FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2003
CONTACT: Carol Anderson
canderson@emich.edu
734.487.4400

Spring Lecture Series Explores “Small World” of Nanotechnology

YPSILANTI – By the year 2030, extremely small but powerful devices could be circulating in the human blood stream, monitoring cholesterol levels, cleaning plaque from arteries and continuously administering medication.

This isn’t the plot of a science fiction movie, but could become non-fiction, according to Wayne Hanewicz, an Eastern Michigan University professor of interdisciplinary technology.

“Micro- and nanotechnology are quietly making major improvements in many industries and affecting our everyday lives,” said Hanewicz, who is scheduled to speak during the College of Technology’s 22nd Annual Spring Lecture Series, which runs from May 14-June 18.

“It’s a Small World After All” is the theme of the series, which focuses on the social impact of micro- and nanotechnology. Micro technology is small technology and nanotechnology is very small scale manufacturing at the molecular level, Hanewicz said. This technology is used by many industries including automotive, medical and electronics.

All lectures in the series are 7-10 p.m., at the EMU Corporate Education Center at the Marriott in Ypsilanti. The series is free and open to the public.

The series schedule:

May 14: “Nano and Micro Systems as Enabling Technology,” presented by Roger Grace, president of Roger Grace Associates and the Micro Nanotechnology Commercialization Education Foundation. FOCUS: An overview of the diverse applications and widespread social impact of micro and nanotechnology.

May 21: Martin Philbert, associate professor and associate chair of environmental health sciences, University of Michigan, will discuss the environment with a view of new remedies for old problems.

May 28: “Integrated Sensors, MEMS and Microsystems, Interfacing Electronics to the Non-Electronic World,” presented by Ken Wise, director of the Center for Wireless Integrated Micro Systems, University of Michigan. FOCUS: Medical issues with a look at specialized cochlear and retinal implants for the hearing and vision impaired.

June 4: “Small Education in the New Millennium,” presented by Craig Friedrich, associate professor of mechanical engineering, Michigan Technological University. FOCUS: On-going developments in educational issues.

June 11: “The Auto Future: It’s the Law of the Jungle,” presented by David Cole, president, Center for Automotive Research and Management Partner at the Altarum Institute. FOCUS: The auto industry and its emerging new standards.

June 18: “Big Consequences from Little Things,” Wayne Hanewicz, professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Technology, Eastern Michigan University. FOCUS: The social and personal impact of the technology and how it changes the way we view ourselves.

For additional information on this lecture series, co-hosted by EMU and the University of Michigan, contact 734.487.1161 or e-mail MLS@emich.edu.

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