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Outreach

As a land-grant institution of the State of Pennsylvania, PSU is charged with fostering economic development, education, and workforce training to benefit residents of the Commonwealth. In addition, the U.S. Government National Science Foundation (NSF) guidelines for materials program grants require outreach and educational components. The MRI provides seed funding for relevant research that complements these programs, and the University matches contributions for educational and outreach activities.

MRSEC - Center for Nanoscale Science (CNS) Education and Outreach Programs

• Joint programs with the Physics Department providing Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and Research Experience for Teachers (RET) during the summer and the school year.
• Museum shows on materials for school children developed by faculty and graduate students with the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia, PA. Shows are currently running in 22 science museums nationwide.
• A weekly TV program that originated at PSU on WPSX (NPR affiliate), "What's in the News," a science program for 4th to 7th grade school children with an estimated 5.7 million viewers nationwide (CNS participated in the design and development of 4 segments plus supporting segments appearing on the program web site).
• Faculty and graduate students collaborate with CNS to present "show and tell" sessions and demonstrations to K-12 students targeting groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering.

NNIN @ Penn State: The Nanofab - PSU Nanofabrication Facility

The NNIN @ Penn State is part of a nationwide network of 13 shared facilities that participate in research, education, and outreach within their local area. Nanofab offers a full range of professional capabilities in addition to training courses for undergraduates, graduates, and workforce training programs. Nanotech camps are offered every summer by the Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) partnership for secondary school students. Participating institutions can offer a Certificate or an Associate degree in NMT.

Materials Day

Held every April, Materials Day brings together students, faculty, and materials professionals from industry, government, and other research institutions with seminars, poster presentations, and an opportunity to mix with others interested in materials.

Mark your Calendars: Materials Day 2008