Site Overview

The Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network is a partnership between North Carolina State University,  the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University (Duke). Collectively, our institutions house nine core nanotechnology fabrication and characterization facilities and over 100 principal faculty whose research encompasses broad aspects of nanotechnology. The vision of the RTNN is to be a national focal point for enabling innovative nanoscience and nanotechnology research, discovery, workforce development and education through (1) open access to cutting-edge fabrication and characterization facilities, (2) engagement of user populations with diverse research expertise to support the development of new processes and tools, and (3) innovative training and outreach programs.

Distinguishing Capabilities

RTNN technical capabilities span nanofabrication and nano-characterization of traditional hard, dry materials (e.g., 2D and 3D nanomaterials, metamaterials, photonics, and heterogeneous integration) and emerging soft, wet materials (e.g., tissue, textile, plant, and animal nanomaterials).

Building the User Base

The overarching goal of the RTNN is to build the user base by overcoming three common barriers to engaging new users:

1. Knowledge of the existence of the facilities and how to access them;
2. Distance to travel to the facilities;
3. Cost of accessing the facilities.

To do so, we have implemented targeted, innovative new programs:

• The RTNN Kickstarter Program supports initial facility use by providing free access to facilities. Applications are reviewed quickly, enabling participants in the program to access facilities promptly.
• In our Online Coursera Course, “Nanotechnology, A Maker’s Course,” students first learn the science behind a specific nanotechnology technique or instrument. In-lab demonstrations of the equipment follow each lecture with simple explanations of each step in the process.
• During Immersive Lab Experiences, students work in the facilities alongside other users. To prepare for the visit, the activities include work outside the facilities such as watching videos, collecting samples to image, and designing a photomask.
• Users can access nano-facilities remotely with the assistance and expertise of students and staff. Fabrication and/or characterization are performed on-site and streamed live to the remote user.
• Training and technical workshops are held at low cost to internal and external users. These workshops provide technical and/or educational training on nano-fabrication and/or –characterization equipment and techniques.
• The annual two-day nanotechnology workshop for community college and small college educators exposes faculty to nanotechnology and helps them to incorporate nanotechnology into their community college curricula. We also hold short workshops for local K-12 educators to inform educators of the numerous ways that they can interact with the facilities.

Assessment

We are also committed to creating benchmark data on user demand and satisfaction across all of our RTNN programs, which will provide social scientists as well as developers of laboratories with solid evidence on the user experience and best practices for engaging new users and effective methodologies for building the user base.