CHTM Outreach Events

Recently, a group of 22 fifth-graders from Hubert H. Humphrey Elementary School in Albuquerque were given the opportunity to take a field trip to the UNM Center for High Technology Materials. During their visit they used electron microscopy to examine details of dimes and bugs, explored the effects of liquid nitrogen on flowers and other common items, saw how crystalline solids are formed and arranged, and were taken into the Center's cleanroom to see how silicon devices are fabricated.

Here are some comments from the kids on their field trip along with a few photos:

"The room where we learned about the atoms was my favorite. We put the flower into freezing liquid nitrogen. When we dropped it the flower shattered like glass." —Mark M.

"The microscope room was cool, because I can see things that I wanted to see up close to learn about it. I learned a lot of things." —Yvonne

"I liked looking on the SEM screen and seeing the parts of the bug's shell...Thank you for having us, I had a great time." —Kayla B.

"The room with the microscopes was neat. The gold dimes were the best! Thanks for letting us have one." —Kenzie

"Coating the dimes gold was so fun. The bad thing is, it's in my lunch money." —Tristan

"The clean room was my first favorite. I learned about wafers, tried to open the air tight seal, and how you scan electrons." —JC

"My favorite part was looking at the bug [with the electron microscope]. I never realized how many hairs are on a bug!" —Erik

"Thanks for having us over, I had a magnificent time." —Megan

"I had a great time at the CHTM labs." —Your future boss, Jessica

(Photos by Christian Schwarz)

CHTM’s continued success requires recruitment of excellent students, sustained fruitful interactions with colleagues in industry and academia, and support from the state legislature and federal government agencies. Additionally, the contribution of women and minorities will invigorate the scientific community and enrich our technical environment.

CHTM actively pursues this vision through outreach activities with the following groups:

Schools
Collaborations
State Legislature
Government Agencies
Agencies
Women
Minorities
Students