Careers in Nanotechnology: Where to begin

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the exploration of undergraduate degrees suitable for a career in nanotechnology, specifically focusing on the roles nanotechnology may play in various fields such as Chemical Engineering (ChemE), Nuclear Engineering (NE), Engineering Physics, Materials Science, and Physics. Participants are examining the current state of nanotechnology's development and its implementation in industry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists potential undergraduate majors and seeks information on the roles of nanotechnology in these fields, as well as the current state of development and implementation.
  • Another participant suggests that a degree in materials science provides a solid foundation for a career in nanotechnology, emphasizing the understanding of material properties at the atomic and molecular scale.
  • A different participant notes that while materials and mechanical engineering are relevant to nanotechnology, the application in nuclear and civil engineering may be limited, though not absent.
  • The original poster clarifies that NE refers to nuclear engineering and CE refers to chemical engineering, indicating a desire for further insights on these fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the relevance of different engineering fields to nanotechnology, with some suggesting strong connections while others indicate limitations in certain areas. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the applicability of nanotechnology in various engineering disciplines, and the discussion does not resolve the extent of its implementation in industry or the timeline for future developments.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing careers in nanotechnology, particularly those considering undergraduate degrees in engineering or materials science.

GPT
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1. After having done some research into which undergraduate degrees (of personal interest) would be most aptly suited to a future career in nanotechnology I have arrived upon the following majors:

-CE
-NE
-Engineering Physics
-Materials Science
-Physics

a. I would like to know what roles nanotechnology plays (or may play) in these fields.

b. I would also like to know, for each role, the state of its development and implementation. Is it still primarily in the phase of research? If so, what would be a reasonable projection for its implementation into industry? Or, if it has already made it into industry, to what extent?



2. If you can advise me on which of the above majors may be the best path for me, personally, please take note of the following considerations:

-My brain is wired more towards that of an engineer than a scientist.
-I would love to do work in physical chemistry or experimental physics.
-I would like to work at the forefront of technological innovation, particularly with regard to developing understanding of theoretical physics. I find this prospect most tantalizing.
-Hopes and dreams won't pay my bills. I'll be 24 when I begin my undergraduate degree. While I'd prefer to work in research at a national laboratory, pursuing a PhD and doing post doc work might not be practical. I'll have to use loans for my education, and who knows if I'll even get that research job when the time comes. From what I've read competition is stiff. On the other hand, CE's and NE's make good money right out of school, working for industry with a BS.

Your thoughts are much appreciated
-GPT
 
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The materials science curriculum will teach you about the origin of material properties and about material behavior on the atomic and molecular scale. With a B.S., you will know at least a little about most types of materials, which is great preparation for an engineering career. Seems like a good way to go in terms of nanotechnology. (My background is mechanical engineering with a focus on microfabrication, but I've moved into materials science for these reasons.)
 
Materials and mechanical engineering would be part of nanotechnology, and possibly physics and engineering physics.

Nanotechnology is limited in NE (nuclear?) and CE (civil engineering), but there are applications.

More later.
 
Ah it appears that I've done some mislabeling. By NE, yes, i mean nuclear engineering, and by CE I mean ChemE.
I look forward to hearing from you
Thanks GPT
 

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