Camp NanoTech

Camp NanoTech Instructors

Dr. Kurt Winkelmann and Dr. Joel Olson are faculty members of the department of chemistry at the Florida Institute of Technology . Both professors teach introductory and advanced chemistry courses. They also teach an introductory nanotechnology laboratory course that received funding from the National Science Foundation in 2002. It was one of the first nanotechnology laboratory courses for freshmen in the United States. Drs. Olson and Winkelmann have been recognized by Florida Tech for their commitment to teaching excellence.

Dr. Joel Olson

The instructors' goal for Camp NanoTech is to promote an interest in science and engineering among young students. This is accomplis hed by letting students actively learn about nanotechnology in a fun, relaxed environment. Drs. Winkelmann and Olson want to encourage high school students to consider a career in science and engineering by showing them how much fun and interesting it can be. Even if students follow other career paths, science literacy, especially in emerging fields like nanotechnology, is still important. Replacing older manufacturing methods with nanotechnology may have unforseen consequences (both good and bad) for society. The instructors hope that by understanding nanotechnology, students will become better educated consumers and citizens.

Dr. Kurt Winkelmann

Both instructors have active research programs at Florida Tech that involve chemical education and nanotechnology. They have published their research in peer-reviewed science journals and received funding for their research. Dr. Olson's expertise, described here, involves the use of a scanning tunneling microscope to study molecules. Dr. Winkelmann is interested in learning how light can affect chemical reactions. Several of their research projects involve developing new ways to teach chemistry and nanotechnology to college students. They also perform research on a wide range of topics for industrial companies, from finding ways to recycl car tires to me asuring arsenic levels in ground water.

Drs. Winkelmann and Olson promote science education in the Melbourne community by judging local science fairs, performing chemical demonstration shows for middle and high school students leading science discussions, such as with the Brevard Zoo's Science Cafe series. This year, they helped Florida's Department of Education write the Teacher Certification Exam for all new chemistry teachers.

We look forward to meeting youu at Camp NanoTech 2009!

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Camp NanoTech Instructors

Dr. Kurt Winkelmann