LHU senior Stephen E. Swiontek explains the features of university's scanning electron microscope to visiting high school students. Swiontek is pursuing a BS in Physics, Applied Physics (Nanotechnology) track.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University welcomed 52 area high school students and 7 teachers to a Nanoscience Open House on November 20.

Participating students represented five area high schools:

Penns Valley: Kasey Packer, grade 12; Tara Harlos, grade 12, Miranda Crater, grade 12.

Central Mountain High School: Ronda Embick, grade 12, Steph Manley, grade 12; Jordan Neidig, grade 12; Caleb Shervinski, grade 11; Ben Nitko, grade 12; Chris Rae, grade 11; Daniel Boileau, grade 12; Cole Fenton, grade 11; Bryce Oishi, grade 11; Sarah Dietrich, grade 12; Trent Rudy, grade 12; Ashley Neff, grade 12; Jackie Rodabaugh, grade 12; David Wheeler, grade 12; Wyatt Hall, grade 12; Nathan Lagaman, grade 12; Patrick Shaw, grade 11; Charles Haines, grade 10; Logan Bechdel, grade 10; Nathaniel Powers, grade 10; Stephanie Walizer, grade 11; Ashley Seyler, grade 10; Ramni Chapla, grade 10; Landin Rine, grade 10; and Patrick Motel, grade 12.

South Williamsport High School: Derrick Gray, grade 12; Eric Faust, grade 11; Tessa Beam, grade 11; Danielle Yakup, grade 11; Morgan Samson, grade 12; John Gonsalves, grade 11; Nic McGee, grade 11; Erik Miller, grade 11; Nick Klem, grade 12; Jesse Kita, grade 11; Zachary Yoas, grade 11; Celina Foran, grade 11; and Mackenzie Hengler, grade 11.

Sugar Valley Rural Charter School: Kaishia Laubach, grade 12; Kyle Collins, grade 12; Kyle Seyler, grade 12; Elliot Heggenstaller, grade 11; Shane Holland, grade 11; Mikaela Heggenstaller, grade 11; Kayla Hayes, grade 11; Amanda Koons, grade 11; and Corey Weaver, grade 12.

Williamsport High School: R. Thomas Dixon, grade 11.

Dr. David White, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, gave welcoming remarks, following which Dr. Jackie Whitling, associate professor of chemistry, gave an overview of Nanotechnology. With the assistance of current students in all of LHU’s science disciplines, visitors were able to see demonstrations of how the study of Nanoscience has application in all of the sciences. Dr. Whitling, along with Dr. Carina Howell, assistant professor of biology, coordinated the demonstrations in physics, chemistry and biology.

Among the demonstrations was the LHU scanning electron microscope. Another highlight of the day was a tour of the nanotechnology laboratories by Dr. Marian Tzolov, assistant professor of physics and Dr. Indrajith Senevirathne, assistant professor of physics. LHU student ambassadors led visitors on a tour of the LHU campus.

After lunch in Bentley Dining Hall, LHU students presented physics and chemistry demonstration shows in Ulmer Planetarium.

At the end of the day, Dr. Anura Goonewardene, professor and chair of the department of Geology and Physics, thanked the members of the Nano Club, the Physics Club and the Chemistry Club for their contributions to the day’s program. “I think the interaction between our undergraduates in these clubs and the high school students is one of the highlights of the Nano Open House Program,” he said.

Nanotechnology is the study of science on the nanometer scale and can encompass anything from microelectronics to nanoelectronics to medicine. LHU’s cutting edge program is partly funded by grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the National Science Foundation.