An Introduction to the Journal of Nano Education's Special Issue Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the NSF NUE Program: A Story of the NUE Program's Impact at Valdosta State University

摘要

Over a decade ago, Dr. Michael Clark asked me to serve on a panel at NSF to help set up the NUE program. Along with faculties' members from large research universities, we were charged with creating and molding the NUE program. The goal of the program was to bring cutting edge science and technology into the classroom. I never guessed that my experience would result in a new synthesis route to aza-fullerenes, a nomenclature system for graphene, high altitude balloon experiments loaded with nanoparticles and new medicines. In terms of the National Science Foundation Nanotechnology in Undergraduate Education program (NSF-NUE), the awardees might be divided into two groups. The first are the research groups that are looking for ways to translate their new science and technology in the nanoworld into meaningful experiences for current and future students. The second broadly defined group is the professional educator that deals largely with undergraduates and does some research. This group was seeking to intertwine the new topic that was permeating science and technology into their curricula.