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Graduate students at the University of Arkansas bring cutting edge technology to local middle school students and allow them to explore the world of nanoscience in real-time. The MRSEC graduate students with the help of an education outreach program from the FEI, electron microscopy company were able to bring a portable scanning electron microscope (SEM) into the classrooms of local middle schools.

The interplay between spin transport and exchange coupling profoundly affects charge transport between conventional metals and ferromagnets. This results in  giant magnetoresistance and the spin valve effect in multilayer thin films, phenomena of great importance for magnetic data storage. MRSEC researchers have developed Co-Cu-Co multilayer nanowires to explore these phenomena in nanowire geometries. 

Science Storms, the newest permanent exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, opened to the public on March 18th.  MRSEC graduate students, postdocs, research staff and faculty assisted with the compilation of an inventory of chemical reactions for the Interactive Periodic Tables.  In addition, aspects of granular materials research  in IRGs 1 and 2 are featured prominently.   MRSEC members, Heinrich Jaeger and Steve Sibener participated in key advisory groups for this new exhibit.

To increase awareness, promote international collaboration, and broaden participation from traditionally underrepresented groups in the NSF-MRSEC program, an NSF-MRSEC booth was featured at the XXV International Materials Research Congress in Cancun, Mexico. 

Need microscopic swimmers for transport and mixing in micro- and nanofluidic devices.

The unique microstructure and properties of amorphous materials make them attractive candidates for applications such as precision components in micro-electro-mechanical systems. There is  consequently great interest in fabricating sub-micron and nanoscale components of amorphous materials. This will require a thorough understanding of their properties.  

The Renewable Energy MRSEC at the Colorado School of Mines in collaboration with the outreach division at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory held a two week workshop for math and science teachers from public school catering to under-represented minorities.  The teachers were given hands-on experiences for projects in renewable energy to incorporate into their lesson plans.