Evanston students interested in considering a career in the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology are invited to attend an open house this month at Oakton Community College.
The free Thursday events will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 7 and 14 at the Illinois Science and Technology Park Conference Center, 8045 Lamon Ave., in Skokie.
Coordinated by Oakton Dean of Mathematics and Technologies Bob Sompolski, the sessions will explore the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology and discuss Oakton-related internships, jobs, and business resources in the field.
A tour of Oakton’s laboratories will be a feature of the evening’s events.
Nanotechnology is playing an increasingly important 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, according to college officials.
They contend that by the end of 2016, the field will need 6 million workers and 2.5 million support personnel, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $95,000, depending on the level of education.
This spring, Oakton is offering four nanotechnology courses that are part of the 31-credit-hour nanotechnology certificate. Classes begin on Jan. 19.
Enrollment information is available on the college’s website.
