This proposal requests funds to support the attendance of young scholars at the 2006 Gordon Research Conference on the Chemistry and Physics of Nanostructure Fabrication that will be held on July 16 - 21, 2006 at the Tilton College in Tilton, NH. The technical program is being organized by Prof. Theresa S. Mayer, Penn State University (Chair) and Prof. Dawn Bonnell, University of Pennsylvania (Chair-Elect) and will emphasize ground breaking research at the intersection between nanostructure synthesis and the devices and systems that are enabled using these advanced fabrication techniques. Intellectual Merit: The topics that will be discussed at this meeting are vital not only to today's information revolution but to the fields of imaging and manipulation of chemical and biological structures. The organization and atmosphere of Gordon Research Conferences stimulates open discussion among leading researchers of recent results and new techniques, which is particularly important in the rapidly growing and changing field of nanoscience and technology. In addition, the highly interdisciplinary nature of the research discussed at this conference provides and excellent opportunity for cross fertilization of research ideas and methods. The topics that will be highlighted at this conference include nanostructure synthesis and self assembly, nano-patterning and printing, nano-electronics, -biosystems, -optics, -mechanics, and -fluidics. Broader Impact: The conference format a week of continuous interaction with experts in interrelated fields in a casual setting provides a particularly rewarding opportunity for young scholars including graduate students, post-doctoral research associates, and assistant professors to exchange ideas with and to learn from this gathering of leading researchers. The availability of this travel support will also assist in our efforts to maintain a high level of diversity among conference attendees.
