Spring Break
UW-Eau Claire seeks nanotechnology funding
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Campus News
University officials joined area business leaders in lobbying state officials over the last few days, discussing, in part, the prospects of nanotechnology to benefit students and businesses alike.
Momentum Chippewa Valley organized its 13th annual "Rally in the Valley" event, which led to discussions with the state Legislature, Gov. Jim Doyle and Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, said Mike Rindo, executive director of communications for UW-Eau Claire.
A prominent discussion topic connected closely with the university was nanotechnology, a field Eau Claire has partnered with UW-Stout and Chippewa Valley Technical College to pursue.
Support of nanotechnology initiatives from the state would allow Eau Claire to bolster its math and science courses, potentially hiring more faculty and academic staff, Rindo said. From there, more students could leave the university prepared for a cutting-edge field and enter an area job market looking for those familiar with the technology, he said.
"It really is a cycle that builds on itself."
State investment in such programs is hinging on the governor's budget announcement, expected in two weeks.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, introduced legislation that could steer $4 million to Eau Claire, Stout and CVTC for nanotechnology, Rindo said.
Whether such funding will come through in legislative action or the governor's budget is difficult to say, Rindo said, though the reception of such ideas seemed positive.
"People are talking about it," he said. "They're aware of it - they understand the capability of this region."
Momentum Chippewa Valley organized its 13th annual "Rally in the Valley" event, which led to discussions with the state Legislature, Gov. Jim Doyle and Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, said Mike Rindo, executive director of communications for UW-Eau Claire.
A prominent discussion topic connected closely with the university was nanotechnology, a field Eau Claire has partnered with UW-Stout and Chippewa Valley Technical College to pursue.
Support of nanotechnology initiatives from the state would allow Eau Claire to bolster its math and science courses, potentially hiring more faculty and academic staff, Rindo said. From there, more students could leave the university prepared for a cutting-edge field and enter an area job market looking for those familiar with the technology, he said.
"It really is a cycle that builds on itself."
State investment in such programs is hinging on the governor's budget announcement, expected in two weeks.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, introduced legislation that could steer $4 million to Eau Claire, Stout and CVTC for nanotechnology, Rindo said.
Whether such funding will come through in legislative action or the governor's budget is difficult to say, Rindo said, though the reception of such ideas seemed positive.
"People are talking about it," he said. "They're aware of it - they understand the capability of this region."
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