Wednesday, July 1, 2015

MSE-ES Jill Fergusson represents UVA NExT at White House Forum

On May 20 at the White House Forum on Small Business Challenges to Commercializing Nanotechnology, Jill Ferguson (ES' 17) spoke before members of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and members of the National Economic Council, along with business leaders and representatives of academia.


Jill Ferguson of UVA NExT speaking at the White House
According to White House press release, the  forum recognizes nanotechnology as a important emerging growth sector:
In recognition of the importance of nanotechnology R&D, representatives from companies, government agencies, colleges and universities, and non-profits are announcing a series of new and expanded public and private initiatives that complement the Administration’s efforts to accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology and expand the nanotechnology workforce
Jill attended representing, NExT, the Nano and Emerging Technologies Club) of UVA during the lightening round of talks. Jill Ferguson is pursuing an Engineering Science degree with a concentration in Material Science Engineering and Nanotechnology and an Engineering Business minor. Jill's notable active roles in academia and  in the science and technology community, coupled with events like her participation in the forum, aide in answering the President Obama's call for all sectors of the nanotechnology community to come together as pillars and to continue to build and enforce nano-science and nanotechnologies.  

NExT provides students of diverse backgrounds a forum of which to learn, develop and grow in the dynamic and ever evolving cutting edge research and technologies field by spreading tech news, hosting seminar series, leading NASA lab tours, and working to create student alumni relationships. Started in Spring 2009, NExT was formed by UVa undergraduate Matthew Smith. Jill's recent participation in the White House Forum embodies the NExT club's vision:
NExT is devoted to raising awareness of current research and potential applications of nano and emerging technologies, building an interdisciplinary community of students interested in technologies of the future, facilitating interaction with faculty and industry, and promoting science and engineering innovation