NEW LAB WOULD AIM AT LOCALS.

Byline: Jim Skeen Staff Writer

PALMDALE - Palmdale, Lockheed Martin and the AERO Institute are looking to create a nanotechnology laboratory that would aid research and Antelope Valley efforts to ``homegrow'' engineers.

At its meeting on Monday night, the Palmdale City Council will consider providing $350,000 for the purchase of equipment for the laboratory. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company-Palmdale will provide the management of the laboratory at no cost.

The company also would use AERO Institute students to conduct research.

``Here's a way for local government to partner with the industry to hopefully retain and promote local jobs,'' said Mayor Jim Ledford. ``I think this is a good economic development proposal.''

Nanotechnology is the development of circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules. The technology could lead to creating devices such as sensors that are smaller and more efficiently packaged than today's sensors.

Lockheed Martin conducts research with a number of universities across the country. Among the universities the company targets in its recruiting is Purdue University, which began partnering with the AERO Institute last year to provide post-graduate education for engineers.

``We view it as very positive,'' said Lockheed Martin spokeswoman Dianne Knippel. ``It's a way to attract new talent.''

The AERO Institute, formed about two years ago, is a partnership composed of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base; the nonprofit California Space Grant Foundation; the California Space Grant Consortium, part of the NASA-sponsored National Space Grant Foundation with more than 800 affiliate colleges and universities; NASA Ames Research Center; and the California Space Institute of the University of California.

AERO - short for Aerospace Education Research Operations - evolved out of concerns over the lack of engineering and technical training opportunities in the Antelope Valley.

Under an agreement with the city of Palmdale, the institute is leasing 5,800 square feet of the courthouse, at Ninth Street East and Avenue Q, for $1 a year. The institute is responsible for its own maintenance and operations costs.

City officials hope the institute will not only enhance technology education, but will lead to economic development with projects from the region's aerospace industry.

The institute is working on programs aimed at inspiring kindergarten through high school students to pursue science, math and technical careers, as well as providing technical, undergraduate and graduate training. Since its creation, the institute has partnered with Purdue and the University of Southern California to provide master of science degree programs.

Jim Skeen, [phone]

james.skeen(at)dailynews.com