<p>I am a freshmen mechanical engineering student. My freshmen engineering professor offered a chance to work for a nanomaterials lab that a doc student of his runs. Of course I'm interested, who would say no to research experience as a freshmen. My question is, what would a mechanical engineer do to be in the field of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Does it apply at all to my major? I figured it couldn't hurt, at the very least I'll just get experience working for a research lab. </p>
<p>So basically, what can you tell me about nanomaterials/nanotechnology and the role that a mechanical engineer would play?</p>
<p>I just got off the phone with my professor and he gave me contact info and info about the project. He said the lab focuses on smart materials that react and change shape due to different stimuli such as light, heat, radiation, etc. he said it had some automotive and aerospace applications although the lab is mainly focusing on research more than application right now. It sounds to me that it definitely has relevant applications to my major. Thoughts?</p>
<p>Goldandblue, the mechanical side of materials research is fascinating. I’m a senior at the University of Pennsylvania in Materials Science, one of my close friends has been doing research for Professor Gianola on the mechanical side of materials research. Check out [DAN</a> GIANOLA :: UPENN](<a href=“http://gianola.seas.upenn.edu/]DAN”>http://gianola.seas.upenn.edu/) if you are interested. (She has been accepted to do PhD at Stanford, CalTech, UCSD (so far) which also have expectional research in this area.)
Congrats on generating interest from a prof so early in your university career- what a complement.</p>
<p>I clicked on the link, that seems pretty interesting. I called the woman in charge of the lab and I’m going to the lab tomorrow so he can show me around. I’m really nervous, I’ve never really been good with interviews and taking to people. This isn’t even a real interview, but I’m still stressed out. I just hope they are taking freshmen/sophomore assistants.</p>
<p>Do you have any intelligent questions i can ask if I get stumped? Lol</p>