Cornell Nanoscale Science and Technology Facility
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life at CNF combines the intensity of cutting-edge research with the collaborative culture that distinguishes open-access facilities. The clean room operates 24 hours daily, accommodating users whose experimental schedules demand continuous access. Researchers from different institutions work side by side, creating informal communities that share techniques and troubleshoot challenges. This collaborative environment accelerates learning, as users benefit from collective expertise that exceeds what any single research group could develop. The technical staff serves as a crucial resource, with process engineers who have developed deep expertise through years of supporting diverse research programs. The facility occupies purpose-built space on Cornell's engineering campus, providing approximately 15,000 square feet of clean room space along with offices, training facilities, and common areas. Visiting researchers access campus amenities including libraries, recreation facilities, and dining options. Graduate student housing options serve extended visits, while short-term visitors utilize university guest housing. The broader Ithaca community offers natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a quality of life that makes extended research stays appealing. CNF's location on a major research university campus provides intellectual stimulation beyond the facility itself, with seminars, conferences, and informal interactions that enrich the research experience.
Location & Surroundings
The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility is located on Cornell University's campus in Ithaca, New York. Situated in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Ithaca offers a distinctive college town environment surrounded by spectacular natural beauty including gorges, waterfalls, and state parks. The campus itself sits on a hill overlooking Cayuga Lake, providing scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Despite its rural setting, Ithaca maintains strong connections to research centers and industry. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport provides regional connections, while Syracuse and Rochester airports offer broader options within reasonable driving distance. The region's lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas makes extended research stays more affordable. Cornell's campus provides comprehensive amenities for visitors and researchers, including housing, dining, recreation, and cultural events. The collaborative atmosphere of a major research university, combined with the natural environment, creates an appealing setting for intensive research work.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Students trained at CNF achieve exceptional outcomes across academia and industry. The fabrication skills developed through CNF research create career advantages in fields where nanoscale capabilities are essential. Alumni occupy faculty positions at research universities worldwide, leading groups that advance nanoscale science and often establishing collaborations that bring their students back to CNF. Industry career paths lead to semiconductor manufacturers, biotechnology companies, and the growing ecosystem of startups commercializing nanotechnology. The CNF credential signals sophisticated technical training that employers value highly. Semiconductor companies including Intel, IBM, and TSMC recruit actively from institutions with strong nanofabrication programs, recognizing that clean room experience provides essential preparation for process engineering roles. Startup founders with CNF backgrounds bring technical credibility that supports fundraising and team building. The facility maintains an alumni network that facilitates career connections, with former users often providing opportunities for current researchers. The combination of technical skills, collaborative experience, and problem-solving capabilities developed at CNF prepares researchers for leadership in technology-intensive fields.
Campus Location
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