The 2014 NanoDays kicked off in March with future engineers and scientists descending on the Agricultural Heritage Park Pavilion on Auburn’s campus. More than 60 students, grades 2-10, jumped into hands-on experiments and eagerly learned scientific concepts at the nanoscale level. From measuring themselves in nanometers to being trapped in a large nanotube, students explored their scientific side – and even enjoyed the learning process.

This year’s NanoDays was led by MariAnne Sullivan, doctoral student in materials engineering, and included more than 45 volunteers. The event was funded by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the National Science Foundation through the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, the Research Infrastructure Improvement for NanoBio Research in Alabama, the Alabama Math and Science Partnership for NanoBio Education, Graduate Women in Science and the Women in Science and Engineering Institute.

“This year marked one of our biggest turnouts for NanoDays, and it was a great feeling to see so many students actively engaged and excited about science,” said Sullivan. “It is our hope that this event will leave a lasting impression and encourage students to pursue a career in engineering or science.”