Oakton to host March 24 nanotechnology education conference

Oakton Community Collegeinvites anyone interested in the cutting edge science of nanotechnology to attend the 2017 Conference for Midwest Nanotechnician Programs at Skokie’s Illinois Science + Technology Park, 8045 Lamon on Friday, March 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to some of the brightest nanotechnology teachers in the country who will share course materials and assessment activities associated with their curricula.

Nanotechnology plays a critical role in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine and physics. It has applications in a wide variety of technologies including building microprocessors, delivering anti-cancer drugs in the body, making clothes more stain resistant and improving sunscreen absorption.

According to Recruiter.com, salaries for nanotechnology engineering technicians average $79,000 per year and range from $30,000 to $94,000.

Conference presentations will focus on student opportunities both during and upon completion of nanotechnology programs. Confirmed speakers include David Arieti of Oakton’s biology department; Tanya Faltens, education content creation manager for computational nanotechnology at Purdue University; and Deb Newberry, the director of the nanoscience technology program at Dakota County Technical College in Minnesota. Newberry also serves as the director of the Midwest Regional Center for Nanotechnology Education, often referred to as Nano-Link.

“Every year that we’ve hosted this event, we see more presentations from faculty returning from other universities who were trained to use the equipment in our labs,” said Oakton Dean of Mathematics and Technologies Bob Sompolski. “This provides evidence that our impact is reaching beyond Oakton.”

Early bird conference registration is $25 until March 17 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Registration after March 17 is $30, but students and retirees pay just $15. Register at www.ne3i.eventbrite.com.

For more information about the conference, contact Bob Sompolski at 847-635-1690 or somplski@oakton.edu.