Nanoeconomics is a unique program at CNSE. One focus of the constellation is based on the idea that a facility that consumes billions of dollars annually (such as CNSE) must be able to show that the outputs and the outcomes of its activities are worthwhile. This will also be the focus of my internship project this summer.
My time here at CNSE will be spent attempting to devise an input-output formula for CNSE and other similar facilities. The intended format of the formula is: Output = f(Input). Optimally, the formula will be able to take inputs such as money, size, industrial partners, and quantity and quality of the people involved in the facility; outputs such as economic growth, and number of patents and publications; and attach weights to the inputs based on the outputs. The idea is to figure out which input is most important, and which output is most beneficial to society.
This formula is essential for continued success and growth. We must have some idea of what inputs to focus on, in order to get the desired outputs. To create this formula, I will compare many inputs and outputs I have researched, and gather as much information about these different facilities as possible. From there I will enter this data into a formulation program to get the weights, and then make inferences based on my findings.
This information will hopefully help the CNSE faculty and staff to decide which inputs are most valuable and which outputs are most feasible.
Logan Spring, CNSE Intern
June 26, 2009
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Many species of bacteria can attach to surfaces and form dense layers of cells and extracellular material, known as biofilms. Biofilms can cause persistent contamination and infections and present multiple problems for removal and remediation. The bacteria we are working with, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, can form these biofilms and effect everyday life. P.aeruginosa is found in cystic fibrosis patients, infections following surgery, and urinary tract infections; all of which can be fatal to the host. The primary objective of this study is to identify naturally occurring, and naturally inspired compounds that can inhibit biofilm formation. Inhibition of biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa wild type and YL101 strains, has been evaluated using 96-well plate based and microfluidic flow cell methods. Eight different sulfo-organic compounds have been tested to date, resulting in the identification of three compounds that show potential inhibition of biofilm formation. This 96-well plate based assay quantifies bacterial growth via optical absorbance and biofilm formation via crystal violet (CV) based staining of surface-attached biofilms. The 96-well plate assay was used to verify biofilm formation, to evaluate the inhibitory properties of different organic compounds, and to evaluate dose-response activity of these compounds against biofilm formation. The dose-response experiments evaluated biofilm inhibitory compounds in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10mM. The results of these experiments indicate a direct relationship between the concentration of compound in the test media to the amounts of biofilm that are formed.
We are continuing these experiments and also conducting experiments on Streptococcus mutans, which is bacteria commonly found in the mouth accelerating tooth decay. This summer internship has provided me with the opportunity to continue doing research on this bacterium.
Jason Behnke, CNSE Intern
June 25, 2009
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I have just completed my third week of research at CNSE. My project is to construct a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), which is an emerging research tool for the characterization of magnetic spintronic devices. Such devices are themselves emerging technologies in the race to replace standard silicon binary logic systems. Like many other proposed information technologies, they rely directly upon the principles of quantum mechanics as axioms for a novel information processing scheme. (I was excited when I heard that this would be my project, because next year I will be starting graduate study in the similar yet competing field of optical information processing).
I would characterize my approach to this project as putting a stick of dynamite in the middle of it, blowing it into manageable chunks and attacking them all simultaneously. The principle chunks are the physical exoskeleton which houses the VSM, the actual vibrating apparatus, and the signal processing electronics. I have little experience with any of these components; however the VSM is progressing very well both because the work is exciting and rewarding, and because the group I am in is very helpful and supportive. My advisor, Dr. Vince LaBella, is great to work for due to his openness to new ideas, and his strong command of the theoretical and practical aspects of this project's completion. I am also very pleased with the quality of the infrastructure at CNSE to support development. Compared to the efficiency of the purchasing department, I feel like I am by far the weak link; I think this is generally a rare condition for a research institution, where such inefficiencies are often endemic.
This is a project and an atmosphere in which I can look at my knowledge differential from the beginning to the end of the day and wonder how I could have known so little just hours ago. A good example of this might be our process towards developing a theoretical model for our system. This task requires one to quantitatively model a vibrating rectangular magnet near a coil of wire.
Dr. LaBella and I envisioned a different approach (mass magnetization vs. vector potential, respectively). I think we were both certainly fond of our own idea, yet he created a great atmosphere of trying different approaches, which led to the eventual agreement of our two models, and a more complete picture of our system. In the process I not only gained a much more thorough knowledge of applying the vector potential to practical non-textbook problems, but also of the concept of mass magnetization.
Having performed this work, I already feel more confident and more prepared to continue research in graduate school.
Jake Mower, CNSE Intern
June 24, 2009
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Since the first moment that I saw the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, I thought that I was in another dimension. While the staff was showing us around the beautiful complex, I became even more excited of my acceptance as a summer intern to CNSE. In my life, I have never seen so much advanced technology in one place. CNSE is the ideal place to do any type of research on nanotechnology.
When I learned about my project, I had no idea what it was, then I met the people I would be working with and they explained the general idea of my project. I still needed to learn more details about my project, so I had to read about thirty papers to understand. That was my first task: just reading. When I finished reading, I did not understand much; however, every day I learn something new about my project.
The name of my project is "Modeling resist performance". The problem here is that when we want to measure the dimensions of the photoresist patterns with the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), there is a reaction between the resist and the electrons. Consequentially, the resist suffers a change called "shrinkage phenomenon". In other words, the photoresist shrinks and the dimensions change too. If we scan more with the SEM, the photoresist shrinks more. So, how do we get the true measurements? By using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) we can get the true measurements without damaging the resist. But this tool is not used to do that, because it is slower than a SEM. The best way to understand the phenomenon is just modeling it with math. So, I am working with MatLab program and comparing with the real data from AFM.
Daniel Bellido Aguilar, CNSE Intern
June 23, 2009
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Motile cancer cells spread to other parts of the body by migrating into the blood vessels that grow within tumors during angiogenesis.
These deadly cells "crawl" towards blood vessels by extending their cellular membranes using actin filaments, which are extended in response to a chemical attractant in a process known as chemotaxis. By exploiting the behavior of metastatic cancer cells researchers are collecting very pure quantities of these cells for analysis. I have been working closely with my CNSE mentor to create and test microscale devices that are used to deliver a chemical attractant and collect metastatic tumor cells. To create these microscale devices I have used a variety of sophisticated machines and tools. I have gowned up and entered a clean room to use electron beam deposition to deposit thin layers of chrome and gold onto a glass wafer, used photo resist and UV exposure to create patterns and chemically etched the device designs.
For device testing, I have learned cell culture techniques and have photographed chemotaxing cells using a camera fixed to a bright-field microscope. These image sequences are then analyzed using computer software, quantifying the effectiveness of each delivery device design. My experience thus far as a CNSE summer intern has been fantastic. I am exposed to new concepts and equipment nearly every day, learning valuable skills and techniques along the way.
Douglas Eggers, CNSE Intern
June 22, 2009
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The energy consumption is projected to double in the next fifty years. The low carbon foot print of renewables such as wind, solar, fuel cells, etc. makes them especially attractive in this era of environmental consciousness. The intermittent nature of energy from renewables is not suitable for commercial and residential grid applications, unless the power can be delivered 24/7, with minimum fluctuation. Therefore, the viability of renewables as a source of energy critically depends on energy storage technologies such as batteries and ultracapacitors. Read the Whole Article
Pradeep Haldar, CNSE Professor of Nanoengineering
June 16, 2009
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Computers are getting faster every day as transistors used in computer chips are now as small as 25 nm. We are beginning to reach the end of the line for such vast improvements using silicon based chips. They can only be made so small and eventually a limit will be reached. Thus, the nanoelectronic field is looking at the use of other materials in semiconductor applications.
Carbon nanoscience is a growing field and the applications of 2-D carbon sheets are being researched. These 2-D sheets, called Graphene, can be used in transistors. The field is still relatively new, but if implemented the use of Graphene can lead to process speeds of up to 100 times that of silicon based transistors.
In the lab, we are creating samples and testing them for various properties. This testing helps give us an idea of how well Graphene will be able to perform in transistors. Through my internship, I am learning a lot of information about the material and its applications.
Greg Sleasman, CNSE Intern
June 18, 2009
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I am elated to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the 2009 Summer Internship at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Although we are only two weeks into the program, I have already experienced more than most people would in an entire lifetime. On Tuesday, June 9th I shook hands and took a photo with New York State Governor David A. Paterson, right here at CNSE. Governor Paterson was at the college for a roundtable discussion on his "Bold Steps to the New Economy" initiative that was announced the previous day.
As a summer intern at CNSE, I have the satisfying feeling that I am a part of a greater cause. The long-range goal of my research is to engineer a complex 3D artificial salivary gland using innovative strategies to assist human patients suffering from hyposalivation. I know that I would have never been able to venture into this realm of nanobioscience anywhere else. I am truly grateful that I have the chance to conduct research at the prestigious College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.
Barbara Graham, CNSE Intern
June 16, 2009
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Thermo mechanical properties of Low -k dielectrics?? This is what my summer research topic is on... to be quite honest I have absolutely no clue and feel as if I was dropped on an island in the middle of the ocean. I plan to do this with the help of my mentor Dr. Matyi and my graduate assistant Charles Settens. I have never read so many research papers in my life and I will probably need to read at least 30 or more just to get me up to speed and help to begin understanding exactly what I will be doing this summer. The mechanical properties of low-k dielectrics are very important in the field of computer chip design and other integrated circuit systems. Knowing the thermo mechanical properties allows the industry to create more efficient and faster chips as well as learning how long it will take before certain components in the computer chip decide to falter and break down.
The interesting part about my project is the fact that it is so different then the biological and chemistry projects I have done research on in the past. Learning to do new things makes me a more diverse scientist in the 21st century and even though the first couple of days I wasn't sure that I liked my project I have found that there is something positive will come out of any situation. Engineering a new technique to study the thermo mechanical properties of these low k dielectrics is a fascinating way to use ones creativity and build networking skills.
I have noticed that CNSE is all about the aforementioned ideas since it contains some of the brightest research scientists from some of the leading businesses all around the world. I really enjoy the fact that these businesses work together in the same cleanrooms to find solutions to problems that will impact the entire industry and not just part of it.
I am very pleased to have been selected to participate in this internship and I plan to build a cruise ship and not just a raft to get off my island.
Carl Irani, CNSE Intern
June 15, 2009
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Before starting my internship at CNSE, I did not realize the impact of nanotechnology in numerous aspects of science, not to mention life. Nanotechnology is influential in the current studies of stem cells, as well. Nanotechnology has introduced me to how topographically modified surfaces affect the differentiation of stem cells.
Within the first few days of my internship I was given literature that relates to my research topic; how size of wells and columns of surfaces affect the orientation, overall size, and shape of cells. My mentor provided me with scientific articles that allowed me to understand, if only slightly, the subject matter I will be studying.
Currently, with the help of my mentor, I have successfully made polystyrene surfaces from molds, which will serve as the facade that stem cells will be fixed on. In addition, I have cultured cells, fixed them to topographic surfaces, and just recently I bathed them in 2 prime antibodies that have fluorophore, which allows for cells to glow phosphorescently under certain wavelengths.
Alicia McCarthy, CNSE Intern
June 10, 2009
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17 undergraduates began the CNSE Summer Internship Program this week. The students, chosen from a pool of more than 120 applicants, will work with one or more CNSE/industrial-partnered research programs, and interact closely with CNSE faculty, staff, post-doctoral researchers and graduate students throughout the summer. Beginning next week, the interns will blog about their experiences as a CNSE Intern and thoughts on nanotechnology.
Learn more about this year's CNSE Summer Interns and the Internship Program.
Kristin Wolf, CNSE staff
June 4, 2009
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