developing roadmaps for new curricula. The attendees will be primarily invited from the membership of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association (ECEDHA). The co-located workshop will be held during the first two days of the highly successful IEC DesignCon conference, taking place January 27-30, 2003. DesignCon attracts more than 6,000 design engineers and managers and is also a draw for the academic community. The proposed program plan is to hold a one-day tutorial on the general topic of nanoscience and engineering that both the educators and the industrial participants of IEC DesignCon can attend. The second day will be focused on the development of an educational plan. The outcome of the workshop will be a report that outlines the possible approaches that should be attempted to support the development of the undergraduate and graduate nanoengineer. The workshop will be organized by ECEDHA, with board members serving as the organizers and workshop hosts. Intellectual Merit of the Proposed Activity: This workshop will bring together for the first time educators in the general areas of Electrical and Computer Engineering with researchers in the areas of Nanoscience and Engineering to address the critical issues of education and workforce development relative to the emerging field of nanotechnology. This workshop will provide a unique intellectual forum to identify problems and bottlenecks in educating engineering students in this multidisciplinary arena. Broader Impacts Resulting from the Proposed Activity: The proposed activity represents only the first step in a broader program seeking to impact the engineering educational system in terms of new and emerging areas of science and technology. Since nanoscience and engineering are broadly interdisciplinary, the ideas relative to curriculum and education emerging from this workshop are expected have much broader impact in approaches to multidisciplinary education in other fields, such as information technology.
