News

October 11, 2012

Children's Museum of Science and Technology & UAlbany NanoCollege Partner to Bring Nat'l Nano Exhibit to the Capital Region

By: Steve Janack, CNSE Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Source: College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering

Albany, NY – Further reinforcing Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to providing educational and career opportunities to young people in support of New York’s globally recognized nanotechnology industry, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany today announced a partnership to bring the national Nano exhibit to the Capital Region, giving children a unique opportunity to learn science, technology, engineering and math-related (STEM) principles through a fun and interactive experience.

“Guided by the unparalleled leadership and pioneering strategy of Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York is leading the world in building a nanotechnology-fueled economy that is attracting high-tech jobs, companies and investment to New York State,” said CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. “We are delighted to partner with CMOST, recognized by Parents magazine as one of the top 20 science centers in the nation, to bring the Nano exhibit to the region and continue stoking the fire of innovation for our next generation of scientists, which is a critical step in developing the highly skilled workforce that is essential in the nanotechnology era.”

“CMOST is thrilled to feature the nationally recognized Nano exhibit as a centerpiece of our Grand Re-Opening, and grateful to the world-class College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering for their partnership in making this exhibit a reality on behalf of children who will surely benefit by being introduced to nanotechnology in an interactive, enjoyable way,” said Paul Fahey, CMOST Board Chairperson. “We have seen firsthand the power of nanotechnology education and research, led by the NanoCollege, to move our economy forward and provide opportunities across the state. Now, we are pleased to introduce children to the science that is playing a critical role in their lives.”

The fully interactive Nano exhibit at CMOST, which was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), will open to the public on Saturday, October 13. It provides a firsthand experience for children and family audiences, introducing them to nanoscience and nanoengineering.

Through a series of engaging, hands-on stations and activities, visitors are able to build a giant carbon nanotube; use their “spy skills” to find examples of nano products and phenomena as part of several interactive challenges; build a stable nano future on a tippy table; spin disks to compare the effects of static electricity and gravity; and sit back and comfortably learn more about nanotechnology from books and reading boards.

This partnership on the Nano exhibit expands the ongoing programs conducted jointly by CNSE and CMOST, from Summer NanoCamps to activities held in conjunction with National NanoDays, and serves as a further impetus for future collaborations between the organizations.

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About CNSE. The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience and nanoeconomics. With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, CNSE represents the world’s most advanced university-driven research enterprise, offering students a one-of-a-kind academic experience and providing over 300 corporate partners with access to an unmatched ecosystem for leading-edge R&D and commercialization of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology innovations. CNSE’s footprint spans upstate New York, including its Albany NanoTech Complex, an 800,000-square-foot megaplex with the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 85,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,700 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty work here, from companies including IBM, Intel, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Samsung, TSMC, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Novellus Systems. An expansion now underway, part of which will house the world’s first Global 450mm Consortium, will add nearly 500,000 square feet of next-generation infrastructure, an additional 50,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms, and more than 1,000 scientists, researchers and engineers from CNSE and global corporations. In addition, CNSE’s Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon provides a prototyping and demonstration line for next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells, supporting its leadership of the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC). CNSE’s Smart Systems Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC) in Rochester offers state-of-the-art capabilities for MEMS fabrication and packaging. CNSE also co-founded and manages operations at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNYIT in Utica and is a co-founder of the Nanotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Excelerator in Syracuse. For information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu.

About CMOST. The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) is the only science center in the Tech Valley designed specifically for kids and parents to Explore, Discover, and Imagine the world of science together. For information, visit www.cmost.org.

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Media Contacts:

Steve Janack, CNSE Vice President for Marketing and Communications
(518) 956-7322 | sjanack@albany.edu

Laurie Miedema, Director of Operations, CMOST
(518) 235-2120 ext. 202 | lmiedema@cmost.org