UTICA

While area colleges and universities are beginning to add programs in anticipation of the nanotechnology boom, a local high school is trying to get ahead, too.

As part of its $187.6 million capital project, the Utica City School District built a two-room nanotechnology lab at Thomas R. Proctor High School.

“(Superintendent Bruce) Karam really wanted to see us bring the students into the 21st century,” said school Principal Steven Falchi. “When the announcement was made, it was just a perfect fit.”

Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced GE and Austria-based AMS are going to open nanotechnology enterprises in Marcy. GE will be moving into the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. AMS is building a computer-chip manufacturing plant. Both hope to be in operation in 2017.

While Introduction to Nanotechnology began this school year, the rooms are still under construction and will be ready for use by fall of next school year. Then, there will also be a Microtechnology class.

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