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Education
Pioneering Multi-Institutional
Collaborative Nanotechnolgy Education
Using Internet2 videoconferencing technology, Lehigh
University is leading the way in web-based education by sharing
collaborative, multi-institutional, graduate level education among
members of the Materials Pennsylvania Coalition (MatPAC). The MatPAC,
which was founded by Lehigh, was recently adopted at Nanotechnology
2002 as the model of education to expedite nanotechnology education
across the state of Pennsylvania. It will serve as a model for collaborative
nanotechnology education, research, and technology transfer among
PA universities and colleges.
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Materials
Pennsylvania Coalition (MatPAC)
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 Internet2
videoconferencing for shared courses and research collaboration
Shared
research facilities and instrumentation between Pennsylvania
based universities Smartboard
& Web-based course materials for shared exchange of
knowledge
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The MatPAC consists of six Pennsylvania based
universities: Lehigh University, University of Pennsylvania, Drexel
University, Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, and
Carnegie Mellon University. The MatPAC involves materials research
centers and departments which collaborate to share research facilities
and inter-university based courses (via I2 videoconferencing) in
materials science & engineering graduate and undergraduate education,
thereby taking advantage of every strength in materials education
across the state. The MatPAC initiative is pioneering the expansion
of graduate level course offerings in advanced materials science
and nanotechnology across the state.
Through the MatPAC, six one-semester classes are taught
in a two-year cycle, thus each university contributes one class
per two-year period, and receives five. A high technology Internet2
videoconferencing classroom, completed at Lehigh University in January
2002 (and pictured above), is a model of technology for other MatPAC
universities to implement. Since MatPAC's inception in 2000, the
University of Liverpool has provided technological expertise and
developmental support in materials education. The UK Centre for
Materials Education, based at Liverpool, is involved in materials
research, education development, dissemination of good practice,
network building, and public understanding. MatPAC is adopting these
missions as their own as they work closely with their UK counterparts.
Please visit http://www.lehigh.edu/~inmatpac
for more information.
Other strong nanotechnolgy educational programs associated
with CAMN are: 1) the nanoelectronics educational program, 2) the
Lehigh Microscopy School, and the 3) Science, Technololgy and Science
Program for managing the impact of nanotechnology on society and
the environment.
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Nanoelectronics
Educational Programs
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Electron-beam Writing
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Device Measurements
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Processing |
Theory |
Educational
programs stress both theory and application
Community
outreach in nanoelectric short courses is an important program
component
Industrial
users form a strong partnership in a university-industry affiliates
program
Advanced
processing and measurement facilities provide a rich hands-on
environment
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Managing the Impact
of Nanotechnology on Society and the Environment
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Lehigh maintains the third oldest Science,
Technology, & Society (STS) Program
in the nation - a 30 year tradition of collaborative interdisciplinary
research
in the social, ethical, and political implications of scientific
research and technological innovation
In nanotechnology, Science, Technology
and Society Programs are needed to:
Raise
public awareness of anticipated, profound social consequences
of nanotechnology, especially in molecular biotechnology,
defense, and robotics
Consider
the social and environmental issues and consequences as part
of the R&D process
Encourage
cross-disciplinary thinking to accomplish constructive,
rather than destructive, nanotechnology applications Promote
positive impacts (e.g., improved sensing techniques and processes
for removal of the smallest contaminants in the environment)
Combat
misinformation and disseminate accurate information
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Materials for
Nanotechnology
