More Than 3,000 People Attend Community Day Events at Three SUNY Poly Locations

Demonstrating continued interest and excitement for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s nanotechnology-based growth strategy for New York State, the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) announced that more than 3,000 people attended Community Day events at three SUNY Poly locations across the state where they learned about the powerful scientific concepts underpinning advances in technology.

Community Day was the official start of SUNY Poly’s seventh annual community outreach initiative known as “NANOvember,” a celebration of nanoscale science and engineering-based know-how that has wide application to daily life.

"New York and SUNY continue to pioneer an innovative educational and economic model that is providing unmatched opportunities, and it is exciting to see the public has responded so overwhelmingly," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "Community Day helps to make the exciting concepts behind the latest technologies tangible, in addition to showcasing the meaningful careers, economic growth, and great potential that can result for New Yorkers from better understanding nanotechnology. I commend Dr. Kaloyeros and SUNY Polytechnic Institute on this wonderful day of events."

“It is through Governor Cuomo’s leadership that the emerging field of nanoscale science has been able to catalyze rapid, positive change from Albany to Buffalo, and we are once again thrilled to be able to share this story with New York State residents through this day of educational activities and engaging presentations,” said SUNY Poly CEO and Officer in Charge Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. “The unprecedented level of interest shown at Community Day locations across New York State is further proof that the Governor’s vision that has enabled New York to become the world’s high-tech hub is driving exciting and relevant nanotechnology-based educational, business, and job growth opportunities.”

At CNSE’s $20 billion Albany NanoTech Complex, Community Day featured guided tours of the brand-new state-of-the-art Tech Valley High School facility, as well as NanoFab Xtension (NFX), headquarters for the Global 450mm Consortium (G450C), which is leading the world in the development of next-generation computer chips. Visitors also took part in a wide range of activities, from learning about thin film solar concepts by using nail polish to learning about NanoMedicine and the powerful educational and workforce opportunities that stem from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s targeted investments across the state. In Utica, hundreds of visitors were able to peek inside the SUNY Poly Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C), which is still under construction, to see an integral part of Governor Cuomo’s recently announced $1.5 billion ‘Nano Utica’ initiative, in addition to taking part in kid-friendly nano activities. CNSE’s Smart System Technology & Commercialization Center in Rochester also offered tours, presentations and family friendly, nano-enabled activities to showcase capabilities related to its cutting-edge sensor and system-on-a-chip technologies.

Community Day is SUNY Poly’s signature “NANOvember” event and is designed to demonstrate the exciting world of nanotechnology and the recognized global leadership of SUNY Poly and New York State in this rapidly expanding field.

The schedule for NANOvember includes “Nano Night with the Comets,” where thousands of Utica Comets fans will be able to learn about nanotechnology’s growing regional and statewide impact through displays, videos, and presentations at a home Comets hockey game on November 12; “Girl Scouts Nano Discovery Day,” in which CNSE will partner with the Girl Scouts on November 15 to introduce 150 young girls to the inspiring world of nanotechnology and award patches for their participation; and CNSE CMOST “Family Day” at the CNSE Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CNSE CMOST), where children will be able to experience age-appropriate nanotechnology exhibits and other family-based, hands-on activities free of charge on November 22.

In addition, “An Evening of Q & A with Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, SUNY Poly CEO and Officer in Charge” will provide the opportunity for community members to ask Dr. Kaloyeros about nanotechnology’s growing impact across New York State as a result of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s targeted growth investment strategy, pertinent educational and economic opportunities, and what nanotechnology-based know-how means for the future on Monday, November 17 at the Albany NanoCollege.

For a complete list of events and activities planned for NANOvember, along with pre-registration, please visit http://www.sunycnse.com/NANOvember.aspx.