Through the IDEAL Center’s Cultural Conservation and Nanotechnology program, students learn to apply innovative methods to preserve art and cultural heritage. Headed by Professors James Ferri (chemical engineering) and Diane Ahl (art), the program includes courses in chemistry, conservation history, and art, as well as hands-on workshops. In the summer, the team trains with scientists at the Research Center for Colloids and Nanoscience (CSGI) at the University of Florence, who have pioneered cutting-edge technologies for painting conservation.