University of Albany NanoCollege to Hold Inaugural Community Day

Albany, NY - Children, adults and families throughout Tech Valley can receive an up-close look at the exciting world of nanotechnology when the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany holds its inaugural Community Day on Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex.

The first-ever event is part of "NEXSTEP," or "Nanotechnology Explorations for Science, Training and Education Promotion," spearheaded by CNSE's NanoEconomics Constellation in partnership with KeyBank. NEXSTEP is a collaborative program that includes educational initiatives designed to promote greater understanding of the region's changing economic and business environment driven by nanotechnology, with a special emphasis on children, citizens and community.

CNSE's Community Day will feature presentations, booths and interactive demonstrations that highlight the exciting technological breakthroughs being enabled by nanotechnology, including those in the fields of health care, energy, environment, electronics and economics; guided tours of the cutting-edge cleanroom facilities at CNSE's $4.2 billion Albany NanoTech, the most advanced research complex in the academic world; and, a chance for children and adults to participate in hands-on activities that provide greater understanding of the science described by the National Nanotechnology Initiative as "leading to the next Industrial Revolution."

"There's an exciting change occurring in our community, brought about by nanotechnology, through the leadership of the UAlbany NanoCollege, " said Jeff Stone, President, KeyBank Capital Region. "This Community Day is a critical component of KeyBank's support of the NEXSTEP initiative in educating our community about the world of nanotechnology and its impact as an economic force."

"We are delighted to offer individuals in our community and region a firsthand look at the UAlbany NanoCollege, which is recognized worldwide as a leader in nanotechnology education, innovation and commercialization," said Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of CNSE. "This event, created as part of the NEXSTEP program in collaboration with our forward-thinking KeyBank partners, provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the exciting possibilities being enabled by nanotechnology, and to showcase the pioneering educational and technological capabilities that are positioning Albany and New York State as global leaders in the most important scientific field of the 21st century."

CNSE's Community Day is planned in conjunction with the national celebration of NanoDays, a week of community-based educational outreach events being held March 29-April 6 to raise public awareness of nanoscale science and engineering.

For further information and to pre-register for CNSE's Community Day, please visit http://cnse.albany.edu/Newsroom/CNSE_Community_Day