The mechanical engineering community may consider several lines of action. For instance, education and training might aim to give engineers a better understanding of phenomena and processes from the atomic, molecular, and macromolecular levels. Nanotechnology could be the subject of new sections in established mechanical engineering courses, of overview courses at all levels, and of continuing education and retraining programs. Not only does this suggest close collaboration of mechanical engineers with chemical, electrical, and biological counterparts, but also with physicists, chemists, and biologists. Biology, electronics, and other areas have already moved their research and education areas of focus to the nanoscale.
Mechanical engineering needs to do the same thing.
One can foresee significant rewards and challenges. Mechanical engineering has a wide net, from molecular thermodynamics, nanoparticles, nanostructured materials, and nanoelectro- mechanical systems to nanoscale interpretation of transport phenomena and solid mechanics. Research and education grant challenges in nanotechnology could give engineering, particularly mechanical engineering, an important role. Nobel Laureate Richard Smalley addressed the Senate Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space on May 12, 1999. There is sufficient information to aggressively address funding of this field.