Virginia Programs, Centers, and Resources

Virginia University Research Centers and Activities
Federal Nanotechnology Resources in Virginia
Service Organizations

Virginia University Research Centers and Activities
College of William and Mary
Nanostructures and Thin Films Laboratory
The lab focuses on manufacturing materials and utilization of fundamental information about materials. The NTF lab’s focus is to learn more about material systems, improve existing industrial applications, and create new industrial products. Current areas of activity include application-specific thin films, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), pulsed-laser deposition of materials, and nanostructured materials.

George Mason University
Laboratory for Computer Design of Materials
The Computer Design of Materials (LCDM) group develops new capabilities for simulation of materials using innovative algorithmic methods for high performance computing. A key component of its industrial development is the ability to invent and design novel materials.

James Madison University
James Madison University Center for Materials Science
The Center for Materials Science is a multidisciplinary initiative of the College of Integrated Science and Technology and the College of Science and Mathematics. Nanotechnology-related research projects include nanocomposite polymer surface modification of microfluidic devices for lab-on-a-chip applications, molecular scaffolds and interlocking rings, sensor research and fabrication for nanotechnology applications, and contact printing of monolayers on semiconductor surfaces.  In addition, students from colleges and universities nationwide participate in the center's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

University of Virginia
Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering
The CESE addresses a technologically critical field -- the nanoscale design of corrosion resistant and adaptively sensing coatings. It encompasses the broad field of electrochemical science and engineering that affects the performance and reliability of most products manufactured in the world today.

Intelligent Processing of Materials Research Group
Located in the University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the laboratory integrates the development of synthesis and processing techniques with predictive process modeling, in-situ sensing, and closed loop control. It applies the methodology to the synthesis of second generation thermal barrier coatings, spintronic device fabrication and multifunctional cellular materials.

MRSEC Center for Nanoscopic Materials Design
The MRSEC Center explores new directions in the nanoscale design and control of self -assembled epitaxial semiconductor quantum dots by providing new algorithms for understanding and controlling the coupling of short, medium and long range order in these structures. The Center collaborates with industrial, university, and government laboratories to support and further materials research and education in this field.

nanoSTAR
UVA’s nanoSTAR Institute encompasses nanoscale and quantum research, education and business development projects in three broad theme areas: Nanoelectronics, Medicine, and Energy and the Environment. The Institute encourages, facilitates, and supports collaboration through partnerships with academia, industry, and national laboratories. The center is headed by UVA professor Stuart Wolf, of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. 

Virginia Tech
Center for Self-Assembled Nanostructures and Devices
CSAND conducts research in the nano-science and technology arena. Activities range from fundamental research in the area of nanotechnology to experimental device development and laboratory demonstrations. The focus is controlling supramolecular architecture (selfassembly) at the nano/molecular level.

Dr. Harry C. Dorn - Department of Chemistry
Dr. Dorn’s activities include leading the Center for Self-Assembled Nanostructures and Devices (CSAND) as well as the Carbonaceous Nanomaterials Center (CNC).  The Dorn Graduate Research Group and research and teaching activities are among areas highlighted in Dr. Dorn’s website.

Fiber & Electro-Optics Research Center
The Fiber & Electro-Optics Research Center is a high-tech center for the study of fiber optics, electro-optics, optical materials, thin films and other highly advanced technologies.

Microelectonics, Optoelectronics and Nanotechnology Laboratory
The MicrON Group operates several laboratories, including a semiconductor processing lab, a microelectronics packaging lab, and a device and materials characterization lab. Areas of investigation include microelectronic materials, novel devices, MEMS, and organic light-emitting devices. Process technologies being researched are nanotechnology, advanced lithography, plasma-aided processing, and micromachining, and circuits, systems, and design work.

Wireless Microsystems Laboratory
The focus of this laboratory is the exploration of ideas and technologies that enable integrated microsystems, in particular microsystems that are connected to the information infrastructure via wireless communications links. Research topics of interest include: RF/microwave/millimeter-wave integrated circuits and antennas; mixed-signal ICs; high-speed interconnects and packaging; micro/nano-machining and MEMS/NEMS devices; solid-state devices/technology and nanotechnology; and wireless communications and sensor applications.

Joint Programs
Center of Nanotechnology for Advanced Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems
The goal of the Center is to utilize recent developments in nanomaterials and nanostructures to develop advanced sensors, actuators and microsystems for NASA and other collaborators. The Center is a joint venture with the NSF, NASA, the NIA, and the Universities of Virginia, Columbia, Michigan at Ann Arbor and Southern Michigan.

Virginia Consortium for Nanoscale Neurosurgery
VCNN develops tools and methods for nanomechanical surgical devices, including the nanoscale construction CNS tissue scaffolds. The consortium partners are the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Tech.

Federal Nanotechnology Resources in Virginia
Jefferson Lab
The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) is funded by the Department of Energy with strong support from the City of Newport News, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States Congress. As a user facility for scientists worldwide, the Jefferson Lab’s primary mission is to conduct basic research of the atom’s nucleus at the quark level. With industry and university partners, it has a derivative mission as well: applied research for using the Free-Electron Lasers based on technology the laboratory developed to conduct its physics experiments. As a center for both basic and applied research, Jefferson Lab also reaches out to help educate the next generation in science and technology. Jefferson Lab is managed by the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) Inc., a consortium of universities in the Southeast.

NASA's Langley Research Center
As NASA's Center of Excellence for Structures and Materials, the Langley Research Center develops and tests new materials and structural designs that make airplanes and spacecraft stronger, safer and more efficient.

NASA LaRC Advanced Materials and Processing Branch
The mission of the Advanced Materials & Processing Branch is to develop the technology on high-temperature/high-performance materials for aerospace applications. The facilities consist of areas devoted towards resin synthesis and characterization and adhesive and composite fabrication and testing.

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
The Naval Surface Warefare Center Dahlgren Division is a premier science and engineering laboratory and, as such, must solve diverse and complex technological challenges facing today's warfighters in any number of environments around the world. The Dahlgren Laboratory provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering, and fleet support for surface warfare, surface ship combat systems, ordnance, strategic systems, mines, amphibious warfare systems, mine countermeasures, and special warfare systems

Service Organizations in Virginia

Joint Commission on Technology and Science
JCOTS has been charged to identify nanotechnology research and economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth and consider the efficacy of creating a statewide, comprehensive and coordinated strategy to secure additional federal research and development funds and to boost commercial activity in this fast-emerging sector.

NVTC Nanotechnology Committee
The Nanotechnology Committee’s mission is to promote the development of the nanotechnology industry in the Greater Northern Virginia region and to work with regional academic, government, and industry entities to facilitate establishment and growth of the nanotechnology infrastructure, institutions funding, educational capabilities and resources. In addition, the Nanotechnology Committee will provide networking and educational programs, with the goal of assisting entry into the nanotechnology industry and its business opportunities.

Virginia Research & Technology Advisory Commission
VRTAC advises the Governor on appropriate research and technology strategies for the Commonwealth with emphasis on policy recommendations that will enhance the global competitive advantage of both research institutions and technology-based commercial endeavors within the Commonwealth. VRTAC has identified nanotechnology as a strategic research and development priority for Virginia.

Atlantic Nano Forum
The Atlantic Nano Forum emerged from the concept of self-help by the nanotechnology community and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). By providing detailed, technology-based lectures in specified areas at no cost to the PTO, technical information and resources are shared to sharpen skills of the examiners and improve perception that the PTO is sufficiently trained to handle the fast emerging areas of nanotechnology. The Atlantic Nano Forum holds monthly technology seminars (except December), which are open to the public, in Northern Virginia.

National Service Organizations

ASME Nanotechnology Institute
The Nanotechnology Institute of ASME International is dedicated to furthering the art, science and practice of nanotechnology. The Institute is a clearinghouse for ASME activities in nanotechnology and provides interdisciplinary programs and activities to bridge science, engineering, and applications.

Foresight Institute
Foresight is a nonprofit educational organization formed to help prepare society for anticipated advanced technologies. Its primary focus is on molecular nanotechnology.

NanoBusiness Alliance
Industry association founded to advance the emerging business of nanotechnology and microsystems.