NUE: Integrated Approach to Environmentally Responsible Nanotechnology Education

Drexel University, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

This NUE in Engineering program entitled, "NUE: Integrated Approach to Environmentally Responsible Nanotechnology Education", at Drexel University under the direction of Dr. Mira S. Olson, has as its goal to educate the next generation of engineers to meet the challenge of developing modules for predicting the potential impact of engineered nanomaterials on the environment and human health. The specific objectives of this proposal are to: 1) Develop a nanomaterials risk assessment framework for integration into an interdisciplinary nanotechnology education program. 2) Integrate research opportunities to environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials into the undergraduate curriculum. Direct impacts at Drexel include a new university-wide undergraduate course entitled, Environmental and Health Impacts of Nanotechnology targeting 25-30 students per year and intensive research opportunities for 12 students in the College of Engineering the the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. Broader impacts outside of Drexel focus on publishing lab materials and course modules developed in this course, creating a central library for nanotechnology risk, introducing course modules into the curriculum at two local community colleges, and community outreach for inner-city middle school girls through the Drexel-Blankenburg Science Fair Club for Girls.