A Publication of
the University
of New Mexico
Foundation, Inc.
| The University of New Mexico |
|
A Publication of the University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc. |
 |
 |
|
The University of New Mexico and the Public Service Company of New Mexico Foundation have created an endowed chair for microsystems, commercialization and technology. The UNM Foundation honored the PNM Foundation for its long commitment to the University during a University House reception. Funded with $750,000 from the PNM Foundation and $750,000 in state matching funds in 1985, the chair rotated among various colleges and schools on a semester-by-semester basis. The endowment now has grown to more than $2 million. Under the new agreement, the PNM Chair in Microsystems, Commercialization and Technology will support a faculty member in the Anderson Schools of Management (ASM) and the School of Engineering (SOE) to help foster the microsystems industry in New Mexico. "The primary focus of the PNM foundation is education, not only for its own sake, but with a goal of developing an economic climate that will offer talented New Mexicans a reason to stay here," remarks Barbara Barsky, president of the PNM Foundation. "We are proud to have our name on this chair and to help foster the microsystems industry in New Mexico by providing for its study at UNM." Reception guest Dan Hartley, chairman-elect, Next Generation Economy Initiative, says, "This chair is going to help create 10,000 jobs. Albuquerque has about six microsystems companies now. That number should grow by two or three a year." Microsystems are tiny machines-about as big as the width of a strand of hair-that can think, move, sense and communicate in microscopic environments. Uses range from automobile air bags to high-resolution computer printers. Future applications might include self-repairing smart wiring for aircraft and space vehicles or entire blood labs on a chip the size of a business card. Deans Howard L. Smith, ASM, and Joseph Cecchi, SOE, agree that the joint appointment for the two schools offers UNM a unique advantage with great economic development potential for New Mexico. The joint appointment provides enhanced opportunities for both faculty and students by offering new courses that incorporate technological and commercialization issues, new research and possible "clinical" involvement in actual commercialization activities. "The business community sees us (ASM) as a great business school, " Smith says. "This chair will help us grow a unique program that is known worldwide. This chair will provide a bridge between the departments, the labs and the community as a whole." Cecchi adds, "We see this as a way of focusing on the complex interrelationship of how technology is developed and then commercialized. The partnership will afford students an opportunity to be acquainted with the way things really work." Focus on the unique capabilities of Sandia National Laboratories, a world leader in microsystems, and other companies make New Mexico one of the nation's leaders in microsystems technology. Smith asserts that the PNM partnership assures that graduates will emerge with the skill set needed to create successful business enterprises in the New Economy.
UNM
Foundation Inc. 505-277-4503 Copyright
© 2006 The University of New Mexico. |
Winter 2002
|
