Northern Illinois University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences,
Department of Chemistry and Bio-Chemistry, Department of Physics
and Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences
announce a one day “New Ideas” conference
New Ideas in Science:
Saving Lives with NIU’s Science Research
From Nano-Devices to Proton Cancer Therapy
“Nanotechnology will let us build computers that are incredibly powerful. We’ll have more power in the volume of a sugar cube than exists in the entire world today.”- Ralph Merkle, Nanotechnology researcher
Holmes Student Center, DeKalb, Illinois
Monday, March 17, 2008
8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Conference Faculty
Bela Erdelyi, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Elizabeth Gaillard, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin
Kathleen Carrado Gregar, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Yasuo Ito, Ph.D., University of Cambridge
Melissa E. Lenczewski, Ph.D., University of Tennessee
Michael Haji-Sheikh, Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington
Patricia Sievert, M.S., Northern Illinois University
Michel Van Veenendaal, Ph.D., Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Zhili Xiao, Ph.D., University of Konstanz
What Illinois Congressional leaders are saying:
“I commend the leadership at NIU for seeking to make this life-saving technology available in Illinois. I fully support the project and look forward to working with NIU to make this plan a reality.”
– Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama
“While thousands of patients have realized the benefits of this cancer treatment, proton therapy is currently unavailable in Illinois. Yet, this advanced technology was realized at Fermilab. The NIU plan, in a real sense, will bring this resource back home to Illinois.”
- Former Illinois U.S. Representative (14th District) and Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert
Join us for the latest, life-saving developments at this spring’s New Ideas in Science conference focusing on nano-scale technology and proton cancer therapy. NIU experts will explain the initiative designed to help us meet national goals. Whether you are a first-time New Ideas participant or a returning colleague, this professional development day will provide you, a key teacher in an Illinois high school or community college, with opportunities to explore new subjects, rethink your teaching resources, and collaborate with others.
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
7:30-8:00 a.m.Check In and Registration
8:00-8:30 a.m. Welcome
William Minor, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Jonathan Berg, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences
Jon Carnahan, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Chemistry and Bio-Chemistry
Susan Mini, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Physics
8:45-9:45 a.m.
1A “Pollution in the Environment: Colloids to Chemicals.”
It is always timely to explore the relationship between the environment and pollutants. Do nanoscale pollutants need to be handled differently?
Melissa E. Lenczewski, Associate Professor, Department of Geology and Enviromental Geosciences
or
1B “Physics at the Nanoscale.”
Explore some of the exciting phenomena occurring when studying physics at very small length scales.
Michel Van Veenendaal, Associate Professor, Department of Physics
10-11 a.m.
2A “The Physics of Proton Cancer Therapy.”
Physics has enabled doctors to treat cancer with heavy charged particles such as protons. Dr. Erdelyi will share how science makes possible the creation, acceleration, transport and delivery of the proton beam. He will also explore the science of the interaction of the beam with tissues.
Bela Erdelyi, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics
or
2B “Ultra-fast Hydrogen Sensors for Hydrogen Economy.”
“R&D Magazine” named an ultra-fast hydrogen sensor developed by Xiao’s research team at Argonne National Laboratory as one of the world’s top 100 scientific and technological innovations of 2005. Based on nanotechnology, the sensors could be made smaller than a grain of sand and greatly increase safety for future hydrogen-powered vehicles. Dr. Xiao will update us on his current research and share the story of his hydrogen sensor.
Zhili Xiao, Associate Professor, Department of Physics
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
3A “How MEMS Save Lives, Help Keep the Air Clean, and Make Movies Even Cooler.”
Dr. Haji-Sheikh will concentrate on how the modern application of a breakthrough technology such as Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) has spurred further innovation. He will focus on technologies and concepts that can translate to a classroom setting.
Michael Haji-Sheikh, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering
or
3B “Imaging at the Nanoscale.”
How do we see what is too small to be seen? Learn about NIU’s electron microscopes and what we can learn from their use.
Yasuo Ito, Associate Professor, Department of Physics
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch with NIU Faculty and Keynote Speaker.
“Introduction to the Center for Nanoscale Materials at Argonne National Laboratory”
Dr. Gregoar will introduce Argonne’s nanocenter, including a general introduction to nanoscience and an overview of the center’s research programs and facilities. She will also share information on educational chemistry activities for younger students and Argonne’s educational programs for teachers.
Kathleen Carrado Gregar, Scientist, Chemistry Division, Argonne National Laboratory
1:30-2:30 p.m.
4A “Proton Therapy for the Management of Human Eye Disease: Ocular Cancer and Age Related Macular Degeneration”
Dr. Gaillard will introduce you to proton therapy from a biomedical point of view, explaining its advantages over other forms of cancer treatment and then share more information on her research interests in the area of diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
Elizabeth Gaillard, Associate Professor Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
or
4B “Visualizing the Nanoscale”
How can we bring nanoscale science and technology into the classroom? Students need to be able to “visualize” what is too small to be seen. Ms. Sievert will share classroom activities suitable for students of all levels that illustrate how we image nanoscale materials and how scientists are manipulating the materials to create nanoscale structures.
Patricia Sievert, Science Outreach Coordinator, Department of Physics
What teachers have said about past “New Ideas” programs:
“Finally a workshop right up my alley.” Ellain Gallis, Waukegan High School, Waukegan
“Lively speakers. I thought I knew a lot . . . wow was I surprised. I’m excited to return to my classrooms.” E. Marie Schaver, Belvidere High School, Belvidere
“Each seminar was fast-paced and filled with practical exercises for the high school classroom.” Ronald Neurauter, Westmont High School, Westmont
“Overall, this was a wonderful experience. The presenters were informative, energetic and refreshing.” Susan Fassler, Unity High School, Tolono
Why Attend?
This program gives you an opportunity to meet with colleagues from other educational institutions, to learn about successful teaching projects, and to hear about the latest research findings from thought-provoking Northern Illinois University scholars. NIU research professors and other professionals working in the academic disciplines will share new ideas to supplement your science classroom curriculum.
You will:
• Gain information and perspectives about nano-technology and proton cancer therapy.
• Experience effective teaching methods that help students learn.
• Receive materials from the faculty to use as a ready reference when you return to your school.
• Network with other attendees as you explore new ideas and expand your professional horizons.
Plus . . . Recertification – CPDUs: You will receive a report documenting 6 Continuing Professional Development Units for your participation. Northern Illinois University is an approved provider of professional development activities. This documentation will assist you in your individual recertification plans.
General Information: Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If reservations exceed conference limits, a waiting list will be established. Late registrations will be accepted if space is available. Registration confirmed by payment. If the conference must be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund. All facilities are accessible to the handicapped.
Location: Holmes Student Center, located on campus. NIU is in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago (one mile north of I-88); 45 miles southeast of Rockford. A map is sent with your confirmation.
Parking: A visitor's parking lot is located close to the Holmes Student Center. A campus map is sent with your confirmation plus a FREE parking pass (upon request).
Some of the Schools represented at past New Ideas Conferences: Batavia High School; Central High School, Crystal Lake; Christ the King School, Lombard; DeKalb High School; District 205, Rockford; Elmhurst College; Evanston High School; Freeport Catholic Schools; Glenbard West High School; Guilford High School; Highland Community College; Hononegah High School; Huntley High School; Joliet West High School; Lake Forest High School; Libertyville High School; Naperville North; North Boone High School; Sandwich High School; Sycamore High School; Streamwood High School; Streator Township High School; Sts. Peter & Paul School, Cary; Wheaton North High School; and many more. For an updated schedule, check our website at: http://www.niu.edu/clasep/conferences/newideas/index.shtml