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Partner Highlight: Nano Extravaganza in New York’s Capital Region!

Ali Jackson

In February of 2013, longtime NISE Net children’s museum partner, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology in Troy, NY (CMOST), announced that it will become part of SUNY’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE). Under CNSE's leadership, more than $5 million will be invested to transform the Children's Museum into a world-renowned science center for young people—a hub for 21st century learning and discovery!

The museum has been partnering with CNSE to engage the public in nanotechnology for many years. CMOST summer campers participate in field trips at labs at the NanoCollege; CNSE students and scientists facilitate educational outreach activities and lead workshops; and the two organizations partner with other groups in the area to put on a region wide NanoDays celebration. The investment from CNSE will support new and exciting programming, more interactive displays, hands-on activities and other initiatives. Existing collaborations at CNSE CMOST will continue and be enhanced through this transition, and the museum hopes to use this opportunity to maintain and build stronger regional relationships.

CNSE CMOST features the Nano mini-exhibition, and it made incredibly creative use of many of NISE Net’s graphic resources in its exhibition signage.  Throughout the many hands-on, interactive exhibits in the museum, visitors can find multiple nano connections, such as “nano hot spots,” a specially designed nano scavenger hunt, and nano-related floor programming.

Already this spring, we’ve seen some of the great benefit of this collaboration! SUNY’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE), CNSE’s Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CNSE CMOST), Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region, and public libraries in four counties partnered to host extensive public outreach events during NanoDays 2013.

“By taking an innovative approach to sparking an interest among young people in the exciting science of nanotechnology, SUNY’s NanoCollege is continuing to build a critical pipeline for both higher education and the high-tech workforce in New York,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “I commend these proactive educational outreach initiatives being undertaken as part of national NanoDays, which underscore the expanding opportunities in our state’s fastest-growing industry.”

“Spurred by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s vision and leadership, New York has pioneered a winning strategy whereby educational events like national NanoDays, coupled with world-class nanotechnology research and the attraction of the world’s leading high-tech companies, have established the New New York as ‘the place to be’ for a seat at the 21st century table of high-tech innovation,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO. “CNSE is thrilled to partner with CMOST, Trinity Alliance, and public libraries throughout the region to stimulate excitement and spark further interest in nanotechnology, particularly among our next generation of scientists.”

In late March, New York’s Capital Region was abuzz for a weeklong series of educational events, hands-on experiments, and exciting activities based around the NISE Net NanoDays activity kit. The events, led by museum educators, librarians, CNSE’s faculty, researchers, and students emphasized relevant, age-appropriate scientific concepts that both entertained and engaged, and introduced kids of all ages to the emerging science of nanotechnology.

For a complete list of CNSE’s “NanoDays” 2013 events and activities, please visit: www.cnse.albany.edu/Outreach/NanoDays2013.aspx.

And for photos from their NanoDays event: http://cnse.albany.edu/Newsroom/MediaCenter/PhotoGalleries/2013PhotoGalleries/2013NationalNanoDaysCelebrationConcludes.aspx

For more information about CNSE CMOST, please contact Sarah Fisk at [email protected].