NanoDays

The Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience (NCMN), Nebraska EPSCoR, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) held Lincoln’s second annual NanoDays event in March at Westfield Gateway Shopping Center. UNL faculty, staff, and students and science educators presented games and activities that demonstrate the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale and the promise that nanoscience holds for transforming our daily lives. NanoDays is organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network and takes place nationally each year.

Astronomy Day

The University of Nebraska State Museum hosted its annual Astronomy Day celebration.  NCMN participated in the event which included a booth with information about our new building, emerging nano products, hands-on activities and demonstrations by Electrical Engineering faculty and students.  The event attracted over 800 visitors.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

A joint presentation and tour was given by Professors David Sellmyer, Yongfeng Lu and Christian Binek for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.  NCMN provided the Institute’s members stimulating information designed specifically for lifelong learners 50 years and older.  About 25 learners enjoyed interesting activities focused on Materials and Nanoscience research, equipment, and future applications.

Nano Science Cafe'

The Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln presented a Nano Science Cafe' at Red9, on July 22. Associate professor of physics Christian Binek, assisted by post-doctoral researcher Steve Michalski, spoke about exciting, new discoveries in the nanosciences which included an illustration about nanowaves using an electric guitar and Rubin's tube fire. The audience of about 100 people, put together buckyballs and learned how matter is manipulated at the atomic level in a fun and relaxed environment. EVENT VIDEO

Speakers Bureau at UNL

NCMN is now working with UNL's Speakers Bureau as an outreach partner to promote Science Demonstrations in the Materials/Nanoscience area.  Faculty members can contact Barb Bowers, UNL Communications, at bbowers@unlnotes.unl.eduif they are interested in presenting science talks or demonstrations to schools and in other community venues.  The Speakers Bureau will contact schools and provide administrative and advertising help.  Travel expenses are covered.