Barbara Herr Harthorn, a master of interdisciplinary studies and a UCSB women’s studies professor, combines gender, race, class and media issues - all under the umbrella of nanotechnology.

Harthorn’s multifaceted approach to science has earned her the 2008 American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow honors.

…Harthorn’s group conducts qualitative interviews with nanotechnology experts to assess the potential risks of the field. To determine the consequences, the group asked questions about the conceptions of the nanotechnology field, lab practices, the handling of nanomaterials and the ways in which scientists view society and societal interests.

“My group is also doing work on modes for effective public participation in new technology research and development,” Harthorn said.

Read the full article here.