Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Dr. Jared Ashcroft

UPDATE: If you did not receive our latest MailChimp email update, you can read the deets on LinkedIn for Dr. Ashcroft’s newest exploit with the “alligator.” (And join our growing LinkedIn page/community for the nano stuff you just don’t want to miss. 😉

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I met Jared in 2012 when he was part of Nano-Link’s Nano-Infusion Project. We exchanged a few emails but didn’t know each other except by name. In early 2019, I received frantic phone calls from a couple of members of the MNT community telling me that Dr. Ashcroft was trying to reach me. I had no idea who Dr. Ashcroft was because the only Ashcroft I knew was Jared. I did not think he was a “Dr.” I called him, and he asked me if I would be interested in being the center manager for a grant they were writing for a national center. And now, here we are, six years later, loving our jobs and what we do in the MNT community. 

Jared is passionate about his family, students, and those working with him. You will hear him joke a lot about everything, but he is dedicated to this community, especially to community colleges and their faculty and students. His passion project is AT3, but he also helps students on a MATEROV team that Pasadena City College has; he opens his lab every Saturday for students to come in and learn, and he is constantly pushing his students to apply for grants, scholarships, awards, and competitions. He enjoys bringing students to conferences to present posters, be on student panels, and meet industry professionals. 

It has been absolutely amazing to work alongside Jared for the past six years. We have learned from each other, leaned on each other, and successfully run the Micro Nano Technology Education Center together. We have a strong and dedicated team that lifts the two of us, guides us, and makes sure we don’t screw up. Jared has been an amazing PI and a good friend.

I look forward to working alongside Jared for another five years or more.    

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What would you like people to know about you?

Well, first and foremost, I am the reigning MNT-EC Axe Throwing Champion and proud winner of the most recent MNT-EC Golf Championship, generously “sponsored” by the Dove Corporation of Argentina (a reference only Bob Ehrmann will truly appreciate). I like to bring a sense of fun and lightheartedness to the work we do—because enjoying what we do matters.

That said, I also take this work very seriously. I’m deeply committed to the goals we set and the promises we make to one another, especially when it comes to supporting students and building meaningful programs. I have very little patience for individuals or organizations that don’t follow through. At the very least, we owe it to ourselves—and each other—to make a genuine effort to collaborate, communicate, and follow through on our commitments.

And if something isn’t working? Let’s be honest about it. After giving it a real shot, it’s okay to pivot to a new strategy—as long as we’re doing it with intention, transparency, and in service of the mission. That’s how we grow. That’s how we get better. And, ideally, that’s how we keep having a little fun along the way.

What advice would you give to young people going to college who are interested in the field of manufacturing and nanotechnology?

First, you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. Manufacturing and nanotechnology are huge, exciting fields with so many pathways—from cleanroom fabrication to process engineering to quality control and beyond. Start with curiosity. Take introductory courses, get your hands on equipment when you can, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try things that feel unfamiliar or even a little intimidating.

One of the most important things you can do early on is build a strong foundation of practical skills. Learn how to use basic lab tools, read schematics, follow safety protocols, and understand how systems work at a fundamental level. These skills are transferable across industries and will set you apart when opportunities come your way.

Also, get involved as early as possible—whether that’s through internships, research programs, student clubs, or campus makerspaces. Hands-on experience is everything in this field. Not only will it help you apply what you’re learning in class, but it will also build your confidence and help you start building a professional network. And yes, start checking your email regularly—you’d be surprised how many students miss opportunities just because they didn’t read a message in time!

Equally important: don’t underestimate the value of soft skills. The best engineers and technicians are also great communicators, collaborators, and problem-solvers. Work on time management, learn how to work effectively in a team, and develop the ability to think critically and adapt when things don’t go as planned (which they often won’t).

And finally, say yes to opportunities—even if you don’t feel fully ready. Apply for internships, research positions, and summer programs. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be open and willing to learn. Programs like those supported by MNT-EC and initiatives like CASCADE and the Advanced Technology Technician Training program exist to help students like you explore, grow, and succeed.

Manufacturing and nanotechnology are shaping the future—and there’s a place for you in it. So stay curious, stay humble, and most of all, stay engaged. You never know where that first step might take you.

What advice would you give to students and/or fellow educators in the field of micro and nanotechnology?

To students entering the field of micro and nanotechnology—or really any technical field—my first piece of advice is simple but important: check and respond to your emails. I know it sounds basic, but I can’t tell you how many students miss out on scholarships, internships, events, or research opportunities simply because they’re relying on communication platforms like Discord or group chats, while faculty and professional networks still primarily use email. Staying engaged and responsive is a key part of being taken seriously and showing you’re ready to take on professional opportunities.

Beyond that, I encourage students to focus on developing strong soft skills—things like time management, critical thinking, persistence, and the ability to communicate effectively. These aren’t just “nice to have” traits; they’re essential to thriving in any academic or career setting. Technical knowledge alone isn’t enough—how you work, how you think, and how you interact with others will determine your long-term success.

Another important mindset shift I try to emphasize is this: stop trying to master the most complex concepts right away. Too many students get discouraged when they don’t understand the hardest material right off the bat. But the truth is, even in advanced fields like micro and nanotechnology, the most valuable skillset is a solid foundation in the fundamentals. Learn how to use a multimeter. Get comfortable with cleanroom protocol. Understand the basics of fabrication processes, measurements, and safety. These are the skills that make you valuable across many disciplines and roles. Industry will teach you the specifics of their systems—they expect to train you. What they’re really looking for is someone with curiosity, initiative, and a strong technical core.

And here’s something I can’t emphasize enough: apply for as many internships as possible. And when you get one—be exceptional. Show up early. Ask questions. Take notes. Offer to help. These are the things that build your reputation and, more importantly, your professional network. In this field (and many others), opportunities often come not just from what you know, but who you know. The mentors, supervisors, and colleagues you meet early on can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

To my fellow educators: we need to help students see the big picture. Let’s keep pushing for curriculum that balances technical training with soft skill development, and let’s model professional communication and behavior in our own interactions. Programs like those supported by MNT-EC, CASCADE, START, and our Advanced Technology Technician Training (AT3) initiative are powerful because they blend technical rigor with real-world application—and that’s exactly what our students need.

At the end of the day, this field is about growth—personal, professional, and technological. Stay open, stay curious, and say yes to opportunities, even when they push you out of your comfort zone. That’s where the real learning happens.

What do you love best about your work?

Alright, I’ll let you in on a little secret—I’m not a great research scientist. I didn’t pursue a Ph.D. because I had a burning desire to lead groundbreaking experiments or publish in prestigious journals. I did it because, at the time, it was the only clear path to do what I actually love: teach. Specifically, to teach at the college level and create environments where students could explore, discover, and grow.

What I truly love about my work is being in the background, creating the conditions for others to thrive. I’m not someone who wants to be in charge of everything or in the spotlight. My passion lies in quietly building opportunities that help students succeed—whether that’s facilitating research experiences, organizing internships, or setting up lab environments where they can experiment, get curious, and maybe even mess up a little in the process. That’s where the learning happens.

One of my favorite parts of the job is seeing students present their work—whether at conferences, in classrooms, or during lab tours. Watching them take ownership of their ideas, speak with confidence, and realize they belong in STEM spaces is incredibly rewarding. When a student gets published, lands an internship, or just tells me they finally understand something that used to feel impossible—that’s the moment that makes everything worth it.

I’ve come to realize that my role isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about being the person who helps make things possible. Whether through programs like CASCADE, AT3, or our work with MNT-EC, I get to help create bridges between students and opportunity. And that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

What I love best about my work is that it’s not really about me—it’s about them. Their growth, their confidence, their next steps. And if I can play even a small part in that journey, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

That said, I have to give credit to MNT-EC for pushing me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. For someone who never really wanted to be “in charge,” being part of this national effort has opened up a whole new chapter for me. MNT-EC has given me the space—and the responsibility—to lead in ways I never expected. It’s been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It’s helped me grow professionally and personally, and reminded me that leadership doesn’t always look like taking center stage. Sometimes it means shaping systems behind the scenes, supporting others as they rise, and realizing that you’re capable of more than you thought.

What impact do you hope MNT-EC will have on instructors and students and the world of education in general?

As an educator and someone deeply involved in the education and workforce development space, I believe one of the most important things we can do is provide students and faculty with meaningful opportunities—and continually encourage them to take full advantage of those opportunities. Access, support, and encouragement are key to helping individuals reach their potential, especially in specialized, high-tech fields like micro and nanotechnology.

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) is a vital partner in this effort. Its mission to expand the number of community college programs and educators delivering outcomes that lead to technician jobs in micro and nanotechnology industries is directly aligned with the needs of the 21st-century workforce. Through MNT-EC’s support, institutions are able to develop cutting-edge curriculum, offer hands-on training experiences, and connect with a national network of peers and industry partners.

Programs like CASCADE—which stands for California Alliance for Semiconductor Career and Development Expansion—are a direct example of how MNT-EC’s mission comes to life. CASCADE is focused on building a strong, inclusive pipeline for technician roles within the semiconductor industry, particularly in Chip Design. With a focus on outreach, training, and career alignment, CASCADE creates real opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter and thrive in high-demand technical careers. MNT-EC’s partnership in initiatives like CASCADE ensures that faculty are equipped with the tools, training, and support they need to deliver relevant and transformative education.

We also see this impact in our Advanced Technology Technician Training (AT³) program. This program is designed to provide community college students and instructors with immersive, hands-on experiences in micro and nano, and emerging technologies. Through structured training modules, access to cutting-edge equipment, and direct engagement with industry professionals, AT³ strengthens the technical foundation of students while helping faculty stay current with industry practices. The program is not only a pathway to employment, but also a catalyst for increasing student confidence and awareness of careers in fields they may not have previously considered.

On a larger scale, MNT-EC is helping to redefine education by promoting industry-responsive, workforce-aligned models that prioritize skills development, hands-on experience, and real-world application. This shift not only benefits students and educators, but also addresses critical talent gaps in emerging sectors, ensuring that our education system remains relevant and resilient in the face of technological change.

Ultimately, I hope that MNT-EC continues to serve as a national leader in empowering instructors and students, and in shaping a more inclusive, agile, and impactful educational ecosystem—one that opens doors to careers that truly transform lives and communities.

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