Dr. Frank Fisher of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Stevens Institute of Technology has received a Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant will enhance the research and educational initiatives under way at Stevens in the areas of nanotechnology and multi-scale engineering.

Acquired in collaboration with Dr. Henry Du, Dr. Yong Shi and Dr. Zhenqi Zhu, the Nanoscale Manipulation and Experimental Characterization Instrument ( NMECI) will provide nanometer-resolution, scanning electron microscope compatible manipulation, enabling critical nanoscale experimental investigations spanning many key emerging nano/microtechnology areas at Stevens. These will include nanomaterials development/characterization, nano/micro sensors and actuators, and micro-chemical/mechanical systems. Our research efforts will benefit greatly from the NMECI's controllable three-dimensional nanoscale manipulator and simultaneous visualization capabilities, said Fisher.

The National Science Foundation's investment in these proposals will provide unique state-of-the-art instrumentation capabilities at Stevens, further expanding the impact of our multi-scale engineering and nanotechnology research at the national level, said the Dean of Engineering, George P. Korfiatis.