In a unique convergence of minds and ideas, the 20th Anniversary of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Symposium showcased the monumental strides in nanotechnology. It spotlighted student involvement with posters describing the next wave of innovations, which MNT-EC is always keen to see.
From green technology to quantum computing, the advancements we are making in nanotechnology are solving some of our Nation’s greatest challenges.
– President Joe Biden
This quote from President Biden not only highlights the importance of the innovations being celebrated at the symposium but also sets the stage for discussing the diverse community united by their work in nanotechnology, as described in the following paragraphs. (Editor’s Note: You can download the full letter from the President at the end of this post and read the extracted full text as well.)
Uniting a Diverse Community
According to the Nano.gov website announcement, “Scientists and engineers across many fields and disciplines are united by their work at the nanoscale. Their diverse efforts have helped produce everything from faster microchips to powerful mRNA vaccines. The transformative impact of this work has been spurred by the coordination and focus on U.S. nanotechnology established by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act in 2003. Celebrating the NNI’s broad impact and envisioning the future, this symposium brought together voices from across the emerging technology landscape. Experts spoke on the importance of nanotechnology in quantum engineering, optics, environmental health and safety (EHS), plastics, DEIA, microelectronics, medicine, education, manufacturing, and more. Attendees included hundreds of researchers, policymakers, members of industry, educators, students, and the public – both online and in person, and conversations centered on the strategic vision for the next twenty years of the NNI.”
Student Innovators at the Forefront
Central to the event, from our perspective, was the NNI Student Poster Session, a testament to the NNI’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of nanotechnologists. There were 11 undergraduate teams, with more at the graduate/PhD level. College students from across the nation presented their research, offering fresh perspectives on challenges ranging from healthcare to environmental sustainability:
- Teams from the University of Maryland delved into the potential of bacterial extracellular vesicles under various conditions, underscoring the intersection of microbiology and nanotechnology.
- The George Washington University’s exploration of bio-inspired surfaces, simulating shark skin for potential applications, highlighted the innovative spirit driving student research.
- Contributions from Pasadena City College and Mesa Community College showcased projects on solar energy conversion and carbon chain synthesis, reflecting the broad spectrum of nanotechnology’s impact.
- Kingsborough Community College and Baruch College students presented a review of CAR-T cell designs and nanotechnology’s efficacy in cancer therapy, showcasing the critical intersection of biomedical research and nanotechnological applications.
- Northwest Vista College students explored the significance of finding organic compounds in Martian cave systems, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology with implications for space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.
These presentations demonstrated the students’ ingenuity and pivotal role in advancing nanotechnology’s frontiers. Full list below.
Keynote Inspirations
The symposium shared insights from luminaries such as Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology; Chad Mirkin, and Kathleen Rubins, who have significantly contributed to nanoscience and space exploration, respectively. Their speeches underscored the transformative potential of nanotechnology and the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate the past 20 years of nanotechnology under the NNI’s guidance, the symposium served as a practical (and visionary) forum for envisioning the future. The emphasis on student involvement and the cross-disciplinary dialogue highlights the NNI’s strategic vision for the next two decades: a future where nanotechnology continues to address societal challenges, powered by the fresh perspectives and relentless curiosity of student researchers. Comprehensive and inclusive efforts like the National Nanotechnology Initiative partly inspire our Micro Nanotechnology Collaborative Undergraduate Research Network (MNT-CURN).
For college students and professors alike, the NNI 20th Anniversary Symposium was not just a reflection on past achievements but a clarion call to contribute to a future where nanotechnology remains at the forefront of solving the world’s most pressing problems.
Full list also found on the NNI website link above, but all 11 undergraduate posters summarized here:
- (U1) University of Maryland, College Park: Study how different storage conditions affect bacterial vesicles, with implications for healthcare and biology.
- (U2) The George Washington University: Inspired by nature, this team created shark skin-like surfaces using Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) to improve material designs.
- (U3) Kingsborough Community College and Baruch College: Review of nanotechnology’s role in enhancing CAR-T cell cancer therapies, focusing on efficacy.
- (U4) University of Maryland, College Park: This study examines the impact of temperature on storing bacterial vesicles, which is essential for medical research.
- (U5) Pasadena City College: Research on nano-optic surfaces for more efficient solar cells / solar panels, aiming at green energy solutions.
- (U6) Mesa Community College: Work on producing linear carbon chains, which are fundamental for the development of new materials and electronics.
- (U7) Saint Louis University: Development of laser-driven microrobots for precise small-scale operations, applicable in various fields.
- (U8) University of Florida: Enhancing thermoelectric properties through ball milling for better energy devices.
- (U9) Northwest Vista College: Searching for life-essential organic compounds in Martian caves, bridging nanotech and space exploration.
- (U10) Mercer County Community College: Utilizing neural networks to design better mRNA cancer vaccines, combining tech with healthcare.
- (U11) University of Maryland, College Park: Investigating how tiny bacterial particles affect biofilm formation, which is relevant to medical and environmental studies.
Download above or here.
Letter from President Biden
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 5, 2024
I send my warmest greetings to the members of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI)
and all those celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and
Development Act.
Since it was signed into law, the 21 st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act
has driven innovation by challenging the next generation of scientists and researchers to think
big by thinking small. From green technology to quantum computing, the advancements we are making in nanotechnology are solving some of our Nation’s greatest challenges. And by
creating a policy framework for an all of Government approach to research and development,
lowering the barrier to access advanced scientific tools, sharing diverse perspectives, supporting workforce development, and so much more, members of the NNI are helping to harness the progress we are making for good.
My Administration is building on the work of the NNI by supporting the scientific community
and promoting research and development. During my first year in office, we elevated the
Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to a Cabinet-level position
to lead major initiatives like artificial intelligence and leverage the latest scientific advancements
to improve health outcomes for all Americans, with the help of solutions at the nanoscale. And
with support from the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, we are investing
billions of dollars in groundbreaking research and development, including work performed by
the NNl that will help create incredible opportunities for our country and the entire world——
including the largest investment to combat climate change in history.
As we commemorate this milestone anniversary of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research
and Development Act, may we all remain inspired by the limitless possibilities of what we can
achieve in America when we work together. I have never been more optimistic about the future
of this great Nation, in part because of the members of the NNI community who are helping to
ensure we forever remain at the forefront of scientific discovery.
