Nanotechnology, Lessons from Nature

As long as humans have existed on the planet, they have looked at the world around them and wondered about much of what they saw. This book covers 21 different phenomena that have been observed in nature and puzzled about for decades.Only recently, with the development of the microscopes and other tools that allow us to study, evaluate, and test these observed phenomena at the molecular and atomic scale, have researchers been able to understand the science behind these observations. From the strength of a marine sponge found at the depths of the oceans, to the insect-hydroplaning surface of the edge of a plant, to the intricacies of the eyes of a moth, nanotechnology has allowed science to define and understand these amazing capabilities. In many cases, this new understanding has been applied to products and applications that benefit humans and the environment. For each of the five ecosystems— the ocean, insects, flora, fauna, and humans—the observations, study and understanding, and applications will be covered. The relationship between the more easily observed macro level and understanding what is found at the nanoscale will also be discussed.

Deb Newberry has been involved with research, emerging technology, and nanotechnology for several decades. She served as the Director/Instructor of the Nanoscience Technician program at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount MN from 2004–2018. She created the 72-credit nanoscience technician program in 2003 and began the program with National Science Foundation funding. Deb also served as the Director and Principal Investigator of the Center for Nanotechnology Education, Nano-Link, for over 10 years. Nano-Link has been funded by over $12M from the National Science Foundation. Nano-Link educational content, developed by Deb, has been used by over 900 educators and has reached over 100,000 students. She is a nanotechnology book author and co-author, has written over 12 book chapters, is an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer, and presented more than 250 presentations and tens of educator workshops. Deb Newberry is currently serving as CEO of Newberry Technology Associates (NTA),a company that provides expertise in organizational structure and efficiency, emerging technologies, strategic planning, technology evolution, and product development. The NTA team performs business and competitive analysis for multiple technologies including nanotechnology, electronics, photonics, material science, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology. The strategic focus is to determine how emerging technologies may impact products, companies, and market segments. Prior to her career in education, Deb worked in the corporate world for 24 years performing thermal and radiation testing and analysis on satellite systems and then serving as Executive Director managing over $450M in satellite programs. Ms. Newberry led a national committee with a focus on determining the impact of nanotechnology on satellite electronics and has served on multiple advisory boards as well as state and national commissions. She is a member of professional organizations such as the IEEE,ACS, MRS, RCS, and ASEE andserves on multiple conference planning committees.