Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: New ASTM Standards Will Help Educate Present and Future Nanotechnology Workforces

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Abstract:
ASTM International recently published two standards that will educate existing and future workers in nanotechnology. Educators will use the new standards to develop and refine curricula at the undergraduate level. At the same time, industries and businesses may use the standards as a basis for hiring new graduates as well as for upgrading skills of current employees.

New ASTM Standards Will Help Educate Present and Future Nanotechnology Workforces

West Conshohocken, PA | Posted on April 26th, 2015

The Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network initiated the development of the new standards (E2996, Guide for Workforce Education in Nanotechnology Health and Safety; and E3001, Practice for Workforce Education in Nanotechnology Characterization).

NACK’s mission is to help create and sustain economically viable nanotechnology education at community and four-year colleges and at universities. NACK is helping to develop a series of nanotechnology education standards through ASTM Committee E56 on Nanotechnology. Two key NACK Network stakeholders are Pennsylvania State University, which is the home of the NACK Network, and the NSF ATE (Advanced Technology Education) Program, which is the government organization that funds the NACK Network.

“The goal is to define a set of foundational standards for nanotechnology workforce education at the undergraduate level. This will promote uniformity in the qualifications of graduates to meet both industry and academic needs,” says ASTM member Raymond Tsui, Ph.D., a faculty associate in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University, a partner in the NACK Network.

E2996 provides a basic educational structure in the health and safety aspects of nanotechnology, describing the minimum knowledge base needed for an individual involved in nanomanufacturing or nanomaterials research. E2996 was developed through Subcommittee E56.03 on Environment, Health and Safety.

E3001 establishes the basic structure for education in the characterization of nanoscale materials at the undergraduate level. E3001 was created through Subcommittee E56.02 on Physical and Chemical Characterization.

These two standards are flexible enough to be tailored to regional industry needs, while retaining a high degree of equivalency in educational depth and breadth across geographical boundaries.

With support from the NACK Network, E56 plans to develop additional education standards, as well as an overarching standard that unites them. These standards will fall under the jurisdiction of the newly formed ASTM Subcommittee E56.07 on Education and Workforce Development. All interested parties are encouraged to join in the work of this new subcommittee.

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; ). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

Helping our world work better
Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by us, they improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use – from the toy in a child’s hand to the aircraft overhead.

Working across borders, disciplines, and industries we harness the expertise of over 30,000 members to create consensus and improve performance in manufacturing and materials, products and processes, systems and services. Understanding commercial needs and consumer priorities, we touch every part of everyday life: helping our world work better.

ASTM Committee E56 on Nanotechnology Next Meeting: Nov. 16-17, 2015, November Committee Week, Tampa, Fla.

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Contacts:
Media Inquiries:
Nathan Osburn
tel +1.610.832.9603

Technical Contacts:

(E2996)
Robert Ehrmann
Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pa.
tel +1.814.404.0127

(E3001)
Raymond Tsui, Ph.D.
Arizona State University
Tempe, Ariz.
tel +1.480.206.4736

ASTM Staff Contact:
Kathleen McClung
tel +1.610.832.9717