Outreach
One of the most exciting parts of my job as a scientist is to convey my love of science to others. I've been able to work with some really excellent people and organizations to ensure my outreach is most effective. A few of these activities are highlighted below.
This photo (by Kristin Dreyer) shows a model carbon nanotube we constructed out of balloons at a Penn State football tailgate. Using an interactive demonstration we explained the concept of a nanometer and then helped kids to inflate the balloons to add to our nanotube model.
Fun in flatland
I helped design a set of activities called "Fun in Flatland" centered around physics in two dimensions. Activities included discussion of unit cells, construction of 2D unit cells using pattern blocks, and a demonstration of chirality using magnetic beads. In August 2012, a group of middle schoolers participated in these activities as a part of their Science Leadership summer camp.
In this picture (by Junjie Wang), a couple of participants in a summer camp at Penn State University work on making graphene using a pencil and scotch tape. Later they will be able to see it through the microscope.
Hidden power and Pocket tech museum demos
Using the Hidden Power interactive demonstrations, I helped teach about sources of power such as LEDs, solar energy, and wind turbines. These demonstrations are part of a kit distributed to museums around the country, and were designed by a partnership between the Penn State MRSEC and the Franklin Institute.
I also helped plan and design the interactive demonstration on screen orientation in the upcoming kit about how hand-held electronics work, Pocket tech.
