News & Highlights
News from the Center.
CCMR Partnership on Science and Education Evaluation Grant
News :: CCMR Staff :: Feb 3, 2009
The CCMR Educational Programs Office (EPO) is working on a new project to facilitate the development of effective evaluations for education outreach programs across the MRSECs. We are collaborating with Prof. William Trochim, Cornell Department of Policy Analysis and Management. Prof. Trochim was awarded a five year $2. 3 million NSF Research and Evaluation on Education in Science and Engineering (REESE) grant. more.
Bringing Science to Inner City Schools with Teacher/Scientist Partnerships
News :: CCMR Staff :: Sep 10, 2007
Convincing inner city students to study science or engineering is an uphill battle. Most students don’t know any scientists or understand what they do all day. (Solve homework problems? Wear ugly white coats?) Many would be the first in their family to attend college, so higher education is often viewed as an expensive option of questionable value. more.
Welcome New CCMR Associate Director – Jurriaan Gerretsen
News :: CCMR Staff :: Aug 20, 2007
Dr. Jurriaan Gerretsen joins the Cornell Center for Materials Research as the new Associate Director. Jurriaan brings a wealth of experience to this job while additionally serving as the Associate Director of the Center for NanoScale Systems (CNS). Prior to joining Cornell University in 2003, Jurriaan worked six years for Corning, Inc. more.
Partnering with a Charter School to Reach At-Risk Students
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: Jun 27, 2007
The Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) has been developing hands-on activities to interest students in science and technology for over a decade. To bring these resources to some of New York City’s most at-risk students, the CCMR has partnered with the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a pioneering, non-profit community-based organization that works to enhance the quality of life for children and families in central Harlem. more.
Helping 4th Grade Students meet the New York State Standards
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: May 6, 2007
Local teachers came to the CCMR with a problem. The New York State Learning Standards require 4th grade students to learn that energy and matter interact through forces that result in changes of motion. More importantly, 4th graders must learn to design and carry out experiments to illustrate this, and then organize and explain their findings in simple charts. more.
Internships in Public Science Education
News :: CCMR Staff :: Mar 13, 2007
CCMR is expanding its partnership with the Penn State MRSEC to promote informal science education. The two centers have been awarded a three year NSF grant: Internship in Public Science Education (IPSE): Bringing Today’s Science to Tomorrow’s Scientists. At Cornell, the grant provides an opportunity for science, engineering and education graduate students to intern with a CCMR research faculty. more.
New Surface Tool in Clark Materials Facility
News :: CCMR Staff :: Mar 2, 2007
CCMR has a new tool for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) also known as Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA). This instrument was donated to CCMR by Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, NY. The system is a Surface Science Instruments (SSI) model SSX-100 which utilizes monochromated Aluminum K-alpha x-rays (1486. 6 eV) to strike a sample surface. Electrons bound with lower binding energy than the x-ray energy can be ejected from the atom (XPS or Auger process). more.
Large-Format Poster Printers Available to Cornell Community
News :: CCMR Staff :: Feb 16, 2007
Two new 60-inch Kodak 1200i poster printers are now available for general use in the CCMR Computing Facility. Poster printing costs eight dollars per linear foot. The printers are located in E17 Clark Hall and 302 Thurston Hall. Registered CCMR computing users and Cornell University users with valid CIT NetIDs may both use the printers, but Cornell University users must provide a university account number when submitting a job. Printing a poster is easy. Use the web interface at http://cf. more.
New CCMR Faculty Member - Richard Hennig
News :: CCMR Staff :: Feb 7, 2007
Richard Hennig joined the Cornell faculty in 2006. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Prior to joining Cornell, Dr. Hennig was a Research Scientist (2004-2006) within the Physics Department at Ohio State University. Dr. Hennig obtained his Ph. D. in Physics from Washington University (St. Louis) in 2000 and his Diplom in Physics at the Georg-August University Gottingen in 1996. Dr. more.
New CCMR Faculty Member - Sunil Bhave
News :: CCMR Staff :: Feb 7, 2007
Sunil Bhave joined the Cornell faculty in September 2004 where he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Prior to joining Cornell, Dr. Bhave obtained both his Ph. D (2004) and his B. S. (1998) in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. more.
CCMR Grad Student Describes Experiences in Iraq
News :: CCMR Staff :: Jan 30, 2007
Daniel Freedman, a CCMR graduate student, spoke on January 22, 2007 to a very large crowd at Schwartz Auditorium about his experiences in the Iraq desert. Daniel, who works under Professor Tomás Arias in the Physics department, enlisted in the US Army National Guard after passing his A-exam in 2002. He was granted a military leave of absence from Cornell and was deployed for an overseas combat tour in December of 2003 where he remained mobilized throughout 2004 and into 2005. more.
CCMR Science Teaching Workshop
News :: CCMR Staff :: Jan 30, 2007
For the first time, on March 17th, 2007, the CCMR Educational Programs Office will provide a workshop for graduate students, who traditionally lead workshops for k-12 students and teachers. The CCMR Science Teaching Workshop is designed for Cornell students interested in the field of teaching and educational outreach. This workshop deals specifically with teaching sciences, but is not limited to any particular grade level. more.
"Ask a Scientist" goes Live!
News :: CCMR Staff :: Jan 24, 2007
In November of 2006, the CCMR Educational Programs Office introduced a new program based on an old idea. “Ask a Scientist,” the long standing column in the Ithaca Journal coordinated by CCMR, was taken on the road, allowing students who have questions about science to have them answered in person by Cornell scientists and engineers. This new program is called “Ask a Scientist – LIVE!” and takes place once a month throughout the school year. more.
CCMR reaches out to New York City teachers
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: Jan 24, 2007
This March, the CCMR Educational Programs Office will coordinate with the Weill Cornell Medical College to work with New York City middle school physical science and high school physics teachers on improving their classrooms and curriculum. This event is a special one for educational outreach at Cornell because it involves the cooperation of several different offices on the main campus along with the Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University in New York City. more.
MicroWorld hits the Road!
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: Nov 8, 2006
For 10 years, rural elementary school teachers have come to Cornell to participate in MicroWorld—a one-day hands-on workshop in optical microscopy. This year, MicroWorld hit the road and traveled 200 miles to work with urban teachers in New York City. more.
Is It A Solid or a Liquid?
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: Nov 5, 2006
Every schoolchild learns that there are three states of matter —solid, liquid and gas —but we have recently synthesized a new class of "furry" nanoparticles that have the properties of both solids and liquids. The nanoparticles have a solid core, which can be made of silica (sand) or other inorganic materials, that anchors a corona of longer, ionic molecules as sketched at right. Even in the absence of solvent, these nanoparticles flow like a liquid. more.
Cornell Center for Materials Research to benefit from $1 million endowment gift
News :: CCMR Staff :: Aug 24, 2006
Former Cornell vice president and physics professor Robert L. Sproull and his wife, Mary, have established a significant new endowment to benefit the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR). The $1 million gift to create the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Fund will provide a stable source of new funding to enhance the productivity, research capabilities, and reputation of the CCMR. more.
Welcome, Jane Earle
News :: CCMR Staff :: Aug 22, 2006
Jane Earle joins CCMR's Educational Programs Office (EPO) as the Educational Programs Coordinator. Jane is an Ithaca native who received her B. S. in Human Development from Cornell University in 2004. She then moved to New York City to pursue her M. Ed. at Bank Street College of Education, which she received in July of 2006. While in New York, she taught at the Harlem Day Charter School. more.
New CCMR Faculty Member - Juan Hinestroza
News :: CCMR Staff :: Mar 10, 2006
Juan Hinestroza joined the Cornell faculty in January 2006. He is an Assistant Professor in the department of Textiles and Apparel in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. Prior to joining Cornell, Dr. Hinestroza was on the faculty at the College of Textiles of North Carolina State University. Dr. Hinestroza obtained his Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University in May 2002. more.
CCMR's Newest Program for High School Teachers
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: Jan 19, 2006
CCMR's newest program for high school teachers made its debut in the summer of 2005 to rave reviews from the teachers themselves. The program, called the CCMR Institute for Chemistry Teachers (CICT), is a unique opportunity for teacher professional development. Through lectures by Cornell faculty, hands-on laboratory activities and research facility tours, teachers gain an appreciation for modern chemistry and learn about recent advances in the field. more.
Welcome, LiLynn Graves
News :: CCMR Staff :: Jan 12, 2006
LiLynn Graves joins CCMR's staff as the graphic and web designer. Formerly of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, she organized the student teaching labs and created the multimedia teaching modules for the Department of Clinical Sciences. Prior to that she headed the design team for the Amrion/Whole Foods Industry in Boulder, Colorado. In Colorado, LiLynn competed professionally in cross-country skiing for several years along with mountain biking and trail running. more.
Welcome New CCMR Director - Melissa Hines
News :: CCMR Staff :: Jan 11, 2006
Melissa Hines has no idea what set her on a career path towards materials science. But her desire to be a chemist has not wavered since she was seven years old. This drive has helped to propel her to leadership at an interdisciplinary research centre comprising some 100 faculty members from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. more.
Inner City High School Students Investigate Time in Chemistry and Physics
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: Dec 17, 2005
What is university life like? Students in inner city high schools often have a hard time answering this question. To gain first-hand knowledge, students at McKinley Vocational High School travelled to Cornell to tour the facilities, meet students and explore the campus. During their visit, the students performed hands-on physics and chemistry experiments that explored time and frequency with CCMR faculty. more.
Center and Community Join to Reach Underserved Youth
Nugget :: CCMR Staff :: Apr 1, 2005
CCMR reaches out to underserved youth through the community-based Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB). Located in Ithaca, NY, the Youth Bureau serves primarily African-American and low socioeconomic local children. In summer 2004, CCMR began offering hands-on science activities to students from the IYB summer camp. Professors Geoff Coates and Dotsevi Sogah (Chemistry Dept. ) launched the first series of programs. more.
Materials Science Workshop - Fall 2004
News :: CCMR Staff :: Nov 13, 2004
This year's popular Materials Science Workshop at CCMR for physics and chemistry teachers attracted 24 high school and community college teachers from around New York State. The workshop design was spearheaded by CCMR Director Frank DiSalvo. Participants spent the day in Baker Labs on the Cornell University campus working side by side with 11 professors and 16 graduate student volunteers. more.
Welcome, Alexa Sabanegh
News :: CCMR Staff :: Sep 23, 2004
Alexa Sabanegh joins CCMR's Educational Programs Office (EPO) as the Educational Programs Coordinator. She attended Harvard University's Graduate School of Education where she earned her Masters Degree in June 2004. She spent three years teaching, most recently as an intern at a high school in Cambridge, MA and previously at a performing arts high school in Manhattan. Alexa graduated from Cornell University in 1999 with a BS in Biology. more.
CCMR's RET Week Five Update
News :: CCMR Staff :: Aug 6, 2004
The 2004 Summer Research Experience for Teachers (RET) participants spent week five of their six-week program in CCMR's Polymer Characterization Facility with facility manager Tony Condo. The five high school Chemistry and Physics teachers made and experimented with a number of polymeric materials with drastically different properties. The teachers combined polyvinyl alcohol and borate ions to create slime and Hexamethylenediamine and Adipoyl chloride to make nylon. more.
THE MUSIC OF MATERIALS: CORNELLIAN RECEIVES DISCOVERY CORPS FELLOWSHIP
Pilot project helps scientists give their research expertise broader impact
News :: NSF :: May 28, 2004
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has named the first six fellows of its new Discovery Corps: a pilot program that is exploring innovative ways for scientists to combine their research expertise with service to society as a whole. The six are Dominick Casadonte, Texas Tech University; Alanah Fitch, Loyola University of Chicago; Earl Wagener, Clemson University; Geoffrey D. Bothun, University of Kentucky; Catherine M. Oertel, Cornell University; and Carrie Stoffel, University of Colorado. more.
Teachers show gains through outreach
Nugget :: Kevin Dilley :: Apr 1, 2004
CCMR is collaborating with Professors Elizabeth Shiner Klein and Gail Tooker of the State University of New York (SUNY) Cortland Education Department to develop a quantitative research evaluation of CCMR's Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs. The initial evaluation process has gotten underway collecting data from a sample of five middle and high-school teachers who participated in the 2003 RET summer program. more.
Reaching out to El Salvador
Nugget :: Nev Singhota :: Apr 1, 2004
CCMR has recently expanded its educational programs beyond U. S. borders. Spurred by physics graduate student Christopher Deufel, a frequent volunteer in CCMR outreach programs, Citigroup Foundation awarded a grant for to bring CCMR-developed science education modules to El Salvador. CCMR provided additional funding through a donor to enable Mr. Deufel to travel to and within El Salvador. The program was initiated in January 2004. As of March 2004, Mr. more.
2003 Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Conference
News :: CCMR Staff :: Sep 22, 2003
Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is a component of the Math & Science Network, a national non-profit organization. EYH holds annual conferences across the country designed to nurture middle school girls' interest in science and math courses and encourage them to consider science and math based careers. On Saturday, April 26, 2003, the Cornell University EYH Chapter hosted their annual conference, on the Cornell Campus in Ithaca, New York. more.
Research Experience for Teachers (RET) II Participants Publish
News :: CCMR Staff :: Sep 5, 2003
In addition to the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program, the Education Programs Office invites past RET participants to return to work with a faculty member on a research project as part of the RET II program. Mary Kay Hickey, high school chemistry and biology teacher, worked with Professor D. Tyler McQuade on fluorescent compounds in order to characterize their properties and see if they can spot any interactions that might have applications in sensors. more.
Expansion of Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program
News :: CCMR Staff :: Aug 20, 2003
The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program has completed its fifth summer. This past summer a middle school teacher from Brooklyn and four high school teachers from upstate New York worked as a team spending six weeks at CCMR facilities where they learned about research through hands-on laboratory experience. This summer, the teachers conducted experiments with a new facilities manager, Anthony Condo Jr. more.
Welcome, Kevin Dilley
News :: CCMR Staff :: May 1, 2003
Kevin Dilley joins CCMR's Educational Programs Office (EPO) as the new Educational Programs Specialist. He received a BA in physics from Reed College, where he did thesis research on the mechanism that allows a scanning tunneling microscope to make surface modifications. After college he spent two years with the Peace Corps teaching physics, forest management and gardening in The Gambia. more.
Marvelous Magnets
Nugget :: Educational Programs Director, Nev Singhota :: Apr 1, 2003
As a large, interdisciplinary NSF Materials Center, CCMR offers the surrounding community a wide variety of programs and opportunities to learn about our scientific and engineering activities. During the past year, we have offered 30 separate educational outreach programs reaching approximately 36 undergraduates, 850 K-12 students, 110 parents of school children, 225 schoolteachers, and 81,000 upstate New York newspaper readers, and numerous community members. more.
Professional Development Day
Nugget :: Educational Programs Director, Nev Singhota :: Apr 1, 2003
The CCMR Educational Programs Office offers educational and training programs for K-12 science teachers. Faculty, postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and staff work with teachers in local school districts to provide teacher training. In 2003, CCMR collaborated with the Ithaca City School District to present hands-on learning modules to 140 K-5 teachers. more.
Research Experience for Teachers (RET)
Nugget :: Educational Programs Director, Nev Singhota :: Apr 1, 2003
Mary Kay Hickey, high school chemistry and biology teacher, participated in the CCMR Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program during the summer of 2002. She worked with Professor D. Tyler McQuade and his group in looking at a number of fluorescent compounds in order to characterize their properties for future use in the lab and see if they can spot any interesting interactions that might have application in sensors. As a result of her research with Professor McQuade, Ms. more.
Programas Educativos
Nugget :: :: Jan 1, 2002
Professor Héctor Abruña, a member of the Cornell Center for Materials Research, explores the nature of chemical reactions using cornstarch and water with children in the Esperanza program in Ithaca, NY. Esperanza focuses on Latino students in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade; lessons are conducted in Spanish. more.
Educational Outreach
Nugget :: :: Jan 1, 2002
Ann Phinney-Foreman uses a glove box to prepare a sample of tert-butylpyridine tungsten chloride. Ms. Phinney-Foreman is a Chemistry teacher from Waverly High School in south-central New York State and worked with MRSEC Director Frank DiSalvo during the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program in the summer of 2001 at Cornell. She has been accepted as a participant in the IBM-Almaden RET program for the summer of 2002. more.
