Partnerships between New Mexico Institutions for Nanoscience Education

Societies in the 21$^{st}$ century will most likely face severe scientific and technological challenges, such as the increasing energy and fresh water demands that will require interdisciplinary solutions. This raises the question how we as educators can provide our graduates with the skills they need to compete successfully in an increasingly global work force. The New Mexico Nanoscience Education Network (NMNEN) seeks to increase the number of students in New Mexico who have the knowledge and skills to participate in cutting-edge STEM research. NMNEN organizes professional development workshops and the network participants collaborate across departments, institutions, and organizations to identify nano(bio)science teaching themes that promote and emphasizes interdisciplinary education. The results of these efforts will show if it is possible to develop universal teaching modules that promote student learning in diverse college settings.