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Minnesota Nano Center

The Minnesota Nano Center, or MNC, is a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and applied nanotechnology.

The Center offers a comprehensive set of tools to help researchers develop new micro- and nanoscale devices, such as integrated circuits, advanced sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and microfluidic systems. The MNC is also equipped to support nanotechnology research that spans many science and engineering fields, allowing advances in areas as diverse as cell biology, high performance materials, and biomedical device engineering.

Have a Project?

The tools and labs of the Nano Center are open for use by all trained and qualified users. We also do custom projects in the areas of microdevices, nanoparticles, and biomedical applications of nanotechnology.

Contact us and find out how we can help you realize your research goals or turn your ideas into new products.

Nano Center News

Dr. Sarah Swisher Named New Director of the Minnesota Nano Center

sarah swisher standing in a lab smiling. Sarah is wearing a red long sleeve shirt and black pants

We’re pleased to announce that Dr. Sarah Swisher has been appointed Director of the Minnesota Nano Center. Dr. Swisher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Science and Engineering. She has been part of the University of Minnesota since 2015 and most recently served as MNC’s Associate Director for Research Advancement since Fall of 2024. With her expertise in flexible electronics, wearable sensors, and nanomanufacturing, along with her commitment to building a strong semiconductor workforce pipeline and inspiring the next generation, Dr. Swisher brings visionary leadership to the Center at an exciting time for nanoscience and technology.

 

Join MNC Staff at the Coffee Hour!

The Nano Center hosts a coffee hour for current and potential users on the first Tuesday of each month. These informal drop-in sessions offer MNC users the chance to meet with the staff of the Nano Center and discuss their projects or get pointers on using our nanofabrication tools. The Coffee Hour is held 2-3 PM in room PAN 130.  See you there!

 

 

Take the Nano Center Video Tour!

Nano Center Newsletters

New Tool and Lab Additions

Acknowledgment of NSF and NNCI

Published papers must acknowledge all sources of financial support. Since MNC receives funds from the National Science Foundation through the NNCI network, MNC users must acknowledge that support on all publications and presentations. Our funding is jeopardized unless everyone complies, so please add the following to your acknowledgement sections:

“Portions of this work were conducted in the Minnesota Nano Center, which is supported by the National Science Foundation through the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) under Award Number ECCS-2025124."

In circumstances where there is insufficient space for this entire acknowledgement, please be sure to mention "Award Number ECCS-2025124" at a minimum.