Student Success: An Interview with Ishan Jha

Ishan Jha: Engineering a Future in Technology and AI

Ishan Jha, a passionate and driven 9th grader in Fullerton, California, is making remarkable strides in technology and artificial intelligence. From a young age, Ishan’s curiosity and ambition have led him to impactful experiences, including participating in the MNT-CURN program at Pasadena City College (PCC). His story demonstrates the transformative opportunities available to students through community colleges and innovative programs.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Hi! My name is Ishan Jha, and I am a 9th grader in Fullerton, California. I’ve been interested in technology for as long as I can remember. I coded my first app at just six years old—a chatbot with pre-scripted responses. As I grew older, I became fascinated by artificial intelligence, and I’ve been exploring how to apply my knowledge to make a real difference in advanced fields.

What brought you to Pasadena City College, and what are you studying?

I joined PCC through the MNT-CURN program while I was in 8th grade. I had no exposure to technologies like semiconductors at the time, and neither did my peers. The program offered a unique opportunity to learn about chip design and key concepts in the field. Initially, I felt uncertain because everything was new to me, but Dr. Jared Ashcroft inspired all of us to embrace the challenge. Through this program, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge, met amazing people, and visited exciting places.

Academic and Career Goals

What are your academic and career goals?

Last summer, I discovered a strong interest in mathematics, particularly its applications in artificial intelligence. Since then, I’ve studied extensively through OpenCourseWare, textbooks, and online resources. I plan to attend college and pursue a career in the software or AI industry.

How has your experience at Pasadena City College influenced or shaped your goals?

The MNT-CURN program at PCC has been life-changing. It introduced me to the semiconductor industry and sparked my interest in research, especially in nanotechnology. I’m now exploring the potential of digital twins and AI in this field. The program has given me confidence that I can find the people and resources to support my learning journey.

Experience at the Community College

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time here so far?

One of the most rewarding experiences was visiting a semiconductor fabrication plant during the MNT-CURN program. We created a digital twin of the fab, integrating VR and an AI-powered assistant, and even presented our research at Caltech and the TechConnect conference in Washington, D.C. The teamwork and exposure to diverse perspectives were invaluable.

While in the START program, here’s a short list:

  • I went on tours of a semiconductor fabrication plant, where I looked at all the machines there and learned about their functions.
  • I learned about chip design and designed a chip digitally.
  • Along with the community college students there, we created a semiconductor fab digital twin.
  • Part of a VR simulation where users could participate in photolithography.
  • Integrated artificial intelligence with an LLM-powered assistant.
  • Presented our research at Caltech and at the TechConnect conference in Washington D.C.
  • Participated in a government roundtable at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with government officials from various departments and offices of the federal government. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight?

A memorable experience was going to Washington D.C with the MNT-CURN team. I met so many new people there and it was my first time visiting the east coast. I met with people from four federal agencies (DoD, NSF, DOC and DOL) as well as professors and students like me who were presenting their research! What I value most about these amazing experiences is gaining exposure to the way the entire community is working so hard together to address current and future national priorities with new ideas. It was a great joy to work with Dr. Ashcroft who led this program. 

Challenges and Overcoming Them

What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Balancing project work with team members’ was challenging, because people have different schedules. We overcame this by planning meetings effectively and staying organized. Dr. Ashcroft created a very supportive environment and others motivated me to keep pushing forward.

Involvement and Activities

Are you involved in any clubs or extracurricular activities?

Yes, I started an AI club in 8th grade to fill a gap in opportunities at my school. It was challenging but rewarding to create a plan for 33 weekly sessions, develop interactive presentations, and invite industry experts to speak.

How have these activities contributed to your growth?

These activities taught me essential skills, such as connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, organizing events, and improving my public speaking. They’ve also strengthened my passion for technology and AI.

Connection to the Community

How has your time at PCC connected you to the broader community?

The MNT-CURN program has made me aware of the critical issues in the semiconductor industry and how collaborative efforts address them. It’s incredible to feel part of a national initiative to bring semiconductor production back to America.

Have you participated in any community outreach programs?

Ishan and students at TechConnect in DC

I’ve participated in events like the Student AI Convening and the Future Leaders Conference, where I shared my experiences in AI and inspired others to explore this field.

Advice for Other Students

What advice would you give to prospective students considering attending Pasadena City College?

Take full advantage of the opportunities at PCC, especially programs like MNT-CURN (or the new AT3 program). The resources and support from faculty can open doors to research and career growth.

What resources or support systems have been most helpful?

The faculty and mentors in the program have been my most significant resources. Their encouragement and guidance have kept me engaged and motivated throughout my journey.

Reflection and Future Plans

Looking back, how have your experiences at PCC prepared you for the future?

The START program has given me a glimpse into graduate-level research and what it means to be a leader and to serve the community. These experiences have shaped my appreciation for collaboration and innovation.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend college and continue exploring my interests in mathematics, AI, and technology. My time at PCC has laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors.

Jared Ashcroft at ATE PI 2024

I am always interested to talk to students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals about micro, nano, and opportunities in the space. If you would like to learn more about MNT-EC or Nanotechnology or ways that community colleges are making a difference, please contact me directly here.

From Whoville to the Nano Lab: Inspiring Students through Storytelling

Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden _Horton Hears a Who
Did you know? There is a Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden?

Storytelling has been a powerful way to pass down traditions, customs, and knowledge for thousands of years, long before the written word. We know this—it is how we convey complex ideas and make sense of the world around us.

So why don’t we use stories more often to teach in today’s classrooms? Sure, we assign books about historical events or case studies, but storytelling as a tool to explain complex concepts needs to be part of academia.

In 2018, while working on my BS in Project Management, I had a professor who loved using stories to explain challenging concepts. One book they assigned was Our Iceberg is Melting, a story about a colony of penguins facing a melting iceberg. To save their community, the penguin leaders had to gather data, develop a plan, and convince the colony to act.

book cover: our iceberg is melting by john kotter
Link Below

For me, it was more than just a story—it was an introduction to project management principles in a way that was easy to grasp and hard to forget. It showed how a simple story can transform complex ideas into something relatable and actionable. That’s what storytelling does: it engages imagination, sparks curiosity, and makes even the most intricate subjects approachable. 

Storytelling doesn’t just help with leadership principles—it’s a way to engage the imagination and spark curiosity in even the most technical fields. Take nanotechnology, for example. Many have heard of Richard Feynman’s famous 1959 lecture, There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom, where he envisioned manipulating materials at an atomic scale. He famously remarked, “The principles of physics do not preclude us from writing the entire Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a pin.” It’s a powerful idea rooted in imagination—just like the story of Horton Hears a Who.

Early in my journey to earn an AAS in Nanoscience Technology, our class was assigned an article by futurist Thomas Frey called Dr. Seuss, the “grandfather of nanotechnology.” At first, it sounded like a stretch. But then I re-read Horton Hears a Who—a story about a tiny, unseen world that only Horton could hear. Those tiny voices, when united, made an impact so big it couldn’t be ignored. It hit me: this wasn’t just a whimsical children’s book. It was a metaphor for the power of small things—whether voices or nanostructures—and their ability to change the world when amplified.

Link Below

Dr. Seuss introduces us to Horton, an elephant who discovers the tiny world of Whoville living on a speck of dust. Even though others doubted him, Horton stood by the Whos, insisting, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” In the end, he proved just how powerful tiny voices can be when they come together. This classic story shows how even the smallest things can make a big difference. This lesson ties perfectly to the world of nanotechnology and community colleges’ vital role in amplifying voices and driving change.

In nanotechnology, we often discuss how manipulating the smallest particles can lead to revolutionary medical, electronics, and materials science breakthroughs. Like Horton championed the Whos, educators and institutions like community colleges amplify the “tiny voices” of students who might otherwise go unheard.

Community colleges are where meaningful progress in workforce development begins. Through the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) projects, centers, and consortiums, these institutions empower students with skills and opportunities in high-demand fields like nanotechnology, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing. These programs provide more than just education—they create career pathways and foster collaborations among faculty, industry, and students that drive real change in local communities and beyond. Center Director Jared Ashcroft often says in various ways, “When we come together, the impact ripples across the workforce, opening doors for innovation and growth.” Ultimately, this is what we are striving to do with MNT-EC.

And just like the Whos united their voices to be heard, our collective efforts in education and workforce development amplify the impact of these programs. Through storytelling in the classroom or public outreach, we can inspire curiosity and foster the creativity that drives scientific discovery.

The next time you pick up a story—about penguins, Whos, or nanoscale marvels—think about how it might ignite someone’s imagination. After all, every voice matters, and every story can transform a tiny idea into a monumental change. That’s why MNT-EC is here.

Short Bio: Billie Copley, MNT-EC Center Manager

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