Global Glass “University”: E-learning from International Experts

International Materials Institute on Novel Functionality in Glass (IMI-NFG)

Himanshu Jain, Lehigh University and C. Pantano, Penn State, DMR 0409588

International scientists share their expertise

Few institutions in US or abroad can offer more than a basic course on glass science. Tapping into the world’s leading glass experts, the IMI-NFG has been developing a large library of video-based tutorials and advanced lectures on glass. These educational resources are all available on-line from our new streaming video server site. Our “university” is an enabling force for expanding new opportunities and applications for glass through sharing knowledge across diverse technical communities.

Highlights of our current library include:120 lectures currently videotaped – most are available any time on streaming video at our IMI-NFG website More than 28 specialists and visiting lecturers, from 14 countries spanning 5 continentsTutorial and advanced topics - appropriate for the student, science educator and glass professional Bringing the best of the world’s expertise to all interested in glass

To experience our Global Glass University, browse the resources on our website at www.lehigh.edu/imi. Above image captures the multimedia format used for most

videos - merging audio, video and slides with bookmarks for easy navigation.

Associate Professor K. Miura at Kyoto University in Japan uses one of the 39 lectures from the Optical & Photonic Glass Course by Professor Rui Almeida (Portugal) to explain IR vibrational modes to two graduate students. This course is available on DVD or streaming video.

Outreach to General Public: Conveying Science and Technology through Glass Art

International Materials Institute on Novel Functionality in Glass (IMI-NFG)

Himanshu Jain, Lehigh University and C. Pantano, Penn State, DMR 0409588

Pennsylvania Glass Trail

From left to right: Map showing the PA Glass Trail, glass-making demonstrations by IMI members at GoggleWorks and local map of Bethlehem, PA representing the International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass in Lehigh University as the last stop of the PA Glass Trail.

The International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass is partnering with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to offer scientific and technical understanding of glass through lecture presentations and demonstrations. During the open house on April 14, 2007, IMI-NFG participated through the lecture presentations entitled “Geeky Glass: Modern Technology Enabled by an Ancient Medium” by Ph.D. students Joseph Ryan, Nick Smith, and Adam Stevenson from Penn State University respectively. It is about the science of glass and how it is being used in technology today.

Furthermore, IMI-NFG invited and sponsored internationally-known glass artist, Ioannis Michalooudis who also delivered a lecture presentation called “Aer()sculptures” in the same location which is the first-of-its-kind art form using the sculptural media of controlled steam and aerogels--- the lightest solid material on earth made out of 99.9% air and 0.1% glass.

Outreach to General Public: Conveying Science and Technology through Glass Art

International Materials Institute on Novel Functionalities in Glass (IMI-NFG) Himanshu Jain, Lehigh University and C. Pantano, Penn State DMR 0409588

Aerogel Sculptures: Glass Technology Inspires a New Art Form

Dr. Ioannis Michaloudis with Dr. Steven Jones at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA on February 2005 showing the aerogel used by STARDUST is specially manufactured at JPL of NASA.

Due to its exceptional physical properties including extraordinary insulating properties with regard to thermal, electrical and acoustic energy transfers, aerogels are remarkable materials that fascinate researchers and space engineers and now a visual artist. After being used by NASA in various space experiments to capture cosmic dust, aerogels became, for the first time, the object of sculptural research.

The International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass in partnership with ArtsLehigh of Lehigh University sponsored Dr. Ioannis Michaloudis’ visit to the US on April 14-24, 2007 to deliver various lecture presentations on “aerogel sculptures” along with a talk at the Broughal Middle School, a NASA Explorer School, and public lectures at Lehigh University and Penn State University. He is also one of the speakers at the recently-concluded International Workshop on Scientific Challenges on New Functionalities in Glass held at Key Bridge Marriott in Washington DC where he showcased his one-of-a-kind immaterial and ethereal sculptures.

Dr. Ioannis Michaloudis using laser on an aerogel sculpture.

Images of aerogel sculptures created by Dr. Michaloudis.