Faculty
Senior Vice President & Chief Executive Officer
Alain E. Kaloyeros, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Vice President Academic Affairs
Robert E. Geer, Ph.D.
Miami University
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Students Services
Daniel R. Smith, M.A.
University at Albany
Assistant Director of Students Services and Educational Outreach
Diana Martin-Dumesnil, M.A.
Head of Nanosciences
Hassaram Bakhru, Ph.D.
Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Calcutta
Head of Nanoengineering
Pradeep Haldar, Ph.D.
Northeastern University
Head of Nanoeconomics
Edward M. Cupoli, Ph.D.
Syracuse University
Head of Nanobiosciences
James Castracane, Ph.D.
The Johns Hopkins University
Professors
Hassaram Bakhru, Ph.D.
Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Calcutta
James Castracane, Ph.D.
The Johns Hopkins University
Edward M. Cupoli, Ph.D.
Syracuse University
Timothy Groves, Ph.D.
The University of Chicago
Pradeep Haldar, Ph.D.
Northeastern University
John G. Hartley, Ph.D.
University of Texas at Austin
Alain E. Kaloyeros, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Ernest Levine, Ph.D.
New York University
Eric Lifshin, Ph.D.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Richard J. Matyi, Ph.D.
Northwestern University
Associate Professors
Robert L. Brainard, Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Eric Eisenbraun, Ph.D.
University of Miami
Robert E. Geer, Ph.D.
Miami University
Mengbing Huang, Ph.D.
University of Western Ontario, Canada
Vincent P. LaBella, Ph.D.
Resselaer Plytechnic Institute
Ji Ung Lee, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Serge R. Oktyabrsky, Ph.D., P.N.
Lebedev Physical Institute, Moscow
Bradley L. Thiel, Ph.D.
University of Washington
Assistant Professors
Nathaniel C. Cady, Ph.D.
Cornell University
Magnus Bergkvist, Ph.D.
University of Uppsala, Sweden
Michael A. Carpenter, Ph.D.
University of Rochester
Gregory Denbeaux, Ph.D.
Duke University
Alain Diebold, Ph. D.
Purdue University
Kathleen A. Dunn, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Harry Efstathiadis, Ph.D.
City University of New York
John Elter, Ph. D.
University of Rochester
Anand P. Gadre, Ph.D.
University of Mumbai, India
Unnikrishnan Pillai, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
James Raynolds, Ph.D.
The Ohio State University
Fatemeh Shahedipour-Sandvik, Ph.D.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Scott Tenenbaum, Ph.D.
Tulane University
Wei Wang, Ph.D.
Concordia University
Yubing Xie, Ph.D.
Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yongqiang Xue, Ph.D.
Purdue University
Bin Yu, Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley
Instructors
Lawrence P. Clow, Jr., BSET
Regents College
Michael Fancher, M.A.
University at Albany
Richard L. Moore, II, B.A.
Trenton State College
Frank Ramos, B.S.
Temple University
Manisha Rane, Ph.D.
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
Miguel Rodriguez, A.S.
Middlesex County College
Vadim Tokranov, Ph.D.
Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences
Natalya Tokranov, Ph.D.
Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CSNE) undergraduate curriculum in the interdisciplinary field of nanoscale science is designed to provide UAlbany’s undergraduate students with a well-rounded education of the highest quality--one that endows the student’s intellect with the analytical tools necessary to explore, discover, and innovate, while cementing the student’s basic proficiency and fundamental knowledge in the science of nanotechnology. The program will impart to its students the broad-based, basic and applied, scientific understanding of atomic scale phenomena, behaviors, and properties of matter that is necessary to achieve deliberate control over nanometer-scale atomic and molecular architectures and systems. The program will also enable a quantitative mastery of the fundamental nature of nanoscale interactions, one that can be effectively used to characterize and measure the behavior and structure of nanometer scale assemblies and systems. This degree program as a whole will offer an academically rigorous preparation for students intending to pursue scientific, technical, or professional careers in nanotechnology enabled fields or graduate studies in nanoscale science or nanoscale engineering, as well as other physical sciences such as materials science, physics, and chemistry.
Careers
Program graduates will be uniquely qualified for opportunities in the high-tech industries of the 21st century, including nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, health sciences, and sustainable energy, or for competitive graduate degrees in most science and engineering fields. The importance of nanoscale know-how to the U.S. research and pedagogical agendas and to the future career objectives and pathways of students trained in these arenas is best captured in the multi-billion dollar National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), signed into law by the U.S. President in 2004, which proclaims nanotechnology as “leading to the next industrial revolution.” The NNI specifically calls for the creation of the “laboratory and human resource infrastructure in universities and in the education of nanotechnology professionals” to prepare future generations of U.S. citizens to compete in the “innovation economy” of the 21st century. These conclusions are echoed by the U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century in its Report entitled Roadmap for National Security: Imperative for Change. The report states that: “We also face an unprecedented opportunity. The world is entering an era of dramatic progress in bioscience and materials science as well as information technology and scientific instrumentation. Brought together and accelerated by nanoscience, these rapidly developing research fields will transform our understanding of the world and our capacity to manipulate it.” [1]
Special Programs
In addition to its undergraduate major, CNSE sponsors a ten-week, full-time summer internship program for eligible undergraduates with majors in science or engineering. Applications are available on the CNSE website as well as a full description of the program. Admission is by competitive application. Questions should be directed to the CNSE Office of Student Services.
Advising
A comprehensive and proactive advisement program, coupled to a flexible assessment system, is essential to ensuring top academic quality and scholarly excellence of the CNSE undergraduate program while best serving the educational and career interests of its student participants. Upon enrollment into the CNSE nanoscale science program, students will be immediately assigned an academic advisor for consultation and scheduling of coursework. All administrative and programmatic actions with regards to student matters will be coordinated through the CNSE Office of Student Services.
Periodic communication and evaluation of progress will be implemented for each admitted student and will center on individual advisor/student interactions to ensure timely completion of the program of study. Students will meet with their academic advisors regularly to review progress, solicit guidance, and identify opportunities for advancement. Upon completion of the equivalent of 4 semesters of residency within the nanoscale science program, each student will be assigned a research advisor for coordination of research involvement leading to the Capstone Undergraduate Research/Design Project (see Program Requirements section below). As part of this research training, undergraduate students will be required to participate in and contribute to, as early as possible, scientific papers, technical reports, and presentations at national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia. Furthermore, undergraduate students enrolled in the nanoscale science program will be strongly encouraged to participate in onsite and offsite private sector and government laboratory fellowship and internship programs to develop their technical expertise, team participation skills, and professional networking abilities. Every student will have access to UAlbany’s student support services for advisement needs outside the purview of the academic and research advisors or the CNSE Office of Student Services.
Application and Admission
The process for admission to the undergraduate program in nanoscale science for both freshmen and transfer applicants will follow the standard UAlbany application procedures for restricted undergraduate applicants. Applicable admission requirements are outlined below for the three categories of restricted applications: Freshman, Transfer, and Advanced Standing. It should be noted that only undergraduate students formally admitted to the program in nanoscale science are eligible to enroll in Foundational Principles Courses, Core Competency Courses, Technical Concentration Courses or Capstone Research/Design Courses in nanoscale science (see Program Requirements below).
1. Admission with Freshman Status
Eligibility: It is expected that to meet minimum eligibility criteria each applicant to the the CNSE nanoscale science program will be completing or have completed the following courses and curricula with superior performance by the time they enter the program: four years of high school mathematics through pre-calculus, four years of high school science to include a minimum of one course each in: biology, chemistry, and physics; and the standard high school curriculum in English, social science, humanities, and foreign languages. All admitted applicants must possess a valid NYS high school diploma or recognized equivalent by the U.S. Department of Education at the time they enroll.
The standard eligibility for consideration will be a minimum HSGPA of 87.5% and a minimum SAT of 1,320 (1600 scale) and/or a minimum ACT of 25. Exceptions to the standard eligibility may be made based on individual achievement and/or unique skills or experience.
Students applying to the nanoscale science program who are enrolled in high schools where English is not the primary language of instruction must present a minimum TOEFL IBT score of 100, or IELTS score of 7.6 in addition to the criteria above. A student applying as an international student may access application information at https://www.albany.edu/admissions/step_international.php.
Application and Admission: Students applying to the University at Albany in the freshman category who demonstrate documented scholarly excellence and academic interest in nanoscale science could be offered an opportunity for direct freshman admission to the CNSE nanoscale science undergraduate program. Applicants file the standard SUNY application available at https://www.albany.edu/admissions/step_apply.php. In addition, each applicant must submit a brief, personally written statement of purpose that addresses the reasons s/he wishes to enter the CNSE nanoscale science program. A thorough review of the student’s secondary school performance as reflected in high school grade point average (HSGPA), school-based tests such as Regents exams, scores on the SAT or ACT national exams, overall graduating class rank, letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, and potentially, a personal interview will occur.
Decisions regarding direct freshman admission to the nanoscale science major will be made by the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE). Offers of admission to CNSE will be made directly from the CNSE to the applicant. Students selected for Direct Freshmen Admission will be required to document their intent to declare their major accordingly. Students must meet University at Albany requirements for good academic standing to retain their enrollment in the CNSE undergraduate program.
It is strongly recommended that a completed application and all supporting credentials for the CNSE nanoscale science program be submitted no later than February 1st for Fall, and by October 1st for Spring admission.
2. Restricted Admission with Advanced Standing Status
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at UAlbany who are not formally enrolled in the CNSE nanoscale science program are offered an opportunity for direct admission to the program after completing 24 credits of qualified science or engineering coursework at UAlbany.
The standard eligibility for consideration will include a minimum UAlbany GPA of 3.50 in relevant coursework. Exceptions to standard eligibility may be made based on individual achievement, unique skills, or experience.
Application and Admission Decision: Application materials will be available on the CNSE website http://cnse.albany.edu/; it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all required application documents, which include: completed application form, a brief, personally written statement of purpose that addresses the reasons s/he wishes to enter the CNSE nanoscale science program, a UAlbany transcript, relevant technical or research performance, and secondary school performance (using the criteria described above in “Restricted Admission with Freshman Status”).
A thorough review of the student’s UAlbany performance in science and/or engineering, relevant technical or research performance, secondary school performance as reflected in high school grade point average (HSGPA), school-based tests such as Regents exams, scores on the SAT or ACT national exams, overall graduating class rank, letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, and potentially a personal interview will occur.
The goal of Admission with Advanced Standing is the identification of outstanding students who have demonstrated the ability to excel at the university level and a scholarly aptitude for the field of nanoscale science. Although all applications will be considered, completion of the program within a four-year residency at the University at Albany will remain a top priority. Advanced Standing students who do not satisfy standard eligibility for admission with advanced standing to the CNSE undergraduate program may contact CNSE for individual consideration. Some students may be granted conditional status, with admission to the program contingent upon satisfactory completion of a specific academic contract.
Decisions regarding direct Admission with Advanced Standing will be made by the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE). Offers of admission to CNSE will be made directly from the CNSE to the applicant. Students selected for Admission with Advanced Standing will be required to document their intent to declare their major accordingly. Students must meet University at Albany requirements for good academic standing to retain their enrollment in the CNSE undergraduate program.
It is strongly recommended that applications for the Fall semester be received no later than May 1st of the preceding Spring semester.
3. Restricted Admission of Transfers with Advanced Standing
Eligibility: UAlbany students who are admitted as transfer students are offered an opportunity for direct admission to the CNSE nanoscale science program if they have completed 24 credits of qualified science or engineering coursework at their former institution(s). Decisions regarding Transfer with Advanced Standing admission to will be made by the CNSE following a review of the student’s college or university transcript, relevant technical or research performance, and secondary school performance. The standard eligibility for consideration will include a minimum college or university GPA of 3.50 in relevant coursework. Exceptions to the standard eligibility may be made based on individual achievement and/or unique skills or experience.
Application and Admission Decision: an applicant files the standard SUNY Application available at https://www.albany.edu/admissions/step_transfer.php. In addition, each applicant must submit a brief, personally written statement of purpose that addresses the reasons s/he wishes to enter the CNSE nanoscale science program. The goal of Restricted Admission of Transfers with Advanced Standing to the CNSE undergraduate program is the identification of outstanding transfer students that have demonstrated the ability to excel at the university level and an aptitude for the field of nanoscale science. Although all applications will be considered, completion of the program within a time period that does not exceed the four-year residency at UAlbany will remain a top priority. Transfers with Advanced Standing who do not satisfy standard eligibility for admission with advanced standing to the CNSE undergraduate program may contact CNSE for individual consideration. Some students may be granted conditional status, with admission to the program contingent upon satisfactory completion of a specific academic contract.
Decisions regarding admission as a transfer with advanced standing will be made by the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE). Offers of admission to CNSE will be made directly from the CNSE to the applicant. Students selected for Admission with Advanced Standing will be required to document their intent to declare their major accordingly. Students must meet University at Albany requirements for good academic standing to retain their enrollment in the CNSE undergraduate program.
It is strongly recommended students applying as transfers submit their complete application materials to the Undergraduate Admissions office no later than March 1st for Fall consideration.
Requirements for the B.S. in Nanoscale Science
The B.S. program in Nanoscale Science requires the completion of the following:
'Foundational Principles' courses: 20 credits of N SCI 110, 112, 120, 122, and 124 (or 125). N SCI 122 and 124 may be replaced by N SCI 130 and 132 for students pursuing a nanobioscience concentration.
'Core Competencies' courses: 21 credits of N SCI 220 (or 221-Honors), 230 (or 231-Honors), 300, 305, 350, 360, and 410.
'Concentrations' courses: 12 credits of nanoscale science concentration courses and 9 credits of 400-level Nanoscale Science topical elective courses and other 400-level courses as advised. The following concentrations are available to students pursuing the Nanoscale Science Program:
Nanoelectronics: N SCI 310, 320, and 420-424
Nanostructured Materials: N SCI 310, 320, and 430-434
Nanobioscience: N SCI 240, 330, and 440-443
'Capstone Undergraduate Research/Design' courses: 9 credits of N SCI 390, 490, 492 (or 493, for students in the Honors Program).
In addition, students in the Nanoscale Science Program must complete:
6 credits of nanotechnology survey courses;
6 credits of 200-level Nanoscale Science and Technology Skills electives;
1 credit of a senior seminar courses (N SCI 498 or equivalent); and
18 credits of the following courses in mathematics (or their equivalent): A MAT 112 (or 118-Honors), 113 (or 119-Honors), 214 (or 214-Honors), 220, and 314. Students may also substitute the appropriate honors courses offered by the Department of Mathematics that meet the requirements of their major.
