Sean is an intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he works on computer modeling projects. In this episode, Sean shares how internships shaped his technical skills and prepared him for opportunities in cutting-edge aerospace research. He also offers advice for securing internships and building a career in high-tech fields.
Show Notes
Sean works as an intern at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or JPL which is part of NASA. He is working remotely on computer modeling. Sean talks about his education journey, how to secure internships, and the benefits of internships at places like NASA.
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.
Tuff leveraged a one-year microscopy certificate to secure an internship, which led to a full-time role at Micron. He discusses the unique mix of high-tech and low-tech challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. Tuff’s story emphasizes the importance of building practical skills and taking advantage of opportunities to grow within the tech industry.
Show Notes
Tuff works as a technician at Micron in Lehi, Utah. He earned a 1-year certificate from a community college microscopy program and secured an internship. From there, Tuff advanced into a full-time role as an equipment technician. Hear about how much you could make as a technician like Tuff and how even high-tech factories have low-tech problems.
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.
Teddy started his career with a nanotechnology program and now works at Tokyo Electron, maintaining semiconductor equipment along the East Coast. In this episode, he shares his progression from contractor to full-time technician and offers advice for those interested in technical careers. Teddy highlights the value of adaptability in a fast-paced, high-tech field.
Show Notes
Teddy works as a technician at Tokyo Electron in Schenectady, NY. He graduated from a 2-year community college, then went to a semester-long nanotechnology program. Teddy started as a contractor, then moved up to work full-time as an equipment technician. He works in semiconductor fabs up and down the east coast.
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.
Real Technicians with Real Jobs – Hear their personal stories.
Technical degrees often lead to better paying jobs. “Will this help me get a good job?” is often one of the first questions a student has about a technical degree or certificate program.
The Talking Technicians podcast with Peter Kazarinoff from Portland Community College supported by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) is setting out to answer that question by asking the people working in the field: Who they are, what they do, and how they got there. Perhaps like you, they also wondered about which technical degree path to pursue.
Every month, Peter talks to real technicians working in a variety of technical industries. Many industries have entry-level jobs that do not require a 4-year college degree, or any degree, but most trade and technical jobs want their employees to have a basic understanding of technical and safety concepts, at minimum. A two-year technical degree offered at most community colleges around the nation is
Peter actively teaches technicians and engineers at Portland Community College. In each episode, roughly 15 minutes in length, you will meet a working technician and hear their story. In addition to the uplifting personal stories from these technicians, at the end of each episode, Peter shares steps you can take to become a technician, too.
Stay tuned and Subscribe for more stories and details about how technicians around the USA have pursued a technical degree or certificate and found a great job that they love.
The MNT-EC, including the Talking Technicians podcast, is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Geovana moved from Brazil to Oregon and pursued community college education to become a technician at Intel. She shares her journey from manufacturing technician to aspiring equipment technician, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning. Geovana reflects on the cultural and professional challenges she navigated in her pursuit of a high-tech career.
Show Notes
Geovana works as a technician at Intel in Hillsboro, OR. She moved from Brazil to Oregon 5 years ago. Geovana graduated from a 2-year community college, then landed a job as a manufacturing technician at Intel. Now she’s working on advancing to become a Manufacturing Equipment Technician.
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.
In 2020, Pasadena City College (PCC) received a $7.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program to develop new approaches to teaching students about micro nano technology.
The new “Micro-Nano Technology Education Center” (MNT-EC) will be a collaborative center that brings together various educational institutions (30 and counting) and private corporations in micro-nano technology fields. PCC Natural Sciences professor Jared Ashcroft will lead the effort, drawing together researchers, scientists, educators, and industry professionals from a growing network of schools and industry.
According to a recent PCC article by Alexander Boekelheide, PCC to lead $7 million effort to expand nanotechnology education,in an interview with Dr. Ashcroft: “Community colleges have to evolve in what they teach. We need to converge these different technologies so we can prepare students for future jobs, not the jobs in the field of five years ago. Industry and research are driving nanotechnology forward and it’s time for us to have our teaching be a part of that,” he said.
From the NSF grant award, there are four major objectives (you can also read more on the About page) for the new Micro Nano Technology Education Center. Dr. Ashcroft clarified how the Center is continuing to learn and adapt in comments below.
Develop coordinated national approach to advance Micro- Nano Education.
Deliver professional development to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Conduct strategic outreach, recruitment, and retention of traditional and under-represented faculty and students.
Create a deep industry/education alliance that supports student success.
Develop coordinated national approach to advance Micro- Nano Education
There are currently several advanced technological education programs in nano. It is very challenging for a community college or K-12 school to know which programs curriculum and activities are optimal. The MNT-EC will bring the current curriculum and activities to one site and delineate appropriate grade levels for each activity. If we can get a consistent approach to MNT education that is vetted and organized to grade level so it is easier for educators to implement in the classroom it will be a success.
Deliver professional development to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities
Success in this area will be if we can find 10 partner sites that utilize the professional development in their classrooms and to have 5 actively engaged community college MNT-based technical education programs that are each awarding a minimum of ten certificates.
There are several current professional development opportunities in MNT through all the partners. The MNT-EC goal is to support these professional development activities, but more importantly once the workshops are over to continually engage the participants to keep the interest in nano tech education implementation in their coursework or programs going.
Conduct strategic outreach, recruitment, and retention of traditional and under-represented faculty and students
The goal of MNT-EC is to provide opportunities to all students in micro and nano technical education. The majority of students, especially at community colleges are unaware of the opportunities in technical education and do not have any idea what a nano-based career can look like.
In addition, we want to increase awareness and participation in MNT-based academic and career paths with a focus on recruitment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). We will utilize undergraduate research opportunities as a means to provide hands-on experiences in micro and nanotechnology, which has been shown to increase success in all students, but especially with underrepresented students.
Create a deep industry/education alliance that supports student success
In terms of student awareness and success, the Center’s emphasis is on showcasing the jobs available in microtechnology and nanotechnology. There are several major organizations or corporations looking for technicians: Intel, Micron, national government labs, such as, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, among others. If we’re honest and practical, when a student evaluates a degree path, they are ultimately asking — Can I get a job in this field? If the answer is not obvious and the path clear, they are not likely to even take the first step. Colleges with micro and nano programs need to change that.
Currently we are organizing a Business Industry Leadership Team. Success will be that industry partners actively engage with the MNT-EC and provide insight on what technologies we should be preparing our students so they are ready when entering the micro nanotechnology workforce.
The MNT-EC, in less than a year, has started collaborations with the following institutions and organizations. You can visit the MNT Partner Page, or feel free to peruse the list shared below. Partners are a group of educators and professionals who contribute to MNT-EC’s products and services. They provide vetted content, professional development opportunities, and expert mentoring services through MNT-EC.
Amalia’s career path began in the arts but took a turn toward science when she discovered chemistry in community college. She now works at the Oak Crest Institute of Science, contributing to biotech research projects. In this episode, she discusses her passion for mentoring others in STEM and how internships and hands-on opportunities shaped her journey.
Show Notes
Amalia went to Los Angeles to work in the arts. But she found a passion for chemistry in Community College and landed an internship to use her new skills. Now Amalia works at the Oak Crest Institute of Science, a biotech lab in Monrovia, CA.
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.
Jeanie started her career through a community college nanotechnology program, which led her to a role at Herman Darrow Lab. She reflects on her decision to pursue a master’s degree to deepen her expertise and open new career opportunities. Jeanie shares insights into the technical challenges of her work and the rewarding experience of being part of a high-tech lab team.
Show Notes
Jeanie works at Herman Darrow Lab in Minneapolis. She went to a community college nanotechnology program, and landed a job as a technician at a hi-tech national lab. Now she’s working on a masters degree to further her opportunities and grow her career.
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.
Mike’s transition from the Army Rangers to a high-tech career exemplifies how military skills translate into technical roles. He discusses the discipline and problem-solving approaches he brought to his work, as well as the challenges of adapting to civilian industry. This episode explores his contributions to advanced manufacturing and his efforts to mentor others transitioning from the military.
Show Notes
Mike started out in the Army Rangers. He went to a Nanotechnology Education Program and landed a job as a technician with a high tech company. Hear how Mike went from the guy who was putting the pepperoni on the pizzas at one o’clock in the morning to completing his engineering degree and moving up at H. B. Fuller – a high tech adhesives company.
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.
As part of the Micro Nano Technology Education Center Summer Seminar Series, Greg Kepner and Frank Reed presented on the photonics field and job opportunities in this exciting career path.
In this comprehensive presentation, Kepner and Reed shared from the basic “What is photonics?” (definition shared below) to “What do technicians do and where do they work” as well as some excellent resources if you are interested in working in this field (or simply learning about it).
What is Photonics?
“The science and technology of generating (lasers), manipulating (optics), and detecting (electro-optics) particles of light (photons).”
The presentation included the following areas:
What are some photonics applications?
What about photonics education?
What do photonics technicians do?
Where do photonics technicians work?
How can I attend a photonics workshop?
How do lasers work?
Are lasers safe?
Where can I find more photonics resources?
According to O’NET at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a “Photonics Technician – Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.” 2019 median wages were $62,990.
Kepner highlighted that the Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) started the Midwest Photonics Education Center (MPEC) in 2014 as an NSF ATE Regional Center, however, the IHCC Laser & Optics Technology program began in the mid-1980s. IHCC has a list of 140 companies that have hired its photonics graduates.
The IHCC Laser & Optics Technology program graduates have averaged over 95 percent job placement consistently for the past decade. According to Instructor Michael Shay, nine companies are already scheduled to participate in the IHCC annual “Presentation and Interview Week” in March.
From the larger list of 140 companies, 26 companies (image below) have hired graduates in the last five years alone. Many of the hiring companies are 100 employees or less, but quite a few are big names that students and job candidates will recognize: Texas Instruments, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic, to call out just a few.
According to Kepner, who recently attended the Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus, it was reported that “industry growth was continuing and politicians are starting to understand the importance of photonics as an enabling technology to defense, security, manufacturing, communications, and many other industries.”
Photonics Technology Education Leads to Jobs
Photonics Education
A 2012 national survey titled “Industry Demand for Two-Year College Graduates in Optics and Photonics Technology,” showed the Midwest region’s 500 photonics-driven companies project a need for an additional 939 technicians over the next five years. That need has only grown for the 2020s. Some of the Photonics job hot spots are in New York, Florida, California, and Montana.
If you want to learn more about the photonics industry and career path, technologies that include optics and electronics (lasers, fiber-optics, electro-optics), visit theIHCC Laser & Optics Technology programpage.
Technical Note — Sample of reported job titles in the field of Photonics: Fiber Optics Technician, Laser Technician, Optomechanical Technician, Photonic Laboratory Technician (Photonic Lab Tech), and Photonics Technician.
This summer on July 28-29, MNT-EC will offer a photonics professional development opportunity with an introductory Fundamentals of Photonics workshop that includes the theory of light and lasers along with practical hands-on laboratory activities.
Stay tuned to this page for upcoming professional development workshops and other faculty opportunities. Educators can also use the Micro Nano Technology calendar to keep up with a wide range of professional development and curriculum.
