EUGENE, Ore. -- (Feb. 2, 2012) -- University of Oregon scientist David C. Johnson will take the minuscule world of nanotechnology on the road to Albany, Ore., Feb. 8, for an informal science pub that will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Calapooia Brewing Co., 140 Hill St. NE.
In his talk, "Nanotechnology: Unveiling the big world of the very small," Johnson will describe how materials barely a billionth of a meter in size are about to revolutionize such things as computer technology, renewable energy, medicine and building materials. The event is open to the public. Admission is free, but visitors will be responsible for the costs of their food and beverages. Visitors under age 18 are welcome; however, a guardian or other responsible adult should place their food and beverage orders.
Science pubs originated in the 1990s in the United Kingdom and have since spread in popularity across the United States, with more than 150 cities hosting these informal lectures combined with food and drink, according to USA Today in December. The National Science Foundation-supported Center for Sustainable Materials Chemistry -- led by researchers at the UO and Oregon State University -- is sponsoring the Albany science pub.
Johnson, a center co-director responsible for educational efforts, is the UO's Rosaria P. Haugland Foundation Chair in Pure and Applied Chemistry. Outreach efforts eventually will extend throughout Oregon with the goal to not only discuss nanotechnology's promise but also ignite scientific curiosity among potential students and guide them into the field. The U.S. is investing billions of dollars a year in nanotechnology research and commercialization.
Johnson, who joined the UO faculty in 1986, takes a non-traditional approach to chemical synthesis that has resulted in the development of many new materials with practical applications. He has worked extensively with the Engineering and Technology Industry Council, a partnership between Oregon's public universities and the private sector, to create research and educational programs with Oregon industries. He also has led efforts by the UO's Material Science Institute to create an industrial internship graduate-degree program.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is among the 108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Barlow, director of science and research communications, 541-346-3481, jebarlow@uoregon.edu