RTNN Welcomes Anne Njathi to PCOST

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Headshot of Anne Njathi

The Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCOST) program has added Anne Njathi as acting assistant director of assessment. She will take over full-time in the spring from Ekaterina Bogomoletc. In May, Ekaterina will complete her dissertation, Friendly Science: The Effects of Social Presence and Conversational Human Voice on Publics’ Perceptions of Scientific Information and will begin as a full-time research data analyst at the North Carolina Partnership for Children. Analyzing various primary and secondary data on children’s well-being, Ekaterina will be contributing to the organization’s overall mission of advancing a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and education for each child beginning with a healthy birth.

Anne Njathi is a doctoral student in Communication, Rhetoric and Digital Media. She has over 8 years of multidisciplinary work experience in Mobile Phone & IT Industry, Renewable Energy, and Non-for Profit Organizations, Media & Advertising, and her research interest lies in digital media and mobile communication. She has notable expertise is in Marketing Communications, Brand Strategy, Digital Marketing, Communications Strategy, Business Development, Budgeting, Accounts Development in building sustainable brands. She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Google Certified Digital Marketer.

She received her BA and MA in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from Daystar University, Kenya. She comes from Kenya with a passion for development studies for Africa, her research interest lies in Emerging Digital Economy, Emerging Technologies, Digital Media, Financial Inclusion and Mobile Communication.

PCOST also added two advanced undergraduate research assistants. Jongsue Cho and Ava Freyaldenhoven. Jongsue will work on research activities associated with the RTNN exclusively. Ave will work with Dr. Berube on multiple research and grant related ventures. Both women are undergraduate students completing their BS in Communication.

David Berube Reflects on 20 Years of Nanotech in Society

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Headshot of David Berube

At the most recent NNCI seminar, RTNN’s David Berube joined Arizona State’s Andrew Maynard to discuss nanotechnology in society over the past twenty years. Their engaging discussion covered a range of topics. 

Abstract: In a major address at Caltech in 2000, President Bill Clinton unveiled the National Nanotechnology Initiative and proposed doubling the federal funding for nanoscale research in the United States. President Clinton gave the speech in front of a map of the Western hemisphere created out of gold atoms. Looking back at it he joked: ”I think you will find more enduring uses of nanotechnology.” Since that day the federal government has poured billions of dollars into nanoscale R&D and scientists and engineers have indeed found more enduring uses. Questions, concerns, and excitement about the social aspects and implications of nanotechnology have accompanied this effort every step of the way. This panel brings together two scholars who have played important roles in exploring nano in society over the past twenty years. They will reflect on the changes in the way that scholars, governments, corporations, and the general public engage with nanotechnology over the last two decades.

Watch the conversation:

RTNN Kickstarter Program Eligibility Expanded

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A CHANL user loads a sample on the FTIR

Several recent reports describe how the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected and continues to affect academic research particularly for specific groups (e.g., women, international students, early career scientists). In response to this crisis, the RTNN is expanding eligibility in its Kickstarter program to include researchers that have been disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To submit proposals under the expanded criteria, complete and submit a Kickstarter application by the priority deadline: July 1, 2021. Proposals received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Questions about the program or eligibility requirements can be directed to rtnanonetwork@ncsu.edu.

Maude Cuchiara Wins Outstanding Extension and Engagement Award

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Maude Cuchiara assists a child with microscopy at the Museum of Life and Science

The RTNN congratulates Associate Director Maude Cuchiara for earning one of NC State’s Outstanding Extension and Engagement Awards. The award recognizes Maude’s extensive contributions to RTNN’s outreach mission over the past five years. During this time, she worked with RTNN colleagues to develop RTNN’s Coursera course, start the RTNN Student Ambassadors program, pilot outreach to libraries and museums in rural North Carolina, launch Take-out Science during the COVID-19 pandemic, and secure RET and REU site awards. Through these efforts, the RTNN has made a substantial impact on thousands of program participants around the world.

Nano Innovation Challenge Winners Announced

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Thanks to everyone who participated in the Nano Innovation Challenge. We were impressed with the number of innovative nanotechnology solutions students created to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. See the winning videos here!

And the winners are:

High School

1st place: Athens Drive High School
Biostill
Teacher: Shane Barry
Students: Martha, Drew, Evan Rashmi, and Will

2nd place: Rocky Mount High School
Bionic Brain Implant Innovation
Teacher: Emily Haggerty
Students: Cristal and Amahlah

3rd place: West Johnston High School
Water Filter
Teacher: Dorothy Holley
Students: Vanessa and Panalee

Middle School

1st place: WSFCS Virtual Academy
Nanotechnology Takes Flight!
Teacher: Leslie Russell
Students: Justin and Faythe

2nd place: Davis Drive
Mechanical Trees
Teacher: Elizabeth Crowell
Students: Hemanth, Avi, Aaron, and Genko

3rd place: Reedy Creek
UV Nano-Rays 500
Teacher: Chris Barth
Students: Dylan and Emily