Nanotechnology Training Program Retreat - 2017
The NTP retreat, held in May of 2017, brought together current students, mentors and other influential
figures from the University of Utah and beyond. It was an opportunity to engage with
and learn from some of the leading scholars in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Student posters and presentations allowed for rapid dissemination of research, showcasing
remarkable solutions to difficult problems, ranging from material science to medical
implants. A critical aim of the event was to foster a stronger sense of community
between fellows and mentors participating in the NTP program. Through a carefully
crafted time table, and a friendly, casual atmosphere, students were given ample opportunity
to meet other NTP fellows alongside their mentors. Talks from invited faculty showcased
opportunities and challenges with working at the nanoscale.
The keynote speaker for this event was Dr. Martin Moskovitz, PhD, from the University of California, Santa Barbara. The retreat was organized by three of the University of Utah's very own Nanotechnology Training Program graduate students, Valentin Romanov, Lindsey Pruden, and Martin Jensen.
2017 NTP Retreat Highlights
"I think the event was a success. It allowed me to catch up with friends who I rarely get to see outside of NTP events, while also giving me a glimpse into their research. Through interactions with faculty, I gained greater insight into my own research and greater appreciation for the advantages that the NRP program offers. Not only are the faculty knowledgeable, but they are also approachable. I appreciate how helpful the faculty has been in answering my research questions or simply giving me excess to instrumentation within their labs. This community certainly enhanced my time at the University of Utah."
-Valentin Romanov, Student Organizer
 Dr. Martin MoskovitzKEYNOTE SPEAKERDr. Moskovitz visited from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Professor
Moskovits has degrees in Physics and Chemistry from the University of Toronto. He
gave his keynote address on the topic of Artificial photosynthesis using plasmons.
His research group studies the chemistry of nanoparticles and nanowires, as well as the effect of size
and materials composition on nanosystems.
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The following four students were awarded for their outstanding research presentations!
Jooneon Park
Presentation Title: Design and fabrication of colloidal nanoparticle assembly: exploring new physicochemical properties for biosensing application
Jared Zitnay
Presentation Title: Collagen hybridizing peptide enabled detection and localization of molecular level collagen mechanical damage
Michael Polei
Poster Title: Extracellular matrix coatings minimize the FBR to high density microelectrode arrays
Rebecca Goldstein
Poster Title: Decellularized Bone Marrow Extracellular Matrix: a Novel Material for Studying Hematopoietic Stem Cell Behavior
Tara L. Deans, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Bioengineering
"The Nanotechnology training program is a unique experience for the top PhD students
from multiple programs to participate in seminars, and an annual retreat. The multidisciplinary
nature of this program draws students and faculty from all over campus for exciting
conversations and an invigorating annual retreat. The retreat offers a platform for
seeding collaborations and a great opportunity to hear the latest cutting edge science
in nanotechnology."
-Professor Tara Deans
Lindsey Pruden
Student organizer and host
"I thought that the research topics were varied and showed a good representation of
current research. I felt it was great to have Prof. Martin Moskovits from The University
of California-Santa Barbara as our keynote speaker. He was really engaging and easy
and fun to talk to!"
-Lindsey Pruden, Student Organizer
Dr. Jennifer Shumaker-Parry
Professor of Chemistry
"The retreat brought the nanoscience community on campus together in a unique way
to have focused time together. The NTP graduate student fellows did a great job of
organizing the event to make it useful for scientists and engineers from departments
across campus. The students asked me to talk about my journey from growing up in a
rural area of South Dakota to becoming a scientist and professor supporting the training
of the next generation of scientists and engineers. Sharing personal stories helps
to bring a community together and also can help others with similar life experiences.
Discussions about both science and life made the retreat a great experience!"
-Professor Jennifer Shumaker-Parry