Spray-on sunscreens, ultra-thin contact lenses, and cures for cancer share something in common: they are all existing or potential applications of nanoscience. Researchers in nanoscience work with particles only a few atoms wide—on the scale of billionths of a meter. Contrast this with the more established field of microtechnology, in which devices have features measured in micrometers, or millionths of a meter. The ability to manipulate matter at such an incredibly small scale can be used to develop products that are not only much smaller, but stronger, lighter weight, and more flexible.

Mathematicians, scientists, and engineers all have something to study at the nanoscale. At the atomic level, different and sometimes unexpected phenomena are prone to occur. Using their knowledge of underlying principles, scientists and engineers are harnessing nanoscience to create what has until now been the stuff of science fiction. While nanoscale science and its widespread technology applications are already beginning to impact many aspects of our daily lives, they may also one day provide solutions to some of our most challenging global issues.

Opportunities for careers in nanoscience and nanotechnology fields are rapidly expanding. Since 2000, job growth has risen 25 percent each year. Going forward, this work force is expected to consist of 20 percent scientists and 80 percent highly skilled engineers, technicians, and others. While many universities now offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs—whose graduates may become pioneers at the frontiers of scientific exploration—the good news is you don’t need to have the letters PhD after your name to start your career. In fact, the basic credential—in addition to curiosity, of course—is a two-year associate’s degree.

An entry-level employee in this emerging field can serve in a variety of roles. A research or lab assistant can support a scientist or engineer in the early phases of product development, performing experiments and helping to analyze specific aspects of a product. Once a commercial application is found for a product, a technician can be involved in production by operating, calibrating, and maintaining various equipment; monitoring production processes; and performing quality assurance.

At present, there are few if any nanoscience or nanotechnology classes taught in high school classrooms. So students who may be interested in pursuing a degree in the field should focus on STEM classes—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They should also take lab classes when offered. Labs allow students to transform abstract concepts into applied knowledge, which can help them feel more confident in their scientific abilities.

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