NanoHigh partnership marks fifth year

as 15 Albany High students earn certificates  

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 7, 2012) -- Fifteen Albany High School students received certificates June 7 recognizing their achievement as the newest graduates of the groundbreaking NanoHigh program and marking the completion of the fifth year of the partnership between the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albany and the City School District of Albany.

“Congratulations to the 2012 graduates of the NanoHigh program," said Lt. Gov. Robert J. Duffy. "The innovative NanoHigh program is preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers in our state’s rapidly growing nanotechnology industry. This partnership between the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and the City School District of Albany is the first of its kind in the country, giving New York students a critical head start in today’s competitive high-tech society.

"These graduates have bright futures ahead of them, and I wish them the best of luck.”

Check out media coverage of the event, including stories on WRGB/Ch. 6 and in the June 8 Times Union.

Since the NanoHigh program began in the 2007-08 school year, 90 Albany High students have completed it, and a record incoming class of nearly 50 students is enrolled for 2012-13 as interest continues to grow in the program -- and the innovative technologies that are reshaping the workpalce of tomorrow.

“Albany High School students are so fortunate to be able to take advantage of this opportunity to learn first-hand about this cutting-edge science and technology that is transforming the way we live and work,” said City School District of Albany Superintendent Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D. (pictured at far right with the nano grads and Albany High teachers Jeff Beyer and Dan McCarthy).

“Our collaboration with the NanoCollege and its visionary leader, Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, is providing Albany High students with an invaluable opportunity to explore the ever-growing world of nanotechnology. Our graduates of this program are being well-prepared to take their places in the high-tech workforce that is transforming not just our region, but our world.”

Dr. Kaloyeros, senior vice president and chief executive officer of the NanoCollege, noted the opportunity the program is providing Albany High students to get a head start on the innovative technologies that are redefining future careers across the Capital Region, New York state and the world.

“Catalyzed by the vision and leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and through programs like NanoHigh, New York is building a world-class workforce that is critical for success in the 21^st century innovation economy,” Dr. Kaloyeros said. “We are delighted to work closely with the City School District of Albany through a partnership that has given 90 high-school students a unique first-hand look at their future educational and career paths. Just as importantly, we are heartened by the growing interest in this pioneering initiative.”

Albany High students intereseted in enrolling in the NanoHigh program should talk with their guidance counselor.

This year marks the five-year anniversary of the NanoHigh program, which was designed by the district and the NanoCollege to enhance students’ opportunities to take advantage of a growing number of nanotechnology-related educational and career opportunities in the Capital Region and across New York state.

Meanwhile, interest in the program is at an all-time high, with 45 students already registered for next year’s program, filling both introductory and advanced classes. That growth also represents an increase in the number of female students, a group that is typically underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Eight of this year's 15 NanoHigh graduates were young women.

The NanoHigh program connects students with leading faculty and scientists at CNSE’s unparalleled Albany NanoTech Complex, where they take part in hands-on experiments that will help prepare them for a potential future in nanotechnology. This includes exploring integrated circuit technologies through nanoscale patterning and fabrication; nanobiomedical applications, such as innovations in nanomedicine and forensic DNA fingerprinting; clean energy technologies, such as solar cells and ultracapacitors for energy storage; and nanoeconomics.

The students also completed classroom work with Beyer and McCarthy at Albany High, further exploring the promise of nanotechnology and its potential to advance society.

For more information about the NanoHigh program, please visit http://cnse.albany.edu/NanoforKids/NanoHighProgram.aspx.

About CNSE. The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience and nanoeconomics. With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, CNSE represents the world’s most advanced university-driven research enterprise, offering students a one-of-a-kind academic experience and providing over 300 corporate partners with access to an unmatched ecosystem for leading-edge R&D and commercialization of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology innovations. CNSE’s footprint spans upstate New York, including its Albany NanoTech Complex, an 800,000-square-foot megaplex with the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 85,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,600 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty work here, from companies including IBM, Intel, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Samsung, TSMC, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Novellus Systems. An expansion now underway, part of which will house the world’s first Global 450mm Consortium, will add nearly 500,000 square feet of next-generation infrastructure, an additional 50,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms, and more than 1,000 scientists, researchers and engineers from CNSE and global corporations. In addition, CNSE’s Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon provides a prototyping and demonstration line for next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells. CNSE’s Smart Systems Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC) in Rochester offers state-of-the-art capabilities for MEMS fabrication and packaging. CNSE also co-founded and manages operations at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNYIT in Utica and is a co-founder of the Nanotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Excelerator in Syracuse. For information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and nurture all students to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers and lifelong learners to successfully compete in the global community by providing an academically rigorous and safe environment in partnership with parents, students and the community. The district serves about 8,700 students in 15 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.