Application for the 2009 NMNEN Workshop

ABSTRACT: This professional development workshop is designed for faculty and researchers who are interested in forming collaborations with interdisciplinary thinkers and who aspire to enhance the preparedness of New Mexico students to participate in STEM research. The workshop is intended to inform educators at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities about cutting edge research in nano(bio)science. In turn, researchers will learn about educational opportunities and modes of student engagement in research and creative activities. Workshop activities will provide a forum for discussion of educational needs, strategies, materials, and concepts that are necessary to incorporate nano(bio)science themes in STEM college education. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to submit applications for participation on a panel that will provide student perspectives on nano(bio)science curriculum needs and course design. The workshop is is limited to 40 participants and is co-sponsored by the the National Science Foundation (DUE CCLI 0633736) and the New Mexico Consortium.

TO APPLY: The workshop is full and applications are not being accepted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY: The current century most likely holds challenges that will have profound effects on people's way of living. For example, the dwindling fresh water resources, hygiene, health, and increased pollution are expected to pose severe challenges which will affect cities, the urbanization and/or reclamation of rural areas, and the environment and many other aspects of life. Science and technology will play an integral part in mastering these regional, national, and global challenges. Nano(bio)science is a particularly promising research area in this effort since it provides a link between life and material sciences that is expected to be essential in the development of ethical and socially acceptable solutions. The NMNEN workshop will bring researchers and educators from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities together to initiate new, and enhance existing, educational partnerships with the goal of developing teaching strategies and providing the expertise necessary for faculty to incorporate nano(bio)science themes into undergraduate education across the state of New Mexico. To facilitate this effort, the workshop will provide opportunities for participants to discuss existing nano(bio)science initiatives in New Mexico, formulate common goals and needs for the growth and development of the network, as well as modes of active student engagement and knowledge transfer between educators and students. The environment in New Mexico with its national laboratories provides a unique opportunity in the effort to integrate cutting edge nano(bio)science research themes into education. Representatives from LANL, CINT, and Sandia will provide an overview of research opportunities at these New Mexico laboratories. Participants will have an opportunity to present their education challenges and activities at a poster session.