Apply now for the summer program 2010:
» College Science Teachers and Students Unique Nanoscience Research Opportunity
» High- and Middle-School Science Teachers Nanoscience Research Opportunity
(Application deadline: March 15, 2010)
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) “Quantum and Spin Phenomena in Nanomagnetic Structures” (QSPINS) at the University of Nebraska is one of a nationwide network of MRSEC’s sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF MRSEC’s are centers of excellence that support interdisciplinary materials research and education of the highest quality in our nation.
QSPINS was established in 2002 and renewed in 2008 to carry out collaborative research on new magnetic structures and materials at the nanometer scale, with the aim of developing fundamental understanding of their properties and related phenomena. Nanomagnetic structures have potential applications in areas such as advanced electronics, computing, data storage, energy production, handheld electronic devices, sensors and medical technologies. QSPINS fosters interactions with industrial companies to leverage the expected scientific innovations for potential technological advances.
As an integral part of the Center, QSPINS offers interdisciplinary training for the next generation of materials scientists and engineers by providing regional four-year institutions experience and tools to improve their materials science programs and curricula, offering opportunities for middle- and high-school teachers and their students to learn about materials science, and by addressing pre-college segments of the educational pipeline via targeted outreach activities.
QSPINS’s vision is to be the leading interdisciplinary center for integrated research and education in nanomagnetism. To fulfill this vision, QSPINS brings together broad expertise in novel nanofabrication techniques, comprehensive physical and spectroscopic measurements, and advanced theory and modeling; supports active outreach programs and partnerships with industrial, academic, and educational organizations; and provides unique opportunities for education at all levels.
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News
» The paper “Nanomagnetics” by Ralph Skomski was selected as one of the top 20 most cited JPCM Topical Review articles and the JPCM special issue “Half-Metallic Ferromagnets” edited by Peter Dowben as one of the top 20 special issues (Nov. 2009).
» MRSEC faculty members contributed to the first Undergraduate Women in Physics Conference at UNL (Oct. 2009).
» The Nebraska MRSEC Review and Symposium was held on Oct. 1-2, 2009.
» MRSEC hosted a visit by industrial liaisons from NRI (Sept. 2009).
» Nebraska MRSEC video featured on NSF's Science 360 News (Sept. 2009).
» MRSEC summer teachers Steve Wignall and Nick Reding are one of the first people to see the world's first all-electric production car (July 2009).
» 2008 REU summer student Aaron Cochran has been chosen as a 2007-2008 Co-op Meritorious Achievement Award recipient at the University of Wisconsin-Stout! (May 2009) Thank you to his mentor Prof. Shield!
» Two MRSEC grad students (Zhen Li and Xi He) received Best Poster Award at the UNL Research Fair (April 2009).
» Image from Binek group featured on Nanotechnology's cover page (March 2009).
