Why Study Nanotechnology?
- Nanotechnology impacts national security, economic growth, and environmental and human health issues.
- It has been identified as a high-priority field for research and education in the United States.
- There is a shortage of professionals in this emerging field, so by becoming an expert, you can look forward to strong job prospects, many of which may be all over the world.
- It’s a rapidly developing field at the forefront of modern research and a fast-growing economy.
- It’s interdisciplinary, as it often combines mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and other sciences, and it’s therefore fascinating!
What are the differences between Nanoscience and Nanoengineering?
Nanoscience is the study of structures and materials by connecting macroscopic to the nano-scale world. Building on fundamental concepts from related STEM disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering), nanoscience:
- Characterizes the properties (chemical, mechanical, biological) of materials on the nanoscale, and demonstrates their role in participating and mitigating the pathways and rates of chemical reactions.
- Demonstrates the impacts of nanoparticles on environmental (system level), organismal, and human health.
- Discovers applications of nanoparticles in the design and development of next-generation materials used for the benefit of humanity.
Nanoengineering is the practical application of nanoscience. This field involves developing emerging technologies which are miniature, powerful, and efficient. Examples include photonic lasers, nanoelectronics, medical diagnostic devices, and sensors.
Both disciplines belong to the field of nanotechnology and are multidisciplinary fields which can include chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, physics, geology, computer science, engineering disciplines, information storage, biomedical sciences, Earth Science and environmental science.
Nanotechnology has contributed to revolutionary breakthroughs in product manufacturing and healthcare. Nano-enabled products are worth roughly US $1 trillion annually, which is expected to become US $3 trillion in 2020. Over 600 nanotechnology-based consumer products are already on the market today, such as stronger yet lighter sports equipment, computer processors and batteries, sustainable energy devices, food products, efficient satellites, water treatment methods, enhanced images for medical diagnostics, artificial tissues, enhanced sunscreens, and antimicrobial and stain-proof fabrics.
Examples of Nanoscience Careers:
- Materials scientists
- Academic professionals
- Research scientists at R&D sectors and National Labs
- Synthetic Biologists
- Computational and theoretical Analysts
Examples of Nanoengineering Careers:
- Academic professionals
- Biomedical Engineers
- Material engineers
- Computational and theoretical Analysts
- Process engineers in semiconductor industries
Nanoengineering and Nanoscience at JSNN
At JSNN, Nanoengineering students apply, matriculate, and graduate through NC A&T. Nanoscience students apply, matriculate, and graduate through UNCG.