(Washington, DC) – The emerging field of
nanoscale science and engineering (NSSE)— the science of
manipulating matter at the molecular level— holds tremendous
potential and has already led to medicine-dispensing contact
lenses, stain-resistant clothing, and many other advances in
science, health, and consumer products.
For the United States to stay at the
forefront of scientific research and development in NSSE will
require talented engineers and scientists, and a
scientifically literate public, able to exploit and understand
this new science.
Today, Members of the Science &
Technology Committee’s Research and Science Education
Subcommittee examined how the U.S. can stay at the
forefront of scientific research and development in the NSSE
field, how to support education programs focusing on
nanotechnology, and how to create a new generation of
engineers and scientists researching these complex
concepts.
During the
hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Brian Baird
(WA-03) re-affirmed the importance of educating
students and the public about nanotechnology.
“Equipping students with the skills they need
to help our country maintain its leadership in the global
marketplace is essential,” said Chairman
Baird. “Nanotechnology is one of the next frontiers
of science and research in this field directly impacts all
sectors of society from health care to energy to national
security. As countries like China and India invest in
nanotechnology education initiatives, our country too must do
all it can to support these research activities to keep us
competitive in a 21st Century economy.”
To address these needs, the Subcommittee
heard from witnesses on how access to high-tech equipment may
benefit high school, undergraduate, and graduate students; and
how research in these fields supports the nation’s
economy.
In addition, the witnesses addressed
legislation aimed at supporting nanoscale science and
engineering educational activities.
H.R. 2436, the Nanotechnology in
Schools Act, introduced by fellow Committee Member
Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-OR), would direct the
National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a grant program
making it possible for high schools, two-year colleges,
undergraduate serving programs, and informal science education
centers to purchase nanotechnology equipment for educational
purposes. In addition to equipment, the funds could be used
for relevant software, as well as teacher and faculty
professional development, and student educational activities.
“Nanotechnology has already led to new cancer
treatments, more powerful computers, and energy conversion and
storage breakthroughs,” said Rep. Hooley.
“Introducing students to nanotechnology will excite them about
a future in science and technology, ensuring the next
generation of American innovators.”
Since 2001, the National Nanotechnology
Initiative (NNI) has funded more than $6918.1 million in
research and related activities in NSSE across the federal
science agencies. As part of its work on this initiative, the
NSF supports a number of educational activities designed to
teach K-16 students, science teachers, faculty members, and
the general public about nanotechnology.
Major NSSE education initiatives include the
National Center for Learning and Teaching (NCLT) in Nanoscale
Science and Engineering and the Nanoscale Informal Science
Education (NISE) Network. NCLT is a consortium of five
universities with a mission to foster the Nation’s talent in
NSSE by developing methods for learning and teaching through
inquiry and design of nanoscale materials and applications.
They perform research and serve as a clearinghouse for
information regarding NSSE curriculum, teaching methodologies,
and professional development for the undergraduate and K-12
levels.
Witnesses at the hearing included: Mr.
David Ucko, National Science Foundation, Deputy Division
Director of the Education and Human Resource Division on
Research and Learning; Dr.
Navieda Ganguly, Head of the Science Department, Oak Ridge
High School, Oak Ridge, TN; Dr.
Hamish Fraser, Ohio Regents Eminent Scholar and Professor,
Department of Materials Science Engineering, the Ohio State
University; Dr.
Ray Vandiver, Vice President of New Project Development,
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; Mr.
Sean Murdock, Executive Director, NanoBusiness Alliance;
Dr.
Gerald Wheeler, Executive Director, National Science
Teachers Association.
For further information on this hearing,
please visit the Committee’s website (click
here).
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