---

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.”

---

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

---

---

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.

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.

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’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.

---

---

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.

---

---

---

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