NSF-funded workshop offered for educators

Science teachers in grades 6-12 can learn how microwaves interact with metals and other materials and get firsthand experience testing how materials hold up under stress, at a free National Science Foundation-funded workshop at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in December.

The three-day hybrid workshop is led by Dr. Hadi Noori, assistant professor of engineering. The National Science Foundation is also providing a $250 stipend to help offset participation costs, including travel and lodging for the in-person session. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 20.

Participants will build their understanding of how electromagnetic waves, particularly microwaves, interact with different materials. They will also gain theoretical knowledge and direct experience measuring mechanical properties, including tension, compression and creep testing. The goal is to help teachers bring innovative materials science concepts into their classrooms and to strengthen students’ engagement with STEM fields, particularly advanced manufacturing.

“This is a unique opportunity for secondary science teachers to learn cutting-edge science firsthand,” Noori said. “They’ll leave with hands-on experience they can turn into classroom activities that show students what advanced manufacturing looks like.”

The workshop includes two online sessions via Zoom from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, and Wednesday, Dec. 16. The in-person session is from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Pitt-Bradford.

Noori’s research is supported by a three-year, $400,000 NSF grant to develop a new manufacturing process that uses microwaves to bond various kinds of metal. The method is possibly up to 100 times faster than traditional welding and far more energy-efficient, and it could have applications in extreme environments such as space.

Registration is first come, first served, and space is limited. To register, visit pitt-bradford.org/microwaves.

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