SAS front matter

Recent advances in both technology and science of novel materials have provided the means to study, understand, control, or even manipulate transitional characteristics between isolated atoms and molecules, and bulk materials. Various novel nanoscale materials, devices, and systems with remarkable properties have recently been developed, exhibiting numerous unique applications in chemical and biological sensors, nanophotonics, and in-vivo analysis of cellular processes. Such developments, especially in the last decade, has seeded sector specific focus in areas viz. defense, energy, communication, computing, materials production, textile, health care and medicine. Notwithstanding such advances, perpetual increase in population and thus consumption of fossil fuels has led to increased pollution worldwide a leading contributor to chronic and deadly health disorders and diseases affecting millions of people each year, hence sustainability. The presentation will provide an overview of nanotechnology based sensors with applications in national security and environmental pollution sensing and monitoring. Biographical sketch Prof. Vaseashta received PhD from Virginia Polytechnic Institute ad State University, Blacksburg, VA in 1990. Presently, he is Director of Institute of Advanced Sciences Convergence and Professor and Director of research at the Nanomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratories, Graduate Program in Physical Sciences at Marshall University. In 2007-08, he was detailed to the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the US Department of State working with Office of Weapons of mass Destruction and Terrorism and Foreign Consequence Management Program. He also holds visiting Professor position at the 3 Nano-SAE Research Centre, University of Bucharest, Romania. His current research interests include nanostructured materials for development of chemical-bio sensors; environmental pollution monitoring, detecting and remediation; and green technology. He is one of the leading researchers in the field of Green Nanotechnology. He authored over 200 research publications, edited/authored three books on nanotechnology, presented many keynote and invited lectures worldwide, served as Director of two NATO Advanced Study Institutes and co-chair of an International Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST, and ANSI delegation to the U.K. representing the U.S. position on Standards in Nanotechnologies at the inaugural meeting of the ISO/TAG to TC-229. He is a member of NATO-SET-040, an exploratory team panel investigating security and surveillance applications of nanotechnology. He serves as an expert counsel to UNESCO and to the South East European Consortium on NANO-Science and Technologies. He is an active member of several national and international professional organizations. He has earned several fellowships and awards for his meritorious service including 2004/2005 Distinguished Artist and Scholar award.