nano@stanford is currently in the process of merging.

Some areas of the site may be incomplete or undergoing updates. We appreciate your patience and understanding. 
The Stanford Nanofabrication Facility (SNF/Fab@Allen) and the Stanford Nano Shared Facilities (SNSF) websites are available as needed during this transition.

Education & Outreach

At nano@stanford, we are committed to making nanotechnology accessible and engaging for educators, students, researchers, and the broader community. Through facility tours, hands-on learning experiences, professional development, and outreach initiatives, we aim to foster curiosity, build skills, and broaden participation in nanoscale science and engineering.

Our goal is to develop and share innovative educational models that empower learners of all backgrounds to explore and contribute to the field. On this page, you'll find information about our teacher professional development programs, community college internships, free online learning content, resources from the Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) group, and ways to meet a STEM superhero.

Jump to: What is nano? | Nano for K-14 Teachers | Community College Internships | Online Learning Content | Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) of Nanotechnology

What is nano?

Nanotechnology is the science and engineering of small things, 1-100 nanometers. At this small scale, surprising things happen which gives researchers new tools to investigate problems and find solutions! The ability to create materials and devices at the nanoscale has applications in every area of life, from more effective medicines to ultrafast communications and cleaner fuels. Learn more about nano here!

Nano for K-14 Teachers

Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers (NanoSIMST): nano@stanford supports professional development for middle school teachers to increase access to high quality STEM curriculum utilizing nanoscience concepts. We offer paid NanoSIMST experiences every summer: one virtual option and one in-person option. Engage your students with the tiny size but mighty power of nanotechnology to improve our world! Learn more about the PD opportunity here.

Nano Resources for K-14 Educators: nano@stanford has a curated collection of nanoscience-related activities, news items, and links to help K-14 educators spread the joy of nano in their classrooms. Access the resources here!

 

 

Community College Internships

nano@stanford Internships: nano@stanford offers paid internships for local community college students in the Bay Area. Learn how small things are made and seen at the nanoscale and microscale, while gaining experience in a cleanroom! The nanofacilities are used for cutting edge research, in areas including electronics, MEMS, optics, physics, biology/biotechnology, medicine, and chemistry. Learn more about the program here!

Micro-Internships for Foothill College Students: The Foothill Science Learning Institute STEM Micro-Internship program is a paid opportunity for Foothill College students to work closely with a Stanford mentor on a discrete research project for one quarter. Learn more about this program here.

 

Online Learning Content

nano@stanford edX Course: This free online course hosts training materials for users and the public to learn about nanofabrication and characterization. edX Course

nano@stanford YouTube Channel: Our YouTube channel provides additional educational content. Click on the YouTube icon to watch instrument trainings, tour our facilities, and learn how scientists use our facilities in a wide array of research areas from medical sensing to new materials development! YouTube Channel

Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) of Nanotechnology

Please visit our SEI website to view a learning module that addresses ethical considerations in scientific research, and for more information about reporting SEI-related concerns at Stanford.