Oh, the Things You’ll Discover! From Make-Believe to Mind-Blowing Science

Science often begins with a question, a wild idea, or what if? Some of the most significant discoveries started as something that sounded impossible—until someone dared to prove it wasn’t.

Everything we have learned in science has come from a belief that something we did not know, a concept we cannot necessarily see or understand, is possible:

  • Gravity
  • Speed of light and sound
  • Static force
  • Atoms and molecules

These are all things that we cannot see with our eyes but feel the effects of every day. The process of discovering them came from questioning what we could see around us every day and asking: How is that possible?

Dr. Seuss filled his books with wild inventions, imaginary creatures, and bizarre landscapes. But if you look closer, many of his wacky ideas aren’t just nonsense—they reflect real scientific principles.

Consider these lines from Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!:

“Think left and think right and think low and think high.
Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”
–Dr. Seuss

That’s what science is all about—thinking up possibilities and then figuring out how to make them real.

When Fiction Becomes Fact

History is full of Seussian-sounding ideas that turned out to be accurate:

  • The Invisible Becomes Visible: Scientists once thought germs were make-believe. Now, we know they shape our health and lives.
  • Talking Over Distances: Imagine telling someone in 1850 that we’d one day have pocket-sized devices that let us talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. That’s science catching up with imagination!
  • Walking on the Moon: “The moon is out of reach,” they said—until it wasn’t. Neil Armstrong took that small step just 11 years after Dr. Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham.

The Science of “What If?”

The STEM fields encourage the same curiosity that Dr. Seuss inspired in his books. It’s about asking questions that seem absurd and then finding ways to test them.

Nanotechnology, for example, was once the stuff of science fiction. The idea that we could manipulate matter at the atomic level—constructing materials one molecule at a time—seemed like fantasy. Now, it is a booming field, revolutionizing medicine, electronics, and energy storage.

But before these discoveries could happen, someone had to imagine them first.

Bringing the Impossible to the Classroom

Teachers and educators have a unique opportunity to spark this thinking in students. One way is by blending storytelling with hands-on science. The NISE Network provides excellent interactive activities that do just that (shoutout to Catherine McCarthy at NISE for these resources):

1. Oobleck: A Real Dr. Seuss Science Experiment – Inspired by Bartholomew and the Oobleck, this experiment lets students explore non-Newtonian fluids, which behave like both liquids and solids.  Read here: Exploring Materials – Oobleck | NISE Network.

2. Horton’s Big Idea: Sensing the Invisible – Just like Horton hears the Whos, kids discover that small things exist even if we can’t see them. Click here: Horton Senses Something Small | NISE Network.

3. In this story time program, visitors actively listen to “Horton Hears a Who!” by Dr. Seuss. Before the story is read, children make paper “elephant ears” to wear. After the story, they use their sense of smell to explore scent molecules that are too small to see. Read here: Horton Hears a Who! Storytime | NISE Network.

Encouraging the Next Generation of Innovators

Dr. Seuss wasn’t a scientist, but he taught us the mindset of one:

  • Stay curious.
  • Challenge what you think is impossible.
  • Embrace the power of “What if?”

Every major scientific breakthrough started as just a thought—a think someone dared to think. If we can encourage students to dream big and explore boldly, who knows what mind-blowing discoveries they’ll make next?

Because, after all…

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

–Dr. Seuss
Short Bio: Billie Copley, MNT-EC Center Manager

Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Dr. Peter Kazarinoff

Peter Kazarinoff, LinkedIn Profile

Location: Portland Community College, Oregon

Dr. Peter Kazarinoff, Portland Community College

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. He does what he can to make it easier for his students to succeed. For example, he wrote an open-access textbook on computer coding (links below). This allowed his students and others to save money on expensive textbooks. These kinds of actions make Peter one of the most thoughtful people I know. I am honored to work with him every day and help him with his projects.

  1. Problem Solving with Python 3.7 Edition: A beginner’s guide to Python & open-source programming tools on Amazon
  2. Problem Solving with Python companion website

Can you share your background and the pioneering work you’ve done in your field?

I’ve been working in nanotechnology and technician education for over a decade. My journey began with the SHINE center, where I developed educational resources to support technician training. Since then, I’ve been involved in several projects at Portland Community College (PCC) and with MNT-EC, creating impactful resources such as open educational textbooks and building programs like J ATE and the Talking Technicians Podcast.

Can you describe the key initiatives or projects you’ve led/worked on at MNT-EC?

I work on two main initiatives: the Talking Technicians Podcast and the Journal of Advanced Technological Education (J ATE). Both projects were created from scratch with the support of MNT-EC’s principal investigator and center manager. The podcast is unique in that it interviews former community college technicians working in companies within the micro nanotechnology (MNT) sector. I also work on the Outreach and Professional Development Teams.

Another thing I’m passionate about is helping community college faculty publish in peer-reviewed academic journals. So much excellent and innovative work is going on at community and technical colleges. However, not all that work is disseminated or shared so others can learn from it. In addition, I want to help provide an avenue for faculty to publish to help them with professional advancement, grant project success, and grant proposals. One metric of project success for National Science Foundation-funded efforts is publishing in peer-reviewed journals. J ATE is one of the places where faculty can publish and demonstrate their success.

What are some of the educational innovations you’ve introduced or led?

J ATE ran two innovative programs: the J ATE Connect program, which paired authors with coaches to construct manuscripts, and the J ATE URE program, which guided community college undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors in creating peer-reviewed manuscripts.

In addition to producing the Talking Technicians Podcast and editing the Journal of Advanced Technological Education, I am also an author of open education resources (OER) textbooks. My textbook, Problem Solving with Python, focuses on the Python programming language and is for community college students studying computer programming. It’s important to me that we decrease the cost of community college attendance for students. Creating free OER textbooks is one way to cut student costs. (Book link above.)

Since adopting my textbook at Portland Community College (PCC), students have saved over $50,000 in textbook and software licensing fees. The success of Problem Solving with Python encouraged me to write another OER textbook, Introduction to College Engineering. This latest one is still a work in progress, but I hope we can save community college students even more money by adopting another OER book.

Next quarter, I will attempt Open Pedagogy for the first time with a class of 2nd year community college students. Based on my experience helping get students published in J ATE and my work writing OER textbooks, the idea is to have teams of students use their expertise to contribute a chapter and edit a chapter of a student-designed OER textbook on manufacturing processes. The concept of tapping into student expertise to create this book is exciting.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the class of students comes up with and how writing and editing helped them learn and understand.

Can you discuss any publications tied to your expertise that you’d like to share?

The Talking Technicians Podcast published an article in J ATE: Results and Discussion from Two Seasons of the Talking Technicians Podcast.

What impact do you hope these educational resources will have on instructors and students?

I hope more students enter technician education programs that prepare them for careers in the semiconductor and MNT industries. Sharing the excellent work community college faculty do through J ATE amplifies their efforts and creates opportunities for others to learn and grow.

What advice would you give students and/or fellow educators in micro and nanotechnology?

  1. For students: Become a technician in the semiconductor industry. It’s a great starting point for a career with growth opportunities.
  2. For educators: Share your work. Disseminating your successes and innovations through publications like J ATE can inspire others and contribute to advancing the field.

What do you love best about your work?

In particular, I enjoy meeting with students in person during office hours. Working with individual students directly is some of my best work. Working with students one-on-one and assisting them compassionately and personally is rewarding, motivating, and energizing for me.

Another thing I love about my work is working on grant initiatives that haven’t been proven yet, and we don’t quite know where they will go when they get started. A good example is J ATE, which began as a journal for micro nano community college education and morphed into a journal for all NSF ATE Disciplines.

Five years later, J ATE has grown considerably and is embarking on a new sustainability model to keep J ATE around even after MNT-EC sunsets. At each crossroad in J ATE’s development, I’ve had to learn new skills and systems. It is exciting to have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain new knowledge. Projects like J ATE have pushed me into professional areas I never dreamed of when we started the project.

What trends do you see in nanotechnology and related technologies, particularly manufacturing?

The semiconductor manufacturing industry is growing rapidly in the United States. New factories (fabs) are under construction in Ohio, New York, and Texas, reflecting the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in this sector.

What advice would you give to young people interested in manufacturing and nanotechnology?

Try to connect with a technician working in the industry. Ask them about their job and responsibilities. If you don’t know any technicians, check out the Talking Technicians Podcast to hear their stories and gain insights into the field.

What else would you like people to know about you or your program?

In addition to my work, I enjoy playing and coaching soccer and ultralight backpacking.

Short Bio: Billie Copley, MNT-EC Center Manager

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

Notes: Reference Links:

Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Dr. Antar Tichavakunda

Antar Tichavakunda, LinkedIn Profile

  • University of Southern California; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Urban Education Policy
  • George Mason University; Master’s degree, Education
  • Brown University; Bachelor’s degree, Education Studies/Policy

Location: California, United States 

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 Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) mission. As an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Antar brings a deep commitment to educational equity, particularly in supporting Black students in STEM fields.

Antar came into MNT-EC at the start of the MNT-CURN program in 2021. I have had the pleasure of working with him for the past three years. One of the things that stands out to me about Antar is that he really listens to understand. This is so important in today’s world, especially when you are dealing with students. He really makes you feel like what you have to say is important (and it is!). I really value this quality in the people I work with. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: MNT-CURN “v2” is found under a new program, temporarily hosted here: AT³, the 8-month Advanced Technology Technician Training program.

Can you share your background and the pioneering work you’ve done in your field?

“I started off as an English teacher in DC and then pursued my doctoral degree at the University of Southern California for education. Much of my work looks at the intersection of race and higher education. I hesitate to call anything I’ve done pioneering, but I am proud to have contributed to research on Black students’ experiences in higher education!”

“My book, Black Campus Life (SUNY Press page with print and digital options), is a bit novel in that it might be the first ethnography about engineering students and one of the few ethnographies about college students out there. I got to hang out with Black engineering students for a year and wrote about it. It was one of my most memorable research experiences.”

Black Campus Life book by Antar Tichavakunda

An in-depth ethnography of Black engineering students at a historically White institution, Black Campus Life examines the intersection of two crises, up close: the limited number of college graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and the state of race relations in higher education…. Most fundamentally, Black Campus Life argues that Black collegians are more than the racism they endure. By studying and appreciating the everyday richness and complexity of their experiences, we all—faculty, administrators, parents, policymakers, and the broader public—might learn how to better support them. —SUNY Press

NOTE: Book cover is linked to the Open Access download page.

Can you describe the key initiatives or projects you’ve led at MNT-EC?

“I’ve had the privilege of holding focus groups with students in MNT-CURN to get a more qualitative understanding about their experiences. I’ve also worked with Dr. Jalil Bishop (who is also a part of the MNT-EC team and you can read about his work here) to think of different ways MNT-EC can bolster strategic partnerships with other groups doing similar work.”

Antar’s work in leading focus groups has been instrumental in understanding how students navigate their identities within the context of STEM education. These insights are crucial for MNT-EC’s ongoing efforts to enhance student experiences. Additionally, his collaborative efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships have expanded MNT-EC’s reach, particularly in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

What are some of the challenges and successes you’ve experienced in promoting DEI within MNT-EC, and how have these shaped the center’s overall mission and impact?

“One of the biggest successes is that pretty much across the board, students feel included. They tell us that they can tell MNT-CURN values diversity, and they see the intentionality behind having a diverse representation of presenters. This is a big win.”

“The biggest challenge is related to this success. Students feel included and have positive experiences, but they don’t necessarily report having discussions about identity outside of their STEM identities. Obviously, this program is geared towards success in micro-nanotechnology and ensuring students get those competencies and awareness about the field. I wonder how, if at all, MNT-CURN can create spaces to meaningfully reflect on their identities (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) in relation to their STEM identity and see their identities as an asset to bring to their work and not something to mute.”

From my perspective as Center Manager, Antar’s reflections on the challenges and successes of promoting DEI within MNT-EC highlight his commitment to ensuring that all students feel included and valued. His insights into how the center can further engage students in discussions about their identities beyond their STEM roles are vital to MNT-EC’s mission of fostering a diverse and thriving community.

What do you love best about your work?

“Honestly, I really just enjoy talking with and learning from students and their experiences. The knowledge they bring from their lives can really shape educational spaces for the better.”

Dr. Antar Tichavakunda’s dedication to learning from and supporting students is evident in every aspect of his work. Through his research, teaching, and contributions to MNT-EC, he is helping to create more inclusive and supportive educational environments.

For more insights into Antar’s work, you can explore his book Black Campus Life, available in both print and open access versions in the links above, or visit his LinkedIn profile at the top of the page.

Want to talk more about Nano? Get in touch with me. Are you in industry and want to get involved, please get in touch at my email below.

Thanks,

Billie

Short Bio: Billie Copley, MNT-EC Center Manager

Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Billie Copley

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 

Billie Copley
Cat sitting on a couch or chair with paws on a rail looking at reader. Photo by Manja Vitolic on Unsplash.
Friendly Takeover Cat

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.

Jared Ashcroft

“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
Greg Kepner

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.

Tiffany Kimoto

“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.

Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Mel Cossette & Greg Kepner 

Mel Cossette LinkedIn Profile

Location: Washington, United States 

Mel Cossette

Greg Kepner LinkedIn Profile

Location: Iowa, United States   

Greg Kepner

In this month’s “Spotlight,” we shine a light on two extraordinary individuals whose contributions to mentoring at MNT-EC and Mentor-Connect have been transformative. Mel Cossette and Greg Kepner have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also dedicated countless hours to nurturing the next generation of technicians and engineers. Their combined efforts have significantly impacted educational outcomes and industry readiness.

As Center Manager, I have worked with Mel and Greg for over a decade and have come to know them quite well. Mel has mentored me in various ways over the years, and she has helped me grow personally and professionally. The ATE community is close-knit, and they both love to help people make connections, especially those new to the community. Their support for me over the years has been invaluable personally and professionally in helping me grow and mature as a person and as a leader. Their guidance and support have helped to make MNT-EC stronger.

Key Points from the Q&A with Mel Cossette and Greg Kepner

  • Educational Innovations:
    • Developed a co-mentoring model in collaboration with Mentor-Connect.
    • Jointly mentor mentees, enhancing the support system within MNT-EC.
  • Advice to Students and Educators:
    • Stay connected with industry. Engage with associations, organizations, and communities of practice.
  • Favorite Aspects of Their Work:
    • Mentoring teams from the beginning of their ATE journey to successful proposal submissions and beyond. 
    • Meeting potential mentees and fostering new partnerships within the ATE Community.
  • Trends in Nanotechnology and Related Technologies:
    • Growing need for technicians in micro-nanotechnology fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, materials science, photonics, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Advice to Young People Interested in Manufacturing and Nanotechnology:
    • Pursue a career that is interesting, challenging, enduring, and offers high wages.

Mel Cossette

Role: Former Executive Director/Principal Investigator, Online Instructional Resources for Material Science Technology Education
Background and Contributions Our Team – Micro Nano Technology Education Center

Mel Cossette is the former Executive Director/Principal Investigator for the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education funded Online Instructional Resources for Material Science Technology Education [formerly the National Resource Center for Materials Technology Education (MatEdU)] and the Technician Education and Additive Manufacturing & Materials project housed at Edmonds College in Lynnwood, WA. She is also a Co-PI on the NSF ATE funded Micro Nano Technology Education Center. 

Mel serves as an ETAC Commissioner for ABET through SME and a founding member of ABET’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Advisory Council and has 20+ years of experience in manufacturing education focusing on technician education and workforce development. She has developed technician education programs for industry and educational institutions; serves on numerous committees and national boards; worked in various industries; and held administrative and faculty positions within the community and technical college system.

Greg Kepner

Role: Co-Principal Investigator, Micro Nano Technology Education Center

Background and Contributions Our Team – Micro Nano Technology Education Center

Greg Kepner, M.Ed, serves as a Co-Principal Investigator for the NSF-ATE Micro Nano Technology Education Center. With over three decades of experience in education and industry, Greg has a profound understanding of the technical and educational landscapes. He served as the Director/Principal Investigator of the NSF-ATE Midwest Photonics Education Center for five years and as a Principal Investigator for ATE projects. Additionally, he was briefly a Co-PI for the OP-TEC national center.

Greg retired from Indian Hills Community College, where he was the Department Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Department. His prior roles at IHCC included Industrial Technology Coordinator and Robotics/Automation instructor. Greg holds a master’s degree in Higher Education, Community College Leadership from Iowa State University, a BA Degree from Buena Vista University, and an AA and AAS Degree in Electronics Technology from IHCC. His industry experience includes serving as a senior field service engineer in semiconductor manufacturing in Silicon Valley.

Mentoring at MNT-EC & Mentor-Connect

Both Mel and Greg have significantly contributed to mentoring initiatives at MNT-EC and NSF-funded Mentor-Connect. Their collaborative efforts have developed robust mentoring programs that align educational outcomes with industry needs, ensuring students receive the necessary guidance and skills to succeed in today’s job market.

Educational Innovations: Through their mentoring activities, Mel and Greg developed a co-mentoring model in collaboration with Mentor-Connect. While having specific mentees assigned to them through Mentor-Connect, they cultivate mentees through MNT-EC and then mentor these mentees jointly, enhancing the support system within the center.

Outreach and Training Efforts

Greg has been instrumental in leading ATE outreach efforts. As part of the ACOE during 2020-24, he hosted the ATE Community Exhibit Booth at 28 national, regional, or state conferences and gave presentations, hosted round-table discussions, or poster sessions at 17 conferences. Following the ACOE project, Greg and Mel developed the NSF ATE NavigATE project that was recently awarded to continue hosting the ATE Community exhibit, aimed at increasing awareness and visibility of the ATE program, the ATE centers and projects, mentoring initiatives, and educational materials and resources developed through the program. Recent article about Greg’s experiences with outreach: Maximizing Conference Impact with Greg Kepner. 

DEI Efforts

In addition to her work in mentoring, Mel Cossette has been a driving force in advancing DEI within the field of nanotechnology education. She is a founding member of ABET’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Council. Being an active member with the IDEA Council and other initiatives underscores her commitment to creating inclusive environments where all individuals, regardless of background, can thrive in STEM fields. Recent article about Mel’s experiences with DEI: ABET News Roundup: Voices in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. 

What They Love About Their Work

Mel and Greg find immense satisfaction in mentoring and witnessing the growth and success of their mentees. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences, helping students and colleagues navigate their career paths. They are excited to meet new people so they can welcome them to the ATE Community. They love to introduce people to the ATE Community and help develop new partnerships, encourage collaborations, and grow personal networks. 

Connect with Mel and Greg

For those interested in learning more about their work or discussing potential collaborations, Mel and Greg are available via their respective emails. They welcome inquiries from educators, industry professionals, and students eager to explore the dynamic world of micro and nanotechnology.

mel.cossette@edmonds.edu
gregkepner1@gmail.com  

Want to talk more about Nano? Get in touch with me. Are you in industry and want to get involved, reach out to myself or Mel or Greg at the above email links.

Thanks,

Billie

Short Bio: Billie Copley, MNT-EC Center Manager

Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Cait Cramer

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 figure at the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, as the first Industry Partner Coordinator, and now the MNT-EC curriculum development lead, as well as full-time faculty member at Highline College. Cait shares her journey and insights into the fascinating world of nanotechnology.

My Background and Pioneering Work

I hold an Applied Masters in Material Science & Engineering from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. I worked at Intel Corporation prior to becoming an educator, and taught at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana before moving to Highline College in Washington state. At MNT-EC, one of my key initiatives was establishing the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT), which aligns our educational programs with real-world industry demands, ensuring our curriculum prepares students for the future. This role was successfully handed off to Scot McLemore as I transitioned to the Curriculum Team lead. I have led our team through publishing the Intro to Nanotechnology canvas course (now available on Canvas Commons) and compiling microsystems education resources (available summer 2024). 

Educational Innovations

I’m particularly proud to have led the publication of the first set of industry-validated KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) for Microsystems technicians. We are now working on a curricular repository for Microsystems educational resources with the expectation that it will be complete summer of 2024. Designed to be versatile, the Canvas Shell will have modules on various topics and be mapped to the KSAs, allowing educators to enhance existing programs or build whole classes depending on the course outcomes they need. While housed in Canvas, the resource is compatible with other learning management systems including Blackboard. Our goal with this shell was to make advanced educational resources accessible, ensuring instructors have the tools to bring cutting-edge micro and nanotechnology into their classrooms across various platforms.

Impact and Advice

In the realm of micro and nanotechnology, staying ahead means staying adaptable. I encourage students and fellow educators to embrace the evolving landscape of engineering and technology. For those aspiring to enter this field, my advice is to keep learning and adapting. Integrating advanced technologies like nanotechnology is not just the future—it’s the present.

What I Love Best About My Work

What I love most about my work is interacting with many intelligent, innovative individuals. Not only do I work with an incredible team at MNT-EC, this work allows me to use my background to support the next generation of engineers and technologists. Seeing our work’s impact on students and the industry is incredibly rewarding.

Connect with Me

Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more about micro and nanotechnology or want to discuss potential collaborations. I’m available via LinkedIn or directly through my email at cait@micronanoeducation.org. Whether you’re an educator looking to integrate nanotechnology into your curriculum or an industry professional seeking to connect, I’m here to help.

Want to talk more about Nano? Get in touch with me. Are you in industry and want to get involved, reach out to myself or Cait at the above email link.

Thanks,

Billie

Short Bio: Billie Copley, MNT-EC Center Manager

Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Scot McLemore

LinkedIn profile: Executive in Residence – Advanced Manufacturing Pathways, Columbus State Community College

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Scot McLemore, MNT-EC BILT team lead

Center Manager Notes: Partner Spotlight: Scot McLemore

As part of my new monthly “Center Manager Notes” column, I want to lift up our team members  in what I’m calling “Spotlight.” We have a number of people who are often working behind the scenes and we want to bring them forward and introduce them to you.

Kicking off this series is Scot McLemore, BILT and Industry team lead here at MNT-EC. I asked him a few questions last week about his background, what he sees happening in nano based on his manufacturing experience, guiding young people, and what he loves about his work.

Background and Work

I am deeply passionate about advancing the field of manufacturing through education and strategic partnerships. With over 32 years of experience in manufacturing, spanning engineering and human resource functions, my focus has always been on technical development and talent acquisition. At Columbus State Community College, I am involved in developing pathways and programs for Advanced Manufacturing, aiming to bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry needs.

My previous roles at Honda have shaped my perspective on workforce development. I’ve led teams in talent acquisition, technical workforce development, and external workforce engagement. My strategy revolves around forming effective collaborations with educational, government, and industry partners to enhance awareness and development of manufacturing careers.

Trends in Nanotechnology and Related Technology

In the realm of advanced manufacturing, the integration of nanotechnology and its related fields is a game changer. The precision and innovation that nanotechnology brings to manufacturing processes are unparalleled. It’s not just about making things smaller; it’s about making them smarter and more efficient. This technology’s influence spans various sectors, including automotive, where I’ve spent a significant part of my career. The future of manufacturing is being reshaped by nanotechnology, leading to more sustainable, efficient, and advanced production methods.

Advice for Young People Going to College

My advice to young individuals heading to college is to remain open and curious about the ever-evolving field of manufacturing, especially with the integration of advanced technologies like nanotechnology. The industry is moving towards a future where technical skills are fused with innovative thinking. Embrace the changes and look for educational pathways that offer practical, hands-on experience in conjunction with theoretical knowledge.

What I Love Best About My Work

In working with MNT-EC, what I love the most is expanding my professional network through working with intelligent and experienced experts in micro- and nanotechnology and learning about a new exciting area of technology that builds on my previous experience and knowledge.

Want to talk more about Nano? Get in touch with me. Are you in industry and want to get involved, reach out to myself or Scot McLemore.

Thanks,

Billie