Michelle is a thin film vacuum technician S04-E01 Talking Technicians

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Michelle is a thin-film vacuum technician, working in a niche but critical area of technology. She explains the unique demands of her job, the technical expertise required to succeed, and how she balances precision and creativity in her role. Michelle’s journey highlights the opportunities available in specialized fields for those willing to master them.

Show Notes

Michelle is a lead thin film vacuum technician at MKS Instruments at the Richardson Gratings Lab in Rochester, NY. Michelle started out working as an operator, then gained additional skills by enrolling in a vacuum technician certificate program at Normandale Community College. Hear Michelle’s story about how she took her career to the next level.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Normandale Community College Vacuum and Thin Film Program: https://www.normandale.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/vacuum-and-thin-film-technology/index.html

MKS Richardson Gratings: https://www.newport.com/b/richardson-gratings

This Podcast was originally published at:
https://talkingtechnicians.buzzsprout.com/1538071/13824742-s04-e01-michelle-is-a-thin-film-vacuum-technician

If you prefer to listen via YouTube:

 

The Making of an Intel Chip

Check out this captivating virtual journey deep into Intel’s cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities, where the technological engines driving our digital world are brought to life.

In this immersive experience, you can move around in a full 360 degrees (for most of the video it is worth moving your mouse around — high speed access and 4K is recommended, but not necessary). The video unveils the astonishing intricacies hidden within clean rooms that are 1,000 times cleaner than the most sterile hospital operating environments. Get an up-close view of the state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar machinery that is essential for crafting the microchips powering our modern era. And for the truly adventurous, take a virtual spin along the automated superhighways that whisk silicon wafers through this sprawling technological labyrinth. [Remember – you can drag your mouse left, right, up, down.]

Intel Newsroom Video via YouTube 2023

What makes this tour even more fascinating is Intel’s pivotal role in addressing the surging global demand for semiconductors. As our world continues to depend on technology, the demand for these microprocessors skyrockets. Intel, with its history and advanced manufacturing prowess, is positioned to meet the need for chips. 

As most MNT-EC Think Small readers know, the importance of ensuring a robust, sustainable, and secure semiconductor supply chain is paramount. To achieve this, in tandem with Intel and many other semiconductor manufacturers, we’re seeking to keep you updated on micro- nanotechnology programs across the USA with our community college partners (and we’re here to help them as they build new programs and need curriculum guidance and materials — if you are an educator or an administrator, you can learn more about our recent Intro to Nano Canvas course here). 

Intrigued by the latest in technology and its transformative potential? You can peruse our MNT site, of course. You can also visit the Intel Newsroom which shares groundbreaking technology news  covering developments in client computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data centers, and international news.