Forgive me if this post is a little rough, first time using this app and using phone (double punch :p).
After sitting down and focusing on what I wanted to do in life, I decided that I wanted to be a nanotechnology engineer. But after doing some research (both on the internet and the college I plan on going to, osu), I came up with very little answers to questions I have.
Research lead me to discover that Ohio State had no major in nanotechnology as far as I’m aware, but has both classes in nanotechnology for mechanical engineers and biomolecular technology for biochemists/chemical engineers, presumably for a focus. I want to learn the best/all of both worlds if possible, as nanotechnology genuinely interests me. Mechanical Engineering I find interesting because I love robotics, hands on work, and originally wanted to be an Aerospace Engineer. Chemistry/Chemical Engineering appeals to me as you literally learn the fundamentals of what everything is made out of, create interesting results, and manipulate matter. Nanotech seemed like a nice middle ground, including biological machines (dna manipulation, creating cells) along with the ability to create something unique and beneficial (hopefully). Some questions still remain, and I’d enjoy it if anyone can help me with them:
Should I pursue learning both? ChE and ME both have huge differences in their curriculum, and sometimes it’s best to focus on one piece of the puzzle.
Would creating my own nanotechnology major be worth it? I feel Nanotechnology Engineers are searched for a lot less by employers compared to a engineer with a focus in nanotechnology considering the amount of people with a nanotechnology degree.
What level of education is recommended for the field?
Assuming I should focus on one aspect, would a minor in chem or anything be beneficial (and if so, what)?
Thank you for reading. Once again, if there’s an answer that I missed or that you know, please reply. I also reserve the ability to ask more questions, as college is a big decision.
There is only one (to my knowledge) ABET accredited Nanoengineering BS degree program, and that’s at UC-SD. Folks working in the field come from a wide range of backgrounds.
At OSU, a lot of Nanotech research is based out of the Mechanical and Aerospace engineering department. Your best bet is to get involved in undergraduate research. It will give you a lot more exposure to the field and allow you to make more informed decisions.
Not many would recommend a dual degree in ChE/ME, it's really not worth the time. Getting a minor in one or the other is fine. Your time is better spent pursuing a MS degree.
It's fine to target your electives toward the field (that's what they are for!). It's better to use your time outside of the class room to get more exposure to the field (like undergraduate research, and design teams).
What level of education? Your best bet is to research current job openings and survey which degrees are required. LinkedIn can be a useful way to review the profiles of folks working in the field.
I took a class in nanotech a few years ago for interest. The guy who taught it had a PhD in Materials Science. It seems like it’s still a very interdisciplinary field, which is typically what happens when a new field is just getting started.
Reach out to Professor Tirrell. He is a industry leader. Also Northwestern and university of Chicago got a $5 million grant on a starting nanotechnology
Many schools have built new buildings, but most of those still have labs from faculty in multiple departments rather than some kind of dedicated nanotechnology department. It’s simply too interdisciplinary, and the term itself is a very broad catchall term for a lot of related (and sometimes barely so) technologies spanning many fields.
