May 27 2009
Eighteen Albany High School ("AHS") students received certificates today for successful completion of the pioneering "NanoHigh" program - including the first students to participate in the advanced nanoscience course introduced this year - as part of the groundbreaking initiative developed jointly by the City School District of Albany ("CSDA") and the University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE").
Believed to be the first initiative of its kind at a public school anywhere in the country, the program was designed by CSDA and CNSE to enhance students' opportunities to take advantage of new nanotechnology-related careers being developed in the Capital Region, across New York State and around the globe. Nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of matter at the molecular level, holds the key to current advances in electronics, health care, energy, environmental science and a host of critical fields.
This year, in addition to the introductory course, the unique NanoHigh program was expanded to include an advanced nanoscience course. Of the students presented with certificates, 10 completed the introductory course, five completed the advanced course, and three fulfilled the requirements of both courses.
Students tackled a variety of cutting-edge facets of nanotechnology, including nanoscale patterning and fabrication, principles of self-assembly, nanobiomedical applications, fuel cell exploration and nanoeconomics, among others. The courses were taught both at AHS and through hands-on, interactive laboratory activities at CNSE's world-class Albany NanoTech Complex.
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "It is a pleasure to congratulate this year's class of Albany High School students who have demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm and superb efforts in successfully completing the groundbreaking NanoHigh program. The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to build on this pioneering program in partnership with the visionary leaders in the City School District of Albany to provide students with an unmatched look into the exciting world of nanotechnology, which will define their careers in the 21st century workplace."
"We are pleased to continue to build on our unique partnership with CNSE through the introduction of the advanced nanoscience course as part of this year's pioneering NanoHigh program," said CSDA Superintendent Eva C. Joseph, Ed.D. "The ability to collaborate with theNanoCollege, which is truly recognized as the global leader in nanotechnology education and research, is providing Albany High students with an invaluable opportunity to explore the ever-growing world of nanotechnology and preparing them to take their places in the future high-tech workforce."
The success of NanoHigh also led CSDA and CNSE to host the "Nanotechnology Explorations for Educators" event on April 29 and 30, at which more than 40 educators from 16 Capital Region school districts discussed the development of new educational initiatives for K-12 students, with a focus on nanotechnology, which has been described by the National Nanotechnology Initiative as "leading to the next Industrial Revolution."