NanoEngineering at Rose: At the Forefront of Innovation
A strand of human hair measures approximately 70 microns wide. Imagine a nanostructure that measures 1/1000th the size of a strand of human hair — essentially invisible to the human eye. And yet, your cell phone is made of 500 billion devices this size. This journey into the nanoscopic is a glimpse into the world of NanoEngineering.
Nanotechnology has revolutionized fields such as medicine, photonics, electronics and energy. A degree in NanoEngineering will put you at the forefront of the next frontier in engineering and innovation — in careers such as semiconductor manufacturing, molecular electronics, integrated silicon photonics, micro- and nano-electromechanical systems, thin film technologies, and other applications of nanotechnology.
Through the NanoEngineering major, Rose-Hulman aims to equip students with the expertise and innovation mindset required to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
Experiential Learning
Our state-of-the-art labs, project space, classroom facilities and academic buildings are designed to let you focus completely on your education experience.
As a NanoEngineering major, you will engage in hands-on research projects, collaborate with leading experts in the field, and have access to state-of-the-art laboratories such as the Micro-Nanoscale Device and Systems (MiNDS) cleanroom facility equipped with cutting-edge nanofabrication and characterization tools – something almost unheard of at the undergraduate level anywhere else.
NanoEngineering majors also work in the Characterization Lab (SEM / XRD), the Device Modeling and Testing Lab and faculty research labs. Hands-on experience in Rose-Hulman’s laboratory facilities translates into enhanced professional and graduate school opportunities.
Learning Through Excellence
Excellence in teaching is at the heart of Rose-Hulman’s mission. Our faculty members are hired for their teaching skills and their willingness to work one-on-one with students. NanoEngineering majors work closely with our expert faculty who help you become a seasoned engineer and build the skills relevant to working in industry. Additionally, our program gives you the flexibility to pursue independent learning projects in your chosen area of concentration, tailoring your education to fit your interests!
Many of our alumni and recent graduates are working at worldwide companies such as:
- Hewlett Packard
- IBM
- Micron
- Wolfspeed
- Texas Instruments
- Intel
- NSWC CRANE
- Los Alamos National Lab
- MIT Lincoln Lab
- Flex N Gate
- Eli Lily and Company
- Samtec
- PAR Systems
Additionally, many graduates pursue advanced degrees at some of the most prestigious institutions around the world, including:
- Cornell University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Minnesota
- University of Florida
- North Carolina State University
- University of California Santa Barbara
- Purdue University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- The Ohio State University
- Virginia Tech
- University of Arizona
Types of jobs our students will be prepared for after graduation:
- Semiconductor fabrication
- MEMS device development
- Photonic device and systems integration
- Solar cell manufacturing
- Battery design
- Nanomaterials development and integration
- Process engineer
- Device design modeler
Curriculum, Minors, and Certifications
The NanoEngineering major is a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a strong foundation in fundamental engineering principles, coupled with a deep focus on nanoscale science and technology, including essential modeling and simulation techniques. The core of our curriculum is in nanomaterials and their properties, with an emphasis on materials fabrication and characterization, and applications in micro-nanoscale devices and systems.
Project work is centered in the curriculum, with device design, fabrication, integration, and testing. Students gain personal experience with advanced equipment starting in the first year. Design work throughout the curriculum culminates in projects with external industry clients.
Facilities / Labs
- MiNDS (Micro- Nano-Devices and Systems) facility
- Material Characterization Lab (SEM, XRD)
- Device and Testing and Modeling Lab
Course projects
- Carbon nanotube growth
- Transistor design and fabrication
- Microelectromechanical actuator fabrication and testing
- Quantum dot fabrication and testing
- Silicon photonic circuit design, fabrication and testing
Tools
- Photolithography
- Electron Beam Lithography
- Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition
- Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
- Reactive Ion Etch
- Scanning Electron Microscope
- X-ray Diffraction
- Micromanipulator Test Stations
Related Academic Minors
A minor in NanoEngineering is a great choice if you are majoring in another discipline and want to understand this emerging trend in engineering and innovation. Complementary minors for NanoEngineering include:
- Solid State Physics / Materials Science
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Optical Engineering
- Astronomy
- Physics
Semiconductor Materials and Devices Certificate Program
In addition to your degree in NanoEngineering, you can specialize in the related field of Semiconductor Materials and Devices and earn a certificate denoting your expertise.
Accreditation
Rose-Hulman’s NanoEngineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org).
