Document Actions
NSF Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) in Engineering
WHAT: Limited Submission Proposal for the National Science Foundation (NSF 08-544) Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) in Engineering
WHO: Texas A&M University faculty, including TAES, TEES and TTI personnel.
WHY: NSF anticipates making 10 awards, with each award having a maximum amount of $200,000 for two years.
WHEN: Internal proposal deadline of March 17, 2008.
HOW: Faculty should submit internal proposal via email for review by the internal selection committee.
THE FINE PRINT:
The funding agency below has limited the number of preliminary proposals to one per institution. A second proposal may be submitted only if it is focused on the societal, ethical, economic and/or environmental implications of nanoscale science and engineering. If the number of faculty wishing to submit a proposal exceeds the number allowed by the agency, we will conduct an internal selection process. Below are due dates for the program, including the due date of the internal proposal for review by the internal selection committee, the date for announcement of the internal selection and the due date for submission to the agency.
AGENCY: National Science Foundation (NSF)
AGENCY PROGRAM TITLE: NSF 08-544 Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) in Engineering
BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) in Engineering Program is designed to introduce nanoscale science, engineering and technology through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches into undergraduate engineering education. The NEU program provides funding for projects that will address the educational challenges of these emerging fields and generate practical ways of introducing nanotechnology into undergraduate engineering education with a focus on devices and systems and/or on the societal, ethical, economic and/or environmental issues relevant to nanotechnology. Also, international collaborations that advance underlying nanoscale science and engineering goals and strengthen U.S. activities are encouraged.
Nanoscale engineering provides creative opportunities for invigorating undergraduate engineering education through new courses and research experiences by blending engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science, materials science, geology, behavioral and social sciences and design. Some examples of nanotechnology-based topics that can be introduced into the curriculum include scanning probe methods, devices using nanotubes, bottom-up and top-down syntheses of nanoscale materials, self-assembly, nanobiotechnology, environmental aspects of nanotechnology, applications of nanotechnology to information technology, properties and fundamental phenomena in nanoscale materials, computational methods for modeling nanoscale materials, nanoscale devices, nanoscale systems and design principles at nanoscale.
Further, NEU projects are intended to enable individuals, departments, programs or campuses to integrate nanoscale science and engineering into their curricula. Integration could take the form of a new course or courses, or modification of existing courses so that a substantial portion of the course content is based on nanoscale science and engineering. Proposals involving any part of the undergraduate engineering curriculum are eligible.
New approaches through interdisciplinary collaboration could lead to: a freshman course introducing the basic phenomena and processes at the nanoscale, new examples of introductory undergraduate STEM courses, development and dissemination of new teaching modules for nanoscale science and engineering, incorporation of undergraduate research opportunities into the curriculum at any level, and development of courses or curricular enhancements about nanoscale science, engineering and technology and environment or social change. Further, an institution can submit a second NUE proposal as the lead institution focusing on the societal, ethical, economic and/or environmental implications of nanoscale science and engineering.
More information can be found here.
AGENCIES ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT: The Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) Program is open to two-year colleges (including community colleges) and four-year colleges and universities located in the U. S.
AWARD INFORMATION: The NSF Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) Program anticipates making 10 awards, with each award having a maximum amount of $200,000 for two years.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT COSTS: Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations: NONE.
COST SHARING: NONE.
Internal Selection Procedures and Deadlines
March 7, 2008: Deadline for an email of intent, including the names of the PI and co-PIs, title of internal proposal and a 1-3 sentence description of the project. Send email of intent.
March 17, 2008: Deadline to obtain signatures of approval from your department head and college dean to submit an internal proposal to the Office of Sponsored Projects for review by the internal selection committee. The internal proposal should include:
(1) An executive summary, up to three pages, based on the proposal description as outlined in the NSF program announcement;
(2) Summary budget;
(3) Project and Management Plans (including team members);
The form for completing the internal proposal is here.
This completed form should be submitted electronically for review by the internal selection committee.
Please read the solicitation carefully for specific requirements of the program here.
Selection of a proposal will be based on NSF guidelines. The needs of the university’s reinvestment plan will also be taken into account.
During the selection process, the internal selection committee may contact departments and colleges for their opinions and commitments. They may also request additional information from PIs.
March 28, 2008: The Internal Selection Committee will notify PIs of the result of the internal competition.
May 14, 2008: Deadline for full proposal: (due by 5 p.m. proposer’s local
time).