Many technology junkies believe nanotechnology holds as much promise and future potential today as the computer revolution did back in the late 1970s. As usual, Berkeley is in the fore of this leading-edge discipline with a nanotech research initiative, the start of a nano “minor” for Ph.Ds and a new student-run nanotechnology club.

“We believe that nanotechnology is the next big research area and next great engineering challenge. Already it has started to engage and pervade multiple industries,” says the Berkeley Nanotechnology Club co-president and first year ME grad student Ryan Layton.

Put simply, nanotechnology is the science of making small things. Fifty years ago the noted physicist and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman announced that the laws of physics didn’t prevent scientists from creating novel devices at atomic scales, and he challenged the scientific community to do just that.

As a result of his vision and breakthroughs, such as the scanning electron microscope, a world of innovation has followed. As the field has begun to move from the research phase to industrial development, nanotech has produced super lightweight carbon fiber and even stain-free pants, among other innovations.

The Berkeley Nanotech club began six months ago when a Haas M.B.A. student, doing an independent study on nanotech, sent out a mass e-mail soliciting interest in a nanotech club.

After overcoming the bureaucracy of setting up and tackling internal organizational issues, the club’s officers have opened the club for membership to anyone interested. As a result more than 200 people signed up in the past two weeks.

The organization is now preparing to host its inaugural event, the Berkeley Nanotechnology Forum on May 1. The event will feature presentations by Berkeley and Silicon Valley scientists and entrepreneurs on the opportunities, trends, and marketable applications in the nanotech industry.

Like the club, the event will attract people from diverse industries and majors.

The interdisciplinary aspect of the club, which right now includes mostly grad students in engineering, law, chemistry, physics, biology, and business, is also a draw.

“The club is a way to break out of your narrow field and get exposure to other departments,” says Layton.

The nanotech club is not just an excellent student resource on the Berkeley nanotechnology community, but will help promote the new nano “minor,” offer advice on classes, give students access to nano faculty and help create a vision of the future of nanotechnology.

Exposure to other majors could be a potential career boon for some.

“If you have a great idea in nanotechnology, this club will put you in touch with M.B.A. students, lawyers, and venture capitalists who will help you develop and promote your idea,” adds Layton.

To register online for the Berkeley Nanotech Forum go to nanoclub.berkeley.edu

 

From Engineering News, April 12, 2004, Vol. 74, No. 12S