Think Small

Connect With Us! We’ve relaunched our Instagram page — now teaming up with some influencers to help get MNT-EC in front of more students. Of course, you can find our […]

Fourteen verified technician openings this week, most without a four-year degree, with community-college pathways marked on each. Student roles lead, and one gets the full decode: a plasma equipment technician at Texas Instruments. Plus, Manga for STEM!!

Hans is a cross-SEM team supervisor at Lam Research in Tualatin, Oregon. Hans made the move from Minneapolis, MN to Portland, OR back in 2016, originally joining Lam Research as a microscopy technician.

Pasadena City College Team “Cortexa” Named a 2026 National Finalist for the CCIC via the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Launching “Micro Monday” and the full newsletter content is here. Drop to the end of post to send Jared a message with ideas, suggestions, tips for this ongoing work.

AI Is Changing Who Gets Hired First. Here’s What That Means for Our Students.

A new report from EAB caught my attention this week and raises

In April’s update, read on about Rio Salado’s professional development course and a bit about the upcoming (new) newsletter from PI Dr. Jared Ashcroft.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Todd Richard Christenson. Todd was not only an early supporter of the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), but one […]

AI Video Pilot with Dr. Jared Ashcroft explaining (as head coach and as a superhero) the five year journey of MNT-EC version 1.0.

Five years ago, MNT-EC began building a national center to strengthen micro- and nanotechnology education and help more people see themselves in these fields. Our goal was practical, but the challenge was real: bring educators, industry, and students together to create real opportunities.

Expanding Access to Hands-On STEM and Technician Education: Five Initiatives to Watch

STEM News is an experiment in paying attention differently—and in seeing what many STEM-focused centers and projects have been doing for years, often quietly, and to uplift their work as we all try to understand and operate in a forever-changing world.

Portland Community College (PCC) and Lam Research have completed an important milestone in Oregon’s growing semiconductor workforce pipeline…

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) is pleased to announce that Billie Copley has been promoted to Center Director. Billie has served as Center Manager since the Center’s founding, […]

CAMPS 2025 Success with two Poster Presentations by Carlton Mantovani and Phone (Morest) Myint Mo from Pasadena City College and AT3 program.

Ashley is an RDA process technician at Micron in Manassas, Virginia. Ashley describes her role in inspecting wafers for imperfections and ensuring high-quality chips.

– Five years ago, we set out to build something bold: a national center that could connect students, educators, industry, and community colleges nationwide in the name of micro- and […]

This month’s Spotlight is with Dr. Jared Ashcroft, MNT-EC Center Director. “Well, first and foremost, I am the reigning MNT-EC Axe Throwing Champion and proud winner of the most recent MNT-EC Golf Championship…”

This month’s Spotlight is with Dr. Neda Habibi, a biomedical engineering professor at the University of North Texas. Neda brings passion and purpose to her work, especially through hands-on nanobiotech camps that give students real-world STEM experience. She’s a dedicated mentor helping to shape the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Series on how Dr. Seuss has influenced nanotechnology and STEM…

For Gracious Mhlanga, science isn’t just about understanding the world—it’s about changing it. A Zimbabwean-American and sophomore at Pasadena City College (PCC), Gracious is passionate about how biology can contribute to advancements in medicine.

Arman is a fabrication technician at Excelitas in Boulder, Colorado. Arman moved from Santa Clarita, California, and now earns around $50,000 annually. He grinds and polishes lenses for various applications, […]

Guest Post by Deb Newberry Image Credit: Daniel Abadia via Unsplash. The pace of change in the semiconductor industry is nothing short of astonishing. This “freight train of change” impacts […]

This month’s Spotlight is with Dr. Peter Kazarinoff. I met Peter back in 2012 when he was with the Seattle Hub for Integrating Nanotechnology Education (SHINE) center. He has always been driven and passionate about technician education and student success.

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 […]

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 […]

– As the Executive Director of MNT-EC, I am thrilled to celebrate the next chapter of the Journal of Advanced Technological Education (J ATE) and its transition to long-term sustainability. […]

Rick and Linette Brammer came back to PCC’s campus to celebrate Rick’s 80th birthday. This visit wasn’t just a sentimental journey but a return to where Rick and Linette first met in a Pasadena City College chemistry lab over 60 years ago.

Read more about Ani Hakobyan’s story as she studies at PCC and works toward a career in the semiconductor industry.

Emily has had an extraordinary career, working with NASA and the White House before joining Intel. In this episode, she reflects on her journey through some of the most prestigious technical environments in the world. Emily shares how her passion for technology and mentorship drives her work and inspires others to pursue impactful careers in STEM fields.

We’re working on a National Roadmap to serve our students and the semiconductor (and related) industries.

Map showing NSF ATE Centers and Projects all around the USA. Article highlights ideas for how to use your time at the annual conference and some sessions to look for.

Scroll through and pick one of the 10 episodes from Season 4 of the Talking Technicians Podcast. There’s so much to learn from these technicians as Dr. Peter Kazarinoff talks […]

In this month’s “Spotlight,” we focus on Dr. Antar Tichavakunda, a scholar whose work at the intersection of race and higher education has been vital in advancing the Micro Nano […]

UPDATE: You can also follow along on our new Facebook page (give it a like, if that’s your thing) and on our MNT-EC LinkedIn page. At MNT-EC, we are working […]

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 […]

Josh works as a technician at Analog Devices, where he supports the development and testing of innovative electronic components. He talks about the collaborative nature of his role, the technical problem-solving involved, and how his work directly contributes to advancements in consumer and industrial electronics. Josh emphasizes the importance of precision and creativity in meeting the demands of the industry.

Vivian (Ngoc) Vu is a dedicated student pursuing the Photonics Certificate Program at Stonehill College. Despite challenges, Vivian’s hard work has enhanced her academic knowledge, opening doors to a career […]

Kendall is a technician at Indium, where he focuses on materials used in electronics assembly. He shares insights into the precision and care required in his work, especially when working with high-tech soldering materials. Kendall reflects on how his technical training and attention to detail ensure the production of reliable, high-quality components used in electronics worldwide.

Jamel works as a technician at TEL, contributing to the manufacturing and servicing of advanced equipment used in semiconductor production. In this episode, he explains how his hands-on skills and problem-solving expertise help keep the production process efficient and reliable. Jamel also discusses the importance of continuous training and adapting to new technology in a rapidly changing industry.

Mel Cossette LinkedIn Profile Location: Washington, United States  Greg Kepner LinkedIn Profile Location: Iowa, United States    In this month’s “Spotlight,” we shine a light on two extraordinary individuals whose contributions […]

Welcome to our new series, “Student Success Stories,” where we highlight students’ journeys who have made significant strides in their education and careers through community college. Today, we feature Anton […]

We are excited to announce a new series under my Director’s Message section, focused on showcasing the achievements of our students in the fields of micro and nanotechnology. This series […]

LinkedIn profile: Engineering Faculty – Highline College Location: Des Moines, Washington, United States Welcome back to our “Center Manager Notes,” where this month’s “Spotlight” shines on Cait Cramer, an essential […]

Alberto is a manufacturing equipment technician at Wolfspeed, where he specializes in the maintenance and optimization of semiconductor manufacturing tools. He discusses how his role supports the production of high-performance chips for power and energy applications. Alberto shares his career path, the technical challenges he faces daily, and the satisfaction of being part of cutting-edge technology that impacts industries worldwide.

In a unique convergence of minds and ideas, the 20th Anniversary of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Symposium showcased the monumental strides in nanotechnology. It spotlighted student involvement with posters […]

Stephen is a manufacturing equipment technician at Intel, where he ensures that complex machinery operates at peak performance. He discusses the critical role of equipment maintenance, the problem-solving skills required, and the rewards of working in a field that drives technological progress.

Lincoln works in the semiconductor industry, tackling the demands of high-tech manufacturing with precision and expertise. In this episode, he shares his career journey, the technical challenges he faces, and the evolving nature of his work as the industry continues to innovate.

Internships, especially paid ones, are a terrific way to gain experience. Although much of our focus at MNT-EC is on college students, we also strive to update our students and families […]

Center Manager Notes _Partner Spotlight _Scot McLemore

Over the last four years, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) and its partners have dedicated themselves to advancing the nanotechnology field through comprehensive educational programs. At its core, […]

In the United States, vocational training and apprenticeships are often undervalued compared to university education, even though they can lead to high-paying and in-demand careers. This trend is particularly evident […]

Note: MNT-EC recently teamed up with Wingspans, an exciting new career platform, to connect with more community college technician programs. Links and more info below.  James Endl’s career as a […]

Ethan is a technician at Intel who focuses on supporting other technicians and ensuring operations run smoothly. He describes the collaborative nature of his work, the technical challenges he helps solve daily, and how his role contributes to the overall success of semiconductor manufacturing.

In the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology, the concept of ‘collaborative innovation’ becomes increasingly significant. The National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program from the American Semiconductor Innovation Coalition stands as a […]

Laury is a senior control engineer at Albireo Energy, where she leads projects that optimize energy efficiency in commercial buildings. She shares her journey from technician to engineer, the technical skills that paved the way, and the satisfaction of contributing to sustainable solutions.