Billie Copley, LinkedIn Profile
- AAS in Nanoscience technology from Dakota County Technical College;
- BS in Project Management from Minnesota State University – Moorehead
Location: Arkansas, United States
Hostile Takeover: You have probably heard the term, which refers to when one business takes over another by less-than-honorable means, as most would understand.
* * *
This is a “Friendly Takeover” of MNT-EC Center Manager Billie Copley’s usual Notes column, by me, the site editor. 😂 For the past few months, Billie has written about others. The leadership team here felt it was a good time to lift up someone reluctant to be in the spotlight, pun intended. You can read the other MNT-EC “Partner Spotlights” I have linked below.
As one of the two main leaders with daily responsibility for this national center, alongside Center Director Dr. Jared Ashcroft, Billie often talks about how to reach people, lift up others associated with this grant, and highlight its work to serve students, families, educators, and the industry surrounding both.
“Billie Copley is the heart and soul of MNT-EC. She is responsible for keeping MNT-EC running and organizing the different focus group teams. She is a joy to work with and provides a much needed perspective on grant activities.”
Dr. Jared Ashcroft, MNT-EC Center Director
A bit of background may help you understand her service mindset: She was recently promoted to full mentor status at Mentor-Connect, exemplifying dedication and passion for nanoscience and education. Her journey to a leading mentor in Mentor-Connect showcases her commitment to fostering growth and excellence within the ATE community, specifically to educators applying for their grant funding. She also does this directly within the MNT-EC community along with Mel Cossette, Greg Kepner, and Esperanza Zenon. To learn more, head over to the MNT-EC Mentoring page.
Billie’s career in nanoscience began at Nano-Link, where she served as the Nanoscience Lab Manager at Dakota County Technical College. Under the guidance of leaders like Deb Newberry, Billie thrived in the collaborative and innovative environment that defines the ATE community. Her role at Nano-Link partly shaped her professional ethos, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, hands-on learning, and community engagement.
During her tenure at Nano-Link, Billie managed complex projects and fostered a supportive learning environment for students. Her dedication and innovative approach to education earned her recognition and opened new growth opportunities. In 2011, Billie attended her first HI-TEC meeting, experiencing the collaborative spirit of the ATE network firsthand. In that same year, she attended ATE-PI as a student and earned a student of excellence award for her work.
“Billie Copley is the glue that holds MNT-EC together. Billie works hard to keep the team on task while preparing the annual report and balancing duties with other working group teams. She always shows her gratitude and respect for other team members.”
Greg Kepner, Co-PI MNT-EC; PI of NavigATE
When asked about her reasons for becoming a mentor, she expressed that it has always been part of her life and mindset. “I love learning from my mentors and using that knowledge daily. So, I like to give that back to other people. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mentor, so I feel privileged to help others achieve their goals, whether writing a grant proposal, writing a paper for J ATE, or helping students navigate life. I mentor in my personal life as well. I am mentoring a young man who wants to earn his Project Management degree and take the PMP certification exam. It’s amazing to watch a person’s confidence grow under your direction. It is very fulfilling.”
Note: The Mentor-Connect initiative is led by some of the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program’s most experienced and successful Principal Investigators (PIs) and mentors. They recently elevated Billie to a Full Mentor, entrusting her with projects and participants across the program.
Transitioning to her current role as Center Manager at MNT-EC, Billie brought a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing nanoscience education. Her leadership at MNT-EC has been marked by strategic project management, and her commitment to mentoring has already been mentioned. Her professional development from lab manager at Nano-Link to a key figure at MNT-EC highlights her dedication to continuous learning and her ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic and sometimes challenging environments. Billie views the ATE as more than a community; to her, it’s a vibrant support system that has been instrumental in her development.
Since her introduction to the community in 2010, Billie has benefited from its collaborative spirit and now actively contributes to helping others navigate their educational and professional paths, particularly in crafting successful grant proposals. She advises realism in project planning and understanding the constraints of time and resources to make a meaningful impact. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of detail and clarity in navigating technicalities successfully.
“Billie is a tremendous asset to MNT-EC. I’ve had the fortune to work with her on outreach-related activities, and Billie has been a consistent source of insight and sensibility. Her levels of organization and dedication set a high bar for all of us to aspire to.”
— Tiffany Kimoto | Executive Director | The Kavli Nanoscience Institute, Caltech
Billie’s life is filled with creativity and adventure outside her professional roles. From gardening and woodworking to rock hunting and crystal mining, she embraces activities that involve nature and using her hands. An avid motorcyclist, Billie is rekindling her passion for riding, embracing the freedom it offers. These personal interests not only add depth to her character but also provide a unique perspective to her professional endeavors, making her a relatable figure in the ATE community.
As Billie continues her role at MNT-EC, Mentor-Connect, and within her local community, she will shape the future of many aspiring professionals and enrich the ATE community. Her story is one of continuous learning, teaching, and giving back—a true testament to the power of community and mentorship.
Reach out to Billie and the entire MNT-EC Leadership team here.
Below are the other three Spotlights mentioned above.
