René Overney
2006 Catalyst Article
With the exception of teaching mass transfer (CHEM E 435) in the fall, Dr. Overney took a break after eight years at the University of Washington. During this sabbatical year, he enjoyed the change of pace by traveling around and spending several extended stays at the University of Basel (Switzerland). He also took the opportunity to attend additional conferences and workshops that the busy teaching schedule does not generally accommodate.
At the University of Basel, he was exposed to several interesting research projects in nanoscience. Two projects, one called the “artificial nose” with an analyte sensitivity well below 1 ppm, and the other one, a fast biomolecular recognition scheme, are continued here at the UW in collaboration with University of Basel and IBM Rüschlikon (Switzerland).
One other aspect of Dr. Overney’s sabbatical was to reflect on nanoscience and nanotechnology as a truly educational program. He engaged four institutions worldwide, from Israel, Switzerland, Japan, and the U.S., into developing a plan on how to take on a sustainable nanoscience educational program. He also took the lead on a proposal to NSF in developing a campus-wide awareness program in nanotechnology at the freshman and sophomore level at UW.
