To share the excitement of making science on a tiny scale, the Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) participated in the Tennessee Maker Fest on October 4, hosted by the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University.
Guided by VINSE NanoGuides, festival attendees explored nanoscale fabrication through three hands-on demonstrations:
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What’s the Big Deal with Small Patterns?
A sweet introduction to photolithography: participants discovered how the “brains” of electronic devices are created with microscopic stencils, then mimicked the process by patterning their own edible chips using graham crackers, frosting, and sprinkles. -
Pencils to Prizes
Visitors produced single-atom-thick materials, just as Nobel Prize-winning researchers once did, using simple tape and pencil lead. They investigated how these ultra-thin materials interact with electricity and learned how engineers leverage their remarkable properties for new technologies. -
Nanoscientist Photo Op
Guests stepped into the role of a cleanroom researcher, learning why scientists wear specialized suits in controlled environments and capturing a keepsake photo with a VINSE cleanroom cut-out backdrop.
The TN Maker Fest brings together inventors, artists, engineers, and innovators with exhibits spanning robotics, fabrication, candle-making, and more.
Special thanks to the outstanding team of VINSE NanoGuide student volunteers whose enthusiasm made the day a success: Kauryn Datcher, Darby Heffer, Vikash Khokhar, Matthew Mims, Samuel Nimmer, Ke-Sean Peter, Emi Riglioni, Sarah Saleh, Gillian Vansciver, Chris Whittington, and Ryan Zhuo.