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NSF SCENE Center

The Scene Center
The Southeastern Coalition for Engagement and Exchange in Nanotechnology Education (The SCENE)

Southeastern Coalition for Engagement and Exchange logoThe SCENE is a Louis Stokes Regional Center of Excellence funded by National Science Foundation (NSF). The mission of The SCENE is to be an effective network for the dissemination of instructional and training materials that support pathways into Nanotechnology careers. The SCENE further promotes inclusivity through its efforts to reach underrepresented populations in STEM fields. The SCENE is an effective network for implementation and dissemination of education and training products and services for diverse student populations in STEM disciplines. The core institutions - Norfolk State University (NSU), Pennsylvania State University (PSU), and Tidewater Community College (TCC) -have demonstrated records of accomplishment toward the goal of engaging under-served communities and populations. The partnering institutes are National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center (NASA-LaRC), Jefferson National Research Laboratory Applied Research Center (JLab-ARC), and Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Products and services at The SCENE support the goal of increasing participation and contributions of underrepresented populations in nanoscience and engineering.

Major goals

  • Expose and engage underrepresented populations to nanoscience and technology related activities and products;
  • Encourage the participation of underrepresented students in nanoscience and technology related graduate education and careers;
  • Develop and disseminate educational materials and other products to promote nanoscience and technology engagement and education;
  • Nurture a grow a diverse coalition of institutional partners to aid in the attainment of goals for this project; and
  • Employ an aggressive program of assessment and evaluation to realize continuous improvement and optimized strategies for success.

Major activities

  • Nanotechnology Training and Research Program
  • Technical Conference and Seminar
  • Professional Development Seminar
  • Information Dissemination and Outreach

Learn more about SCENE

2024 Summer Internship Program 

  • 3-week semiconductor processing technology training course
  • Hands-on activities in cleanroom
  • $3,000 stipend
  • Travel, meal, housing allowances
  • Date: Jun 3 – 28, 2024
  • Place: Norfolk State University

​Learn more about Summer Reach for Undergraduates