Towards a Sustainable Approach to Nanotechnology by Integrating Life Cycle Assessment into the Undergraduate Engineering Curriculum

Authors

  • Dmitry I. Kopelevich University of Florida
  • Kirk J. Ziegler University of Florida
  • Angela S. Lindner University of Florida
  • Jean-Claude J. Bonzongo University of Florida

Abstract

Because rapid growth of nanotechnology is expected to lead to intentional and non- intentional releases, future engineers will need to minimize negative environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials. We developed two upper-level undergraduate courses centered on life- cycle assessment of nanomaterials. The first part of the course sequence introduces students to nanomaterial synthesis and applications, while the second part focuses on potential risks and life- cycle assessment of nanotechnology. The courses were assessed by a series of knowledge surveys which demonstrated a continuous improvement of students’ awareness of various life cycle stages of nanomaterials.

Author Biographies

Dmitry I. Kopelevich, University of Florida

Dmitry I. Kopelevich is an associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Florida. He received his B. S. in applied mathematics from the Kuban State University (Russia) and a dual Ph.D. in chemical engineering and mathematics from the University of Notre Dame. His research interests include molecular modeling of interactions between manufactured nanoparticles and biomembranes.

Kirk J. Ziegler, University of Florida

Kirk J. Ziegler is an associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Florida. He received his B. S. in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include interfacial phenomena, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.

Angela S. Lindner, University of Florida

Angela S. Lindner is an associate professor of environmental engineering sciences and associate dean for Students' Affairs in the College of Engineering at the University of Florida. She received her B.S. in chemistry from The College of Charleston and Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Michigan. Her research interests include the investigation of production, disposal, and beneficial uses of different commercial products within the life cycle assessment framework.

Jean-Claude J. Bonzongo, University of Florida

Jean-Claude J. Bonzongo is an associate professor of environmental engineering sciences at the University of Florida. He received his Ph.D. in environmental chemistry and microbiology from the University of Rennes 1 (France). His research interests include the environmental fate and impacts of ENMs.

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Published

2012-04-01

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 2 (2012): Spring 2012

Section

Manuscripts