Kids talk nanotech – on their terms – with a Case School of Engineering professor
Alexis Abramson explains nanotechnology to open new HealthSpace exhibit
November 2, 2004 | For more information: Laura M. Massie (216)-368-4442
 Case Western Reserve University has helped HealthSpace Cleveland open “It’s a Nano World,” a traveling exhibition of the hot, tiny technology with “What is Nanotechnology?” a talk with kids about nanotechnology with Alexis Abramson, the Warren E. Rupp Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Case.
 HealthSpace Cleveland and the Nano Network are hosting the exhibit through January 9.
So what about the kids? What do they get out of NANO Week?
“It’s a Nano World” focuses on the smallest of our world’s biological wonders through a series of hands-on interactives, displays and audio-visual presentations. School groups and families with younger children will find this exhibition of particular interest as they explore a series of large magnifying instruments, scopes, scales and even a giant blood drop.
“The exhibition enlarges and simplifies these complicated concepts and kids of all ages will have fun as they learn about this emerging science,” Abramson said. Abramson is a recognized expert in the applications of nanotechnology in microelectronics; nanoscale energy conversion, generation and storage; and biological sensors using nanoscale components (providing the engineering perspective on biological research). Her presentation will show kids and their parents examples of everyday products that are “nano” and an explanation of how and why they are nano and what the future holds for this amazing technology. Abramson hints that there also will be audience participation… perhaps rolling chicken wire up into carbon nanotubes… or having the kids play pinball with a clump of dust… or jump in the giant blood drop… or even show them how to scope their scalp!
“I want to stress how important it is for nanotechnology’s future that the public be educated on the topic,” Abramson said. “I enjoy talking to children to as many nonscientists as possible. Nanotechnology will grow in importance to scientists and engineers worldwide as the ongoing technological revolution leads to further miniaturization of engineering components and devices.”
Abramson holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of California-Berkeley. The opening of the exhibit was held in conjunction with the Cleveland Clinic’s Nanomedicine Summit 2004, which kicked off Cleveland NANO Week and was presented in collaboration with Case, Cornell University and the Maple Fund. The summit offered insight from top nanotechnology experts and is bringing together biomedical researchers and leading practitioners in the fields of cardiology, neurology, oncology and orthopaedics.
About Case Western Reserve University
Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826
and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western
Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research,
service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally
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