January 23, 2008: Joseph Krajcik, Professor of Science Education from the University of Michigan and co-principal investigator for NCLT participated as an expert panelist for a luncheon briefing on Capitol Hill. The briefing on “Educating to Advance Nanotechnology” was sponsored by the American Chemical Society of Science & the Congress Project and the Nano Business Alliance.

Introductory remarks were given by Representative Darlene Hooley (D-OR). Other expert panelists included: Greta Zenner, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on Nanostructured Interfaces, University of Wisconsin-Madison, moderating; Robert Gregg, Executive Vice President, FEI Company; and Deb Newberry, Nanoscience Technology Program, Dakota County Technical College.

Nanotechnology enables the manipulation of materials at the level of single atoms, powering the development of new technologies, products and jobs. As nanotechnology spreads throughout industrial sectors, more companies will be needing individuals with the knowledge and skills to work in this realm. Consumers will also benefit from a greater understanding of nanotechnology as it increasingly permeates the products they use on a daily basis. This briefing explored the education and training needed to stay competitive in nanotechnology, as well as the policy implications for all levels of education.

The mission of NCLT is to develop the next generation of leaders in nanoscale science and engineering education (NSEE), with an emphasis on NSEE capacity building, providing a strong impact on national science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Through its mission and program initiatives, NCLT is designed to lower the barriers for rapid integration of nanoscience concepts into the classroom, resulting in the advancement of STEM education nationally.

For more information:
www.nclt.us
nclt@northwestern.edu