The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany hosted 16 students and three teachers from a Montessori School in Monterrey, Mexico on January 29 as part of a week-long student exchange program with the Woodland Hills Montessori School in North Greenbush.
The students listened to an overview of the emerging field of nanotechnology given by Dr. Vincent LaBella, Associate Professor of Nanoscience. They were led on a tour of CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex by Equipment Evaluation and Support Specialist Steve Stewart, who also offered a demonstration on how to gown up in the "bunny suits" worn in CNSE's high-tech cleanrooms. The visit concluded with a hands-on activity led by Assistant Professors of Nanobioscience Dr. Yubing Xie and Dr. Magnus Bergkvist, in which students built a "gummy worm" polymer chain.
"We are delighted to have partnered with the Woodland Hills Montessori School to give students from Monterrey, Mexico a chance to learn about nanotechnology and, through the UAlbany NanoCollege, the global leadership of New York State in this exciting field that will define the future careers of young people around the world," said Diana Dumesnil, CNSE Manager, Strategic and Educational Outreach. "CNSE is firmly committed to raising awareness of the benefits of nanotechnology through a wide array of innovative educational programs that inspire students to pursue careers in science and technology."
The visit to CNSE was one of a series of activities designed to highlight important and exciting places in the Capital Region and New York State.