By: Shehneela Mazhar
Led by PUAN alumnus, Dr. Habib, 29 enthusiastic female students and faculty members gathered at the Center for Advanced Electronics and Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE), IIU Islamabad for participating in second workshop under the Alumni Small Grant, titled “US-Funded Workshops for Exposure of High School Students to Nanotechnology for Sustainable Energy in Pakistan.” This momentous event marked a significant step towards empowering the future leaders of nanotechnology in Pakistan.
The workshop was made possible through a powerful partnership between the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). The collaboration aimed to provide these young minds with valuable exposure to the world of nanotechnology and its applications in sustainable energy.
Representing various science and engineering backgrounds, the participants hailed from four prestigious institutions: Askaria School and College Rawalpindi, Kaiynaat School Islamabad, The Noor School Rawalpindi, and OPF School Islamabad. The diverse group brought a wealth of knowledge and curiosity to the table.
Throughout the full-day workshop, the students were fully engaged in a series of hands-on, scientific fun activities facilitated by state-of-the-art equipment. From designing and simulating electronic devices to exploring solar panel measurements, they delved into Pakistan’s energy requirements and the possibilities offered by nanotechnology.
The activities included intriguing tasks such as Standard Solar Cell Evaluation via Solar Simulator, X-rays of Semiconductors, Temperature Dependence of Devices, Purification of Gold in Aqua Regia, and even the Observation of a Human Hair under Scanning Electron Microscope. The students’ excitement and passion for learning were evident throughout the event.
Expressing their gratitude to the event organizers, the participants eagerly looked forward to future opportunities for nanotechnology training and exploration. This workshop not only enriched their understanding of scientific concepts but also ignited their curiosity to explore further into this cutting-edge field.
At PUAN, we are committed to nurturing and empowering the youth of Pakistan. By providing them with platforms like this transformative workshop, we aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and sustainable progress in the country.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the U.S. Mission and all those who contributed to making this workshop a resounding success. Together, we pave the way for a brighter, sustainable future driven by the power of knowledge and passion for science.
