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| Anil Rao says that nano science is likely to be the most important technological science of the 21st century. |
Interest in nano science has grown substantially over the past few years due to advances in molecular nano technology.
But what exactly does that mean?
Nano technology is the ability to create working machines using
microscopic materials. This type of ground-breaking science has been
talked about since the 80s, but only now is it being discussed in the
mainstream media, says Metro State Biology Professor Anil Rao. Rao
recently co-authored and illustrated a textbook, Introduction to Nano Science, which already is being used by the Colorado School of Mines.
“It’s fun to have a book that people can (use to) learn about nano
science,” Rao says. “It’s likely to be the most important scientific
and technological science in the 21st century.”
However, Metro State does not have a department dedicated to nano
science nor any related classes to the field. Rao predicts that within
five years the College should start offering nano science courses, and
have a dedicated department in the next 10 years.
He adds that with the newly constructed Auraria Science Building,
the number of classes will drastically increase due to the new
technologies that will be available to students.
“In the long run, the new science building was needed because of how fast molecular technology changes,” he says.
Rao adds that Metro State has needed a science building for the past
10 years, which is a while for someone who is going on his 19th
year as a professor at the College. Rao was an MD at Denver’s National
Jewish Hospital as a lung physiologist and researcher before beginning
his teaching career.
He has brought innovative teaching tools into the classroom by
creating digital illustrations in his anatomy and physiology classes,
which are used by many professors nationwide, says LAS Associate Dean
and Biology Professor Clare Hays, adding that she is a better teacher
because of the effectiveness of Rao’s illustrations.
“He’s wearing the Metro hat when other professors ask to use his
digital illustrations,” Hays says. “He’s nationally renowned because of
them.”
