On March 31, IGNITE students from two public primary schools in Radom and Kałuszyn in Poland participated in a virtual event with Ms. Anna Krzyżanowska, Specialist at the Teknologisk Institut (Technology Institute) in Denmark. Anna works as a scientist and electronic engineer in the Nanotechnology and Microanalysis Center.
Ms. Anna was fascinated by technology as a young girl, but at school she preferred humanistic subjects, especially history. Thanks to a passionate math teacher, Anna discovered that STEM is very interesting because it explains how the universe works. She originally wanted to be a doctor, but after experiencing a car accident, she realized that her dream was to help people in a wider way, so she began to study electronics. There were only few girls in her program she and often faced unpleasant comments from her professors. She discovered that being a woman who studied a subject people thought was meant only for boys was a huge asset, because she would had a completely different approach to the field.
Ms. Anna displayed pictures showing how small objects used in nanotechnology are, tiny compared to something as small as a human hair.
Anna also shared that nanotechnology can be a more sustainable replacement for plastic Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). PCB are stiff, heavy green boards necessary for all electronic machines to work. Nanotechnology uses copper or silver ink printed directly on thin plastic or organic layers, which are flexible, light, and more ecological. Such printed electronics may be used in solar panels, the automotive industry, transportation, agriculture, medicine, and in the space sector. Printed electronics are also crucial for the IoT (Internet of Things).
During the coronavirus pandemic, virus detectors have been created through nanotechnology. We also use nanotechnology in clothes that measure blood pressure and other biological information.
The main benefits of nanotechnology are: low production costs, attractive and flexible shape, and ease of integration, facilitating the broad development of unconventional functional electronic devices including flexible displays, smart labels, animated posters, and active clothing. Nanotechnology is elastic, ultra-thin, and reliable, in addition to its reduced environmental impact and energy savings.
Anna concluded the event by saying that, even though she is a timid and introverted person, she was able to achieve success, so students can too.
We would like to thank Ms. Anna Krzyżanowska for the amazing event and sharing her fascinating story. Special thanks to Ms. Katarzyna Kwiecień and Ms. Krystyna Wasiluk, who coordinated the group and encouraged girls, and as always we would like to thank IGNITE CEO and Founder Cathi Rodgveller for her constant support.
After attending this event:
91%
of students are more interested in STEM
91%
of students want to continue attending IGNITE events
67%
of students want to study harder to attend college and further their education
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“You are a very inspiring person and you have shown me that STEM isn’t boring at all.” – 7th grade
“What interested me the most was that nanotechnology has many applications. I enjoyed the quiz at the end of the meeting.” – 7th grade
“I admire you!” – 6th grade
“Nanotechnology is fascinating.” – 7th grade
“Nanotechnology is the future.” – 6th grade
“We can use nanotechnology in so many fields.” – 6th grade