Potential Careers
- Auto Industry
- Aerospace Industry
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Computing
- Forensics
- Geosciences
- Medical field
Interested in one of the fastest-growing science career fields? Then think small—very small.
Nanotechnology focuses on engineering, technology and science conducted on the miniature scale of nanometers. How small is a nanometer? Well, one nanometer is about a billionth of a single meter. That means a single sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.
On the cutting edge of science, nanotechnology plays a critical role in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine and physics—from building microprocessors and delivering anti-cancer drugs efficiently to making clothes more stain-resistant and improving sunscreen absorption.
Over the next few years, the nanotech industry will need six million trained workers to conduct research and work that can change the world. Oakton is at the cutting edge of that nanotechnology training. In our program, you'll learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry and physics at the nanoscale. You'll develop skills and knowledge that will prepare you for a career working in nanotechnology or provide you the foundation for further, in-depth study.
In addition to traditional classroom experiences, we operate a state-of-the-art nanotechnology lab located at Skokie's Illinois Science + Technology Park, not far from the campus. At the lab, you can gain hands-on experience with atomic and electron microscopes, nano analysis tools, fluorescent scopes that enhance 3-D imaging and more.
We offer high school science teacher training courses that include: remote access to lab equipment; industrial workshops for local businesses that focus on the potential application of nanoscience in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and industrial research and development; and access to the nanotech lab for local educators.
The Nanotechnology Certificate is designed to train students in the content and laboratory skills necessary to work as entry-level technicians for businesses that utilize various aspects of nanotechnology. Students learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry and physics at the nanoscale.
Nanotechnology is the process of engineering at the molecular scale to create new properties that have the potential to impact every sector of our economy, from health and medicine to energy. The field plays a critical role in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, and physics – from building microprocessors and delivering anti-cancer drugs efficiently to making clothes more stain-resistant and improving sunscreen absorption. The 15 hour Nanotechnology Concentration provides students with hands-on experience with atomic and electron microscopes, nanoanalysis tools, and fluorescent scopes that enhance 3-D imaging.
Kenneth D'Aquila
Lecturer
B.S., Ph.D. Northwestern University
kdaquila@oakton.edu
847.635.1684
Office: 100 Lee Center, Des Plaines
John Baliga
Oakton College
John Carzoli
Oakton College
Panos Constantinides
Biopharmaceutical & Drug Delivery Consulting, LLC
Reza Dai
Oakton College
Chris Garcia
Applied Thin Films, Inc.
David Giljohann
Exicure
Ben Hernandez
NuMat Technologies
John Ireland
Oakton College
Leslie Murphy
Village of Skokie
Michael Rosen
Rosen Bioscience Strategies LLC
Bob Sompolski
Oakton College
Nhon Vo
NanoAl LLC
Chad Landrie
Coordinator
847.376.7439
clandrie@oakton.edu
Office: 109, Lee Center Des Plaines