The primary goal of this Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) in Engineering program at Mississippi State University (MSU), entitled "NUE: Multifunctional Nanostructures for Integrated Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical and Biological Applications: an Interdisciplinary Certificate Program", under the direction of Dr. Priscilla J. Hill, is to develop and implement an interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Certificate Program which will be a collaborative effort between the Colleges of Engineering and Arts & Sciences. Its development will be coordinated between 4 departments with existing course modification in 6 departments across the two Colleges. This exciting new educational approach builds upon the research collaborations of faculty in nanoparticle synthesis/characterization, nanowire fabrication/device development, nanoelectromagnetics, bio-nanomaterials, and nanomechanics.
Significant impact is anticipated with university/industry collaborations including technology commercialization and development of spin-off businesses. By equipping students with stronger interdisciplinary background in nanotechnology, this NUE will further promote MSU technology commercialization, helping to create new local employment opportunities and opportunities for student co-op/training.
14.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Undergraduate students at Mississippi State University now have the opportunity to learn about nanotechnology and its applications as the result of an NSF NUE award. The focus is on the unique properties of nanomaterials, and how these properties can be used to improve or create new products. This interdisciplinary multidepartmental educational program builds upon faculty research collaborations and is taught by both science and engineering faculty. It consists of both new courses and new nanotechnology modules in existing courses. To interest students in nanotechnology, a team of faculty teach NanoExposed!, an introductory seminar for entering freshmen. This survey course covers applications (electronics, biomedical, chemical, structural), design and fabrication, health and safety concerns, and ethics. Theory and in-depth study are provided to juniors and seniors through new courses such as Nanoelectronics, a course that emphasizes semiconductor applications; Nanotechnology in Chemical Applications, a course that includes nanoparticle fabrication and applications; and Smart Materials, a course that focuses on multi-functional materials and smart sensors with modules that address nanotechnology, nanomaterials, and nanomechanics. One goal of this project was to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of nanoscience and nanotechnology by having students from different majors enrolled in these courses. This was met by having a diverse group of over 120 students from 15 different majors participating in NanoExposed!. The Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies (I2AT) on campus offers tours of its facilities as well as instrument demonstrations. These instruments include confocal, atomic force, and electron microscopes. In connection with this NUE program, recent tours emphasize how these instruments allow researchers to observe structures at the nanoscale. Since tours are given to both university and K-12 students, this increases awareness of nanotechnology in the general public as well as for science and engineering majors. Through this program, participating students develop an interdisciplinary background that prepares them to enter the emerging nanotechnology workforce. Having students trained in nanotechnology benefits the region because it increases the potential for new local employment opportunities, and opportunities for student co-operative education and internships. It also enhances and supports the university’s technology commercialization initiative.
