Outreach efforts in the alliance for nonlinear optics

The Alliance for Nonlinear Optics is a group of seven faculty at five universities who are working together to develop and test nonlinear optical materials. Each school has its own approach to outreach. In general the group has worked with the academic departments to supplement the departmental efforts. Some of the programs are formal, such as the Visiting Scientist Program at New Mexico Highlands University. Others are informal, such as the faculty efforts to interact informally with the high schools in Puerto Rico. One effort that has been successful is Discovery Day or Science Day, a special day when high school students from around the state are invited to the university for programs in science and engineering. This program has become so popular that it will have to be offered twice this year to meet the demand. Students have been very successful in putting on a chemical magic show in area elementary schools.