Outreach/Education – Undergrad & Grad
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
The Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience (NCMN), the Nebraska Nanoscale Facility (NNF), and UNL's Graduate Studies Office host each summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) focused on Nanoscience areas. Selected students spend 8-10 weeks in research labs under faculty supervision and participate in a variety of activities designed for REU students that are participating in summer research. NCMN and NNF also host Professor/Student Pair project opportunities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Faculty/student pairs from universities and four-year colleges participate in summer projects working with NNF faculty and equipment in a nanoscale-science laboratory (http://nanoscale.unl.edu/facilities).
NCMN supports the summer CREST REU program between California State University-San Bernadino and the University of Nebraska MRSEC by providing state of the art materials instrumentation to undergraduate students. These students are trained on advanced equipment aimed at giving participants valuable skills and a broader view about the materials research area, interdisciplinary cooperation, and professional development.
Nanoscience Courses
A variety of University of Nebraska grad and undergraduate classes use the NNF/NCMN Facilities. Most courses are designed to promote students’ awareness, understanding, and interest in the nanoscience area. This is accomplished through a variety of methods including tours of the NNF/NCMN Central Facilities, microfluidic devices design, fabrication, and experimentation workshops, in-classroom nano-engineering modules and demonstrations, and other information and activities stressing the importance of nanomaterials and their applications.
Spring Science Art Competition
The Spring Science Art Competition was again sponsored by the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience to celebrate the aesthetic appeal and creativity of nanoscience. Artwork was submitted by current graduate or undergraduate students or a post-graduate scholar in the form of static visual images that represented nanoscience research at the University of Nebraska. The images were based on calculations, imaging data, or on a conceptual model that focused on both aesthetic impact and the effectiveness in communicating aspects of nanoscience. Winning artwork will be included in a traveling gallery exhibition in coming months.
Women in Physics Conference (WoPHY)
NCMN partners annually with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, along with other sponsors, to bring together outstanding student researchers in Physics for WoPHY Conferences each October. Students from across the US attend to build on their current research experiences, interact with physics students from other universities, and attend scientific talks given by scientists who are leaders in their field.