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 of the very first industry leaders to truly believe in our mission—and in the potential of our students. At a time when we were just getting started, Todd stepped forward, opened his doors, and invited our students into his company. That simple act created opportunities, confidence, and inspiration that continue to ripple through our program today.

Many of us will always remember those early visits—especially Todd’s humor and warmth. He welcomed our students not just professionally, but personally… even sharing pizza with them and jokingly calling them “wafers.” It was a small moment, but one that perfectly captured who he was: generous, approachable, and genuinely invested in the next generation.

Todd was also a respected leader in our community, recognized with a HI-TEC Industry Award and serving at the very beginning of our Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT). His leadership helped shape how we engage industry partners nationwide.

What makes truly successful education and workforce programs is not just the resources, curriculum, or structure—it is the trust we build with one another and the respect we hold for the work we each do. Todd understood this deeply. He believed in people, in partnership, and in the idea that when we support each other, we create opportunities far greater than any one program alone.

Todd’s impact on MNT-EC and the broader technician workforce community cannot be overstated. He helped set the tone for what true industry partnership should look like—engaged, supportive, and centered on students.

On behalf of MNT-EC and personally, we extend our deepest gratitude for his friendship, his belief in our work, and his lasting contributions. Todd will be remembered not only for what he did, but for how he made people feel—valued, welcomed, and inspired.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

— Jared M. Ashcroft & the MNT-EC Community

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You can read more about him here where the family has posted details about the Celebration of Life on April 18, 2026.

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

First: Jared and Billie have published “Five Years of Building” as a review of MNT-EC’s achievements, progress, and momentum. You can give it a read at the above link.

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Across the country, innovative programs are reshaping how students experience science, technology, engineering, and math. Each has a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, authentic research, and workforce alignment. This month, we’re highlighting five initiatives advancing STEM education from K–12 through technician-level training, with a special shout-out to our amazing Outreach Team that has shared many of these cool projects with us!!!

1. The Wolbachia Project – Real-World Microbiology Research
   https://wolbachiaproject.org/

The Wolbachia Project connects students and educators to authentic scientific discovery by investigating Wolbachia bacteria found in insects. Participants engage in field sampling, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, contributing to real research datasets while developing hands-on lab skills and scientific confidence. It’s a powerful example of inquiry-based STEM learning that blends classroom instruction with meaningful research.

2. Qolour – Quantum Computing Education Platform
   https://www.qolour.io/

Qolour is helping make quantum computing more accessible through interactive learning tools, guided tutorials, and structured course pathways. As quantum technologies continue to evolve, platforms like Qolour provide educators and students with approachable entry points into this advanced field, building foundational literacy in one of tomorrow’s most transformative technologies.

Editor’s Note: Jump to end of page for an embedded PDF about Qolour Activities.

3. University of Pittsburgh – Bringing Real Research into High School Classrooms
   https://www.pittwire.pitt.edu/pittwire/features-articles/evolving-stem-pittsburgh-public-schools

Faculty at the University of Pittsburgh are partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools through the EvolvingSTEM initiative to bring authentic biological research directly into high school classrooms. Students conduct real lab experiments, including bacterial evolution studies, gaining practical lab skills and a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry. It’s a strong model for connecting research universities with local school systems to spark early STEM engagement.

4. DNA Learning Center – Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
   https://www.cshl.edu/dna-learning-center/

The DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a nationally recognized hub for genetics and biotechnology education. Through field trips, summer camps, student research programs, and teacher professional development, the center provides immersive, lab-based learning experiences that make modern biology accessible and exciting for students and educators alike.

5. MNT-EC Partners with CourseArc to Strengthen Digital Curriculum Development
   https://www.coursearc.com

MNT-EC is partnering with CourseArc to enhance how micro and nanotechnology curriculum is developed and shared across our national network. With a flexible, WCAG 2.2 AA-compliant digital authoring platform, faculty can create interactive, accessible modules that can be adopted and adapted across institutions. This collaboration supports our broader goal of making workforce-aligned, industry-informed content easier to build, scale, and distribute nationwide.

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As promised, here is the Qolour Activities PDF for viewing or download via link at end.

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, working closely with Dr. Jared Ashcroft, Principal Investigator (PI) and overall leader of MNT-EC.

This promotion reflects Billie’s leadership, dedication, and growing role in guiding Center activities. Dr. Ashcroft will continue to provide strategic vision, build national partnerships, and shape the Center’s long-term direction as PI, while Billie expands her responsibilities as Center Director, ensuring strong coordination across projects, partners, and outreach efforts. Together, they will continue advancing the Center’s mission of supporting educators, students, and industry in micro and nanotechnology education.

“Working alongside Billie over the past several years has shown me just how committed she is to our mission. She has an incredible ability to connect with people, keep our projects moving forward, and ensure that everyone feels supported. Promoting her to Center Director is a natural next step, and I’m grateful we get to continue building MNT-EC together.” – Dr. Jared Ashcroft, Principal Investigator, MNT-EC

“Being part of MNT-EC since the beginning has been such a meaningful experience for me. I’m grateful for the trust and support of Jared, our team, and our partners, and I’m excited to keep building this work together. Stepping into the role of Center Director is both energizing and humbling, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next.” – Billie Copley, Center Director, MNT-EC

📖 Learn more about their leadership journeys:

• Partner Spotlight: Billie Copley
  
• Partner Spotlight: Dr. Jared Ashcroft
  

Please join us in congratulating Billie on her new role!