Welcome to HI-TEC 2023
Sunday, July 23
4:00–7:00 p.m.
Registration
Monday, July 24
MON 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Registration
MON 8:30 a.m.–Noon
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MON 8:30 a.m.–Noon
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MON 10:00–10:15 a.m.
Refreshment Break
MON Noon–1:00 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own
MON 1:00–4:30 p.m.
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MON 2:30–2:45 p.m.
Refreshment Break
Tuesday, July 25
7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Registration
8:30 a.m.–Noon
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10:00–10:30 a.m.
Refreshment Break
Noon–1:00 a.m.
Lunch on Your Own
1:00–5:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, July 26
7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration
7:45–8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:30–9:45 a.m.
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9:45–10:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
10:15–11:00 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
WED 10:15–11:00
Build a biomedical device, hack electronic medical records, and repair a medical device in virtual space with VR headsets. Learn about the newly developed content and activities for engineering technology in healthcare. Receive access to educational content, questions, and activities. Participants will see demonstrations and participate in new educational technology for applied electronics, network security, medical device repair, and more. Brian Bell, Lead Faculty for Biomedical Engineering Technology, St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs, FL
This session will present a case study of sector partnerships. Participants will learn how a technology company closed a skills and confidence gap by building a diverse future workforce pipeline with the largest school district in the country. Hear about the strategies used by the school district/company partnership to build this pipeline utilizing in-demand skills curricula, career-connected programs, work-based learning, mentoring programs, and sector partnerships. Successful outcomes and the blueprint for this comprehensive program will be shared with the audience. Angel Pineiro, Vice President, Strategic Academic Relations, Workforce Solutions, CompTIA, Downers Grove, IL
Project-based learning helps to cultivate culturally inclusive classrooms that celebrate diversity and inclusion while fostering cultural respect. Projects based on everyday questions can be framed into team projects that lead to exploration of further knowledge. Each section of a project’s plan or flow chart can be researched, discussed in the group, and explored with critical thinking. In small groups we’ll identify a common interest question and format it into a flow chart of knowledge and research. Each group around the table will come up with a question and work on it with guided instructions. Chander Arora, Biotechnology Program Director, Expanding the Biotech Pipeline to Include Non-Traditional Students, Los Angeles Mission College, Sylmar, CA
Despite the increasing industry need for a diverse population of qualified engineers and technicians, women accounted for only 20 percent of engineering graduates in 2017, and currently only 16 percent of practicing engineers. Women represent only 28 percent of the STW workforce. This session will examine how the creative self-efficacy (CSE) of undergraduate women engineering majors affected how they described themselves as creative in relation to the lived experiences that led them to a level of success in STEM subjects and in the engineering major. It will highlight the educational reform needed to welcome diversity and creativity in STEM that will benefit all students. Christine Delahanty, Professor of Engineering and Physics, Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA
This session will introduce attendees to a project that can give high school students access to four entry-level mechatronics courses at a distance in Nebraska and Minnesota. Attendees will learn the best practices used in delivering hands-on technical courses at a distance utilizing high school instructors as facilitators. The session will also cover the value of utilizing the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model to help sustain the project and best practices for delivering technical coursework online. Participants will see the trainers and observe student activities. Jerry Muller, Industrial Trainer Coordinator, Enhancing the Independent Mechatronics Technical Curriculum and Creating a New Pathway from Rural High Schools into Mechatronics Careers, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Dan Davidchik, Mechatroncis and Instrumentation Faculty Member, Enhancing the Independent Mechatronics Technical Curriculum and Creating a New Pathway from Rural High Schools into Mechatronics Careers, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Doug Laven, Mechatronics Faculty Member, Enhancing the Independent Mechatronics Technical Curriculum and Creating a New Pathway from Rural High Schools into Mechatronics Careers, South Central Community College, North Mankato, MN
Git and GitHub are essential tools in the IT industry. GitHub Classroom provides a way for students to learn these tools with hands-on projects while working in a classroom environment that encourages collaboration and helps ensure academic integrity. This session will introduce attendees to GitHub Classroom and demonstrate how to access and use its features. David Singletary, Professor, Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL; Pamela Brauda, Professor, Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL; William Money, Student, Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL
When embarking on the implementation of technical solutions in low-resource settings, it is crucial to consider local environments so that risks are not introduced. Many organizations may include field offices in parts of the world such as the global south in Africa, and may implement technology solutions in those locations. This presentation will outline several real-world examples of introducing technology “on the ground” over the past decade in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Ghana, and Kenya and the challenges that arose with information and cybersecurity and how they were overcome to facilitate successful implementations. Stanley Mierzwa, Assistant Director and Lecturer, Center for Cybersecurity, Kean University, Union, NJ
In this session, attendees will gain an understanding of the benefits and implementation of performance based-education (PBE), including how to get started, deployment, lab scheduling, and integration of emerging technologies. Renee Blackshear, Professor, Texas State Technical College, Brownwood, TX; Billy Weaver, Professor, Texas State Technical College, Harlingen, TX
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has supported the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program through several iterations since 2010. The current program falls under our Hispanic Serving Institution Title 3 and Title 5 grants. The program in its current form is a result of twelve years of planning, learning what works and what doesn’t for our diverse student body, and focusing on STEM areas such as computer technologies. Results clearly show that students do considerably better with SI. We want to share what we have learned during our SI journey. Brian Candido, Department Chair, Computer Technologies, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), Springfield, MA; Lara Sharp, Dean of STEM, STCC; Tim Rudenko, Student Supplemental Instructor, STCC; Jackson Perez, Student Supplemental Instructor, STCC
Concurrent Sessions
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon
This engaging session will include a discussion of best practices for academia-industry collaborations, along with details on the process our project team utilized to develop a digital badge to raise cyber awareness among technicians working in the areas of robotics, automation, and mechatronics (RAM). A demonstration of our free Cyber4RAM badge will be included, along with information about how our badge modules can be employed by others to develop microcredentials for related fields (such as Cyber4EVs or Cyber4Solar). Evelyn Brown, Director, Extension Research and Development, The Robotics/Automation and Cybersecurity Knowledge Sharing Coordination Network (TRACKS-CN), NC State University, Raleigh, NC; Zackary Hubbard, Dean of Technical Programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury, NC; Aimee Durham, Chair, Department of Information Technology, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury, NC
This moderated panel session brings together four National Science Foundation program officers with experience as two-year faculty who are currently serving in the Division of Undergraduate Education. The panel’s discussion will provide an overview of the various funding opportunities available to two-year institutions including ATE, HSII, S-STEM, and others. Attendees will learn about the goals of the various programs, and how to determine which program best aligns with a specific project idea. Rachael Bower, Director/PI, ATE Central, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA; Mike Davis, Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA; Christine Delahanty, Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA; Kalyn Owens, Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA
The biotechnology industry has trouble recruiting technicians. One explanation is that students do not know what people do in biotechnology companies. One team in the Antibody Engineering Hackathon, August 8-11, 2022, helped develop the Biotechopoly™ Antibody Edition. The game introduces biotech jobs and teaches students about industry-specific concepts in drug development. Along the way, players experience luck and karma, take risks, and encounter the trials and tribulations of developing biotechnology products. Students who have tested the game tell us Biotechopoly™ is fun, educational, engaging and, at times, harsh. Come play the game and see what the excitement is all about. Sandra Porter, PI, Developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences in Antibody Engineering, Digital World Biology, Seattle, WA; Todd Smith, Chief Technology Officer, Developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences in Antibody Engineering, Digital World Biology, Seattle, WA; Feather Ives, Instructor, Developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences in Antibody Engineering, Merritt College, Oakland, CA; Aron Kamajaya, Instructor, Developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences in Antibody Engineering, Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hill, CA; Sheela Vemu, Instructor, Developing Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences in Antibody Engineering, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL
Preparing for the potential of a ransomware event, and the resulting response procedures should an organization be attacked with the malware, requires a genuine community approach. The variety of expertise necessary to properly arrange forward-thinking planning for ransomware events is vast and as such, should include cross-discipline, cross-sector, and public-private partnership interaction between those in the professional fields of information technology, cybersecurity, information security, higher education, former federal (FBI and Secret Service) and local law enforcement, emergency management, and business professionals. As a result of the amalgam of inputs, the theme and content of Kean University’s published research and ransomware framework represent a true diversity of disciplines. This material can be used by organizations to better prepare for ransomware events and by schools to develop ransomware preparedness course modules. Stan Mierzwa, Director and Lecturer, Center for Cybersecurity, Kean University Center for Cybersecurity, Kean University, Union, NJ
Attendees will learn how to develop and implement a student-centered strategy of assistive technology for college students. Topics will include how to determine the technology readiness of students and their ability to adapt to new strategies using assistive technologies, how to determine the right type to meet student needs, and when and how to elevate the accommodation to meet immediate and long-term needs. The right-sized accommodation is the one that works for the student and can be delivered. Explore common solutions for low-level needs and innovative solutions to more complex needs using the latest in assistive technology. Mike Sauter, Alternate Media/Assistive Technology Specialist, Access ATE, Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
Join us for a presentation and recording of the Talking Technicians Podcast of the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC). Talking Technicians, an ATE podcast, highlights community college graduates working as technicians in their chosen fields. During this special session, we invite you to participate in the recording of a live podcast. Hear your voice on air or listen in and be part of the audience—the choice is yours. This session will feature a panel of three working technicians in micro/nano, biotech, and IT. Ask questions and be part of the Talking Technicians Podcast. Hosted by Peter Kazarinoff and Janet Pinhorn from MNT-EC with our industry panel of guests. Peter Kazarinoff, Professor, MNT-EC, Portland Community College, Portland, OR; Janet Pinhorn, Program Manager, MNT-EC, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
This session will describe a new approach taken with teaching cloud infrastructure technologies at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, NC. Learn how students in the CTI-260 course were given hands-on access to deploy, configure, and troubleshoot a converged data center environment using hardware from Cisco and NetApp. In this environment, students worked in teams to deploy a real-world solution and present their experience to an audience of fellow students and faculty. You’ll learn the details of how the content was developed and delivered along with an overview of challenges, successes, lessons learned, and plans for the future. Jeff Banham, Instructor, Cloud and Networking Technologies, Wake Tech Community College, Morrisville, NC; Dr. John Wetsch, Program Director for Cloud Computing, Wake Tech Community College, Morrisville, NC
Employ big data sets and tools and AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) techniques to be better equipped to harness the data revolution. Learn how to add big data sets and use tools of dimensional reduction, cluster algorithms, and spectral analysis in your specific ATE work for the aim of increasing participation (e.g., STEM enrollment, completion, diversity metrics, funding, and usage of a technology) in your respective projects. Ben Reid, Director and Principal Investigator, Grant Insights for Research and Development (GIRD), Impact Allies, Vero Beach, FL; Kevin Cooper, Director and Principal Investigator, Project Vision, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL
The diesel technology program at Wallace State has launched a hybrid program called Diesel by Distance. This program option combines online theory, live open discussions online, virtual reality simulations for skills trainings, and customized scheduled in-person labs. The flexibility of this program has opened the door for more females and adult learners to continue their education. After students have passed a certain level of competency, we are able to assist with finding in-field employment with one of our industry partners, thus enabling the student to earn a work-based learning credit. Anna Beard, Diesel by Distance Project Coordinator, Developing and Implementing Hybrid Instruction to Increase the Access of Women and Adult Learners to Diesel Technology Training, Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, AL; Daniel Swindall, Diesel and Diesel by Distance Instructor, Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, AL
Noon–1:00 p.m.
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Concurrent Sessions
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m.
According to Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, 2.1 million manufacturing jobs may go unfilled by 2030. This forecast emphasizes the need to recruit populations that are currently underrepresented in the field, which includes women. During this presentation attendees will hear about the personal experiences of women in STEM fields, including what helped them persist when facing challenges throughout their career paths. Attendees will learn about strategies and resources that can be used for the recruitment and retention of women in STEM fields. Emphasis will be given to advanced manufacturing. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Farmington, CT; Kasandra Otey, Mechanical Design Instructor, Recruitment and Training Support for Diverse Populations in Mechanical and Architectural Manufacturing Technologies (RTS-MT), Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Oakdale, PA
Ever wanted to submit a proposal to the NSF ATE program for grant funding but did not think your community or technical college could? This interactive session will discuss institutional capacity-building challenges and barriers faced by a majority of the nation’s community and technical colleges that desire to write competitive ATE grant proposals. Creative solutions and resources to address institutional stumbling blocks toward grant submission and implementation will be presented. In addition, a two-year case study of a unique team approach and lessons learned in cybersecurity will be shared. Interaction and engagement from the audience will be strongly encouraged. Elizabeth Hawthorne, PI, Fortifying Cybersecurity and Computing through ATE grants, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD; Barbara Belón, Co-PI, FORCCE-ATE, Fortifying Cybersecurity and Computing through ATE Grants, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD; Blake Urbach, Principal Consultant and Evaluator, Fortifying Cybersecurity and Computing through ATE Grants, Preferred Program Evaluations, Orlando, FL; Heather Ruttkofsky, Dean of Health Sciences, Career and Technical Trades, Fortifying Cybersecurity and Computing through ATE Grants, Jackson College, Jackson, MI
The Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, a structured approach that engages employers to help steer curriculum development and keep programs current with evolving technology, is gaining traction at colleges across the country. This model gives faculty expert guidance so students learn the skills they need to be “workforce ready.” Attendees will learn how they can use the seven essentials of the National CTC’s BILT model in their programs to boost engagement with business and industry. The BILT approach works with any technical discipline. Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Mark Dempsey, Assistant Director, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX
Collaboration is key to understanding practices at institutions that support students in their pathways. In this presentation, we will share findings from collaborative research from the Rutgers Education and Employment Research Center and faculty members from Ivy Tech Community College’s School of IT. For the last four years, we’ve been engaged in research to better understand student decision-making in these programs. We focus on issues that are common to schools of IT (despite differences in size and resources), solutions to those issues, and the importance of advisor and faculty communication across campuses. Sam Scovill, Researcher, Rutgers University’s Education and Employment Research Center, Piscataway, NJ; Danette Coughlan, Assistant Professor of Computing and Informatics, Department Chair, Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville, IN
As a result of emerging technologies and their associated integrated systems, interdisciplinary knowledge and skills are necessary to manufacture, operate, and sustain these products during their life cycles. This enables a new approach to education and training that leverages common principles of science, technology, and engineering within that integrated system. Some high-technology products share design requirements even if their specific applications are different. Therefore, a common set of education and training standards can be developed. The convergence of technologies provides opportunities for convergence of standards, credentials, and curriculum that meets industry workforce development needs. Stephen Ley, Associate Professor, National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT), Utah Valley University School of Aviation Sciences, Provo, UT; Zack Nicklin, Co-Principal Investigator, National Center for Autonomous Technologies (NCAT); Northland Community and Technical College, Thief River Falls, MN; Diana Lundahl, Associate Professor, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT
This session will provide an overview of the ISA-TOPE project and will showcase the curriculum developed along with other resources and best practices learned during the course of the project. Carl Borleis, Director of Program Excellence, Preparing Students for Technical Careers in Autonomous Technologies for Commercial Trucks and Off-Highway Vehicles, Transportation Center of Excellence, Rosemount, MN; Shannon Mohn, Instructor, Preparing Students for Technical Careers in Autonomous Technologies for Commercial Trucks and Off-Highway Vehicles, M-State Community College, Moorhead, MN; Forrest Brownlee, Instructor, Preparing Students for Technical Careers in Autonomous Technologies for Commercial Trucks and Off-Highway Vehicles, Hibbing, MN
Learn how cell-free systems such as BioBits® can authentically demonstrate molecular biology concepts or biotech techniques. Visualize transcription and translation in real-time, make fluorescent proteins to examine the link between protein structure and function, or use the system as part of your biotechnology protein synthesis and analysis workflow—all without the need for tedious cell culture. These activities serve as interactive tools for understanding biology fundamentals and building valuable lab techniques and skills critical for the biotech workforce. Ally Huang, Lead Research Scientist, miniPCR bio, Cambridge, MA; Janet Standeven, Biotechnology Teacher and iGEM Advisor, Lambert High School in Forsyth County Georgia, Suwanee, GA; Megan Heaphy, Equipment Depot Manager, Center for Global Health Innovation, Atlanta, GA
The first year of an ATE grant can be challenging. Mentor-Connect is now funded by ATE to provide an alternative to learning by trial and error about what you need to know and do. PI 101 is an innovative way for new PIs to get information, advice, and support. PI 101 addresses NSF expectations and responds to questions that new PIs routinely ask. In this session, a panel of ATE PIs who have recently experienced the steep first-year learning curve will share lessons learned and tips for success. NSF Program Officers will also join the session to share tips for success from their perspective. Mentor-Connect will answer questions about PI 101 and outline resources that are available for implementing a new ATE grant. Pamela Silvers, co-Pi, Instructor, Mentor Connect Forward: Leadership Development, Mentor-Connect, SCATE Center of Excellence, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; Terry Bartelt, Mentor Connect Forward: Leadership Development, Mentor-Connect, SCATE Center of Excellence, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; Lanka Elson, Professor of Computer Science Technology Professor, NSF ATE PI, Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD; John Dahlgren, CTE Instructor, Butte College, Oroville, CA; Marcella Gale, Mechatronics Faculty, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VA; V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA; Mike Davis, Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA; Kalyn Owens, Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA
This session will focus on the education and workforce needed in the automotive industry to adapt to the shift from traditional fuel-powered to battery-powered electric vehicles (EV). A unique integrated approach has been developed, combining evidence-based programs to meet the needs of underrepresented groups and address the technology skills gap. This program, developed in collaboration with industry partners, uses a cross-disciplinary EV manufacturing and service industry technician education hybrid curriculum designed to increase and diversify the pool of qualified EV manufacturing and service industry technicians. Tammy Quiney, Instructional Designer, Collaborative Research: Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Education, Clemson University, Greenville, SC; Kapil Chalil Madathil, Director of Technology, Assistant Professor, Civil and Industrial Engineering, Collaborative Research: Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Education, Clemson University, Clemson, SC; Rebecca Short, Director of Operations, Collaborative Research: Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Education, Clemson University, Greenville, SC; Robert Elliott, Dean, Manufacturing and Maintenance, Collaborative Research: Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Education, Trident Technical College, Charleston, SC
Concurrent Sessions
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m.
Traditional programming courses have relied on students learning coding syntax from examples and other textbook sources. As students learn to write code, they become proficient in the syntax, logic, debugging, and documentation of their code. ChatGPT is a revolutionary method that enables students to generate new code, fix bugs and errors, and learn and write programming languages and computational concepts. Debasis Bhattacharya, Associate Professor, CyberSecure: Extended Cybersecurity Education, Curriculum and Workforce Development, Award #1700562, University of Hawaii Maui College, Kahului, HI
Project-based learning helps to cultivate culturally inclusive classrooms that celebrate diversity and inclusion while fostering cultural respect. Projects based on everyday questions can be framed into team projects that lead to exploration of further knowledge. Each section of a project’s plan or flow chart can be researched, discussed in the group, and explored with critical thinking. In small groups we’ll identify a common interest question and format it into a flow chart of knowledge and research. Each group around the table will come up with a question and work on it with guided instructions. Chander Arora, Biotechnology Program Director, Expanding the Biotech Pipeline to Include Non-Traditional Students, Los Angeles Mission College, Sylmar, CA
With the rise of automation comes the need for highly skilled industrial professionals. For 80 percent of manufacturers, attracting and retaining the right talent remains their top challenge. It’s clear that better education and hands-on training is the way forward. In fact, 75 percent of manufacturers surveyed said that upskilling their workers helped improve productivity, promotion opportunities, and morale. In an effort to close the skills gap and demonstrate qualification, certifications and credentials have become increasingly important. Higher ed, particularly community colleges, can boost students’ employability before they graduate by offering in-demand certification programs with guidance and support from industry.
Steve Lehr, Director of Business Development – North America, Festo Didactic Inc. North America, Eatontown, NJ
This session will disseminate and discuss techniques for improving student learning of complex technical subjects such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. The PIs of NSF grant projects at Minnesota Community and Technical College and Riverland Community College are closely collaborating to improve student outcomes. Olle Gladso, Instructor, Educating Autonomous Vehicle Technicians, Riverland Community College, Albert Lea, MN; Shannon Mohn, Instructor, Amping Up Today’s Electric Drive Automotive Education, AMPED Technology Certification: Advanced Modules in Powered Electric Drive Technology Certification, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead, MN
The Hidden Innovation Infrastructure NSF ATE project studies the role of technician education at community colleges and its relationship to regional economic development. In this presentation, we will review findings from one aspect of the project that looks at how NSF ATE grantees articulate their programs’ relationship with regional economic development. The remainder of the session will be a facilitated discussion aimed at learning more about how ATE grantees interact with regional workforce and economic development, and how we can help each other leverage partnerships in collaboration with these organizations. Michelle Van Noy, Director, The Hidden Innovation Infrastructure, Rutgers University’s Education and Employment Research Center, Piscataway, NJ; Marilyn Barger, Senior Education Advisor, FLATE, Orlando, FL
Did you know that there are manufacturing careers in high-end fashion, sustainable agriculture, and artificial intelligence? There are clear connections between many nontechnical interests and STEAM opportunities that can help encourage students to expand their horizons and consider advanced manufacturing careers. Manufacturing USA can help educators understand the many nontraditional manufacturing careers that exist, how to make the connections between students’ interests and those careers, and how students can access opportunities in and pathways to advanced manufacturing careers. Christina Jones, Partnerships and Outreach Strategist, Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, Gaithersburg, MD
Attendees will learn how to create work-based learning programs in information technology at their institutions using lessons we have learned and detailed in our work-based learning program replication guide. Since the launch of the Information Technology Flexible Apprenticeship (ITFA) program in 2017, Columbus State Community College’s faculty and staff and employer partners have learned what it takes to run a work-based learning program incorporating career-readiness activities, rigorous academic coursework, and on-the-job technical training. In this session, we will share our successes and challenges. Attendees will receive actionable advice and access to a digital copy of the replication guide. Sara Lucas, Project Manager, IT Work Study Flexible Apprenticeship Model, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Geoff Bauer, M.Ed., Supervisor: Partnerships and Programs, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Col. Lawrence McWherter, Assistant Professor, Information Systems Technology, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Alie Hernandez, Program Coordinator, Partnerships and Programs, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
In this interactive session, facilitators will discuss approaches used to increase awareness of, access to, and enrollment in a machine tool program in Central Wisconsin. Emphasis will be placed on the recruitment of Southeast Asian/Hmong adults in the region. Lessons learned, and adaptations made to recruitment strategies utilizing a cultural lens, will be discussed. An open discussion on how attendee institutions attract minority populations into STEM programs will be facilitated. Attendees will walk away with best practices for diversity, inclusion, and equity. Frank Fernandes, Physics Instructor and Principal Investigator, ATE ReTool Project, ReTooling a Machine Tool program in Central Wisconsin, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, WI; Jeff Block, Machine Tool Faculty, ReTooling a Machine Tool program in Central Wisconsin, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, WI; Vicki Jeppesen, Director of Resource Development, ReTooling a Machine Tool program in Central Wisconsin, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, WI
Solar professionals invariably conduct a technical on-site survey before construction to assess the suitability of a given location and to predict the potential for solar energy generation. With current methods, solar companies still spend hours using ladders and hand-measuring rooftops, which slows down project pipelines, reduces accuracy, and increases safety risks. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) combined with solar design software and 3D modeling tools can eliminate roof climbs; decrease on-site time by up to 90 percent; and increase design accuracy to avoid redesigns, change orders, and/or delays on install day. Ken Walz, Director and Principal Investigator, CREATE Energy Center, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI; Daniel Castano, Lead Technical Trainer, Scanifly, Brooklyn, NY
3:00–3:45 p.m.
Refreshment Break/View Exhibits/Posters
Poster Sessions
WED 3:00–5:30 p.m.
The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) utilizes Technology Teams and Business and Industry Leadership Teams to gather information and resources on current and future skills needed in the advanced manufacturing workplace. This poster will share what teams have learned from industry partners in their disciplines, including how they utilize technologies under Industry 4.0. This content is used to inform professional development for faculty and instructors, curriculum development, and outreach efforts to improve the image of manufacturing and ultimately increase recruitment for the advanced manufacturing workforce. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), Farmington, CT; Wendy Robicheau, Assistant Director, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), Farmington, CT
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BETA Skills looks at the convergence of emerging biomedical technologies, where the intersection of devices and tissue engineering is an excellent example. Past program evaluations suggested that a full immersion into a BETA industry/setting for a period of eight weeks would be very beneficial for a better perspective of what skills students will need in order to work in these environments. Five community college instructors were chosen to be BETA Summer Industry Fellows. Working with local employers, they were placed in regional organizations in the areas of clinical research, medical devices, and regenerative medicine. This poster will highlight our program’s results. Russ Read, Executive Director and PI, Biomedical Emerging Technical Skills Applications (BETA Skills), National Center, Biotechworkforce of Forsyth Tech, Winston-Salem, NC
Building automation technology (BAT) is inherently interdisciplinary. Students need background in HVAC, electrical systems, and electronics (low-voltage wiring, logic and programming, networking, controls). At Wake Tech Community College, a new lab has been designed and five new courses developed by a team pulled from electronics, HVAC, and electrical systems instructional departments. The grant team has leveraged the work of other grants through interaction with the Building Efficiency for a Sustainable Tomorrow (BEST) Center, which is also an NSF ATE grant recipient. The team has utilized industry resources: license-free software, relatively inexpensive hardware, free video, and published resources. Constance Keen, Assistant Professor, Building Automation Technology (NSF Grant: A New Technician Training Program for Advanced Building Technologies, DUE 2000190), Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, NC
Student representatives from schools in the National Convergence Technology Center’s nationwide Convergence College Network (CCN) community of practice will provide an overview of recent research, learning projects, and career opportunities in the information communications technology space. Mark Dempsey, Assistant Director, National Convergence Technology Center (CTC), Collin College, Frisco, TX; Gina Baker, Student, Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL
This poster will present the design of an Arduino (PLC and direct) controlled OWI 5 motor robotic arm system, which is currently obsolete for Windows 10 PCs. Multiple methods for robotic arm control will be discussed, including updated USB driver fix (using LabView and other programs), wireless, voice-activated and direct motor control using H Bridge, and switched relay control. An inexpensive dual +/–3V power supply, which can replace the 4 D batteries, will be discussed, and new CAD drawings, PWM speed control, and motor encoders will be covered. Andrew Bell, Department Chair, Engineering, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN
Del Mar College (DMC) is a two-year Hispanic and minority serving institution that has been transforming science education with internships and workshop experiences. A new DMC biomanufacturing program includes a two-week intensive certificate from the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM) (Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station). The certificate has been awarded to the 2021 and 2022 cohorts of DMC biomanufacturing students. The highly valued biomanufacturing certificate includes hands-on learning of cell culture, basic molecular biology, aseptic processes, microbiology, upstream and downstream processing of biological materials (including viruses, monoclonal antibodies, and other recombinant proteins), and industrial bioanalytical methods. Daiyuan Zhang, Professor of Biotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX; John Hatherill, Professor of Biology, Department of Natural Sciences, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission predicts a 10 percent annual growth in industrial machinery mechanic jobs. To help meet those needs, this project developed an industrial maintenance technician pathway to prepare engineering technicians who have electromechanical experience. The project developed a Business and Industry Leadership Team with representatives from electrical and manufacturing industries to ensure the pathway meets the needs of local employers. Faculty update the existing curriculum, acquire new instructional equipment, and provide students with flexible access to the existing fabrication laboratory. These changes increased enrollment, retention, and graduation rates of engineering technology and electronics technology students. Thomas Henderson, Associate Professor of Electronics, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK; Don Crall, Associate Professor, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK
There is a shortage of technicians with the skills to maintain programable logic controllers (PLC) and robots in the service industries. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is developing a PLC and Robotic Automation Technician certificate program to address this shortage in the service industries in the greater New York City area. The goal of the project is to create a one-year 24-credit certificate program that will equip PRA technicians with the skills required for employment in service industries. Douglas Jahnke, Assistant Professor, Vaughn College, Flushing, NY
The SkyBayTech Electronics Manufacturing Technician program at Skyline College in the San Francisco Bay Area is designed to meet local workforce needs through hands-on and project-based learning. Program details shown on this poster will include: 1) local workforce needs assessment, 2) new curriculum and stackable certificates in electronics technology aligned with the Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC) standards, 3) faculty professional development, 4) the design and development of a modern electronics manufacturing lab facility, 5) a student support program that includes high school partners, and 6) collaborative partnerships and a workforce placement program with integrated support from industry partners and research facilities. Nicholas Langhoff, Professor and Chair, Engineering and Engineering Technology, SkyBayTech – Meeting the Bay Area’s Electronics Technician Workforce Need, Skyline College, San Bruno, CA; Laura Tudor, Industry Engagement Coordinator, SkyBayTech – Meeting the Bay Area’s Electronics Technician Workforce Need, Skyline College, San Bruno, CA
The NSF ATE Dual Credit High School-Community College DNA Sequencing and Genomics Project is establishing a first-of-its-kind DNA sequencing and genomics facility in Austin, Texas, on the Austin Independent School District’s Liberal Arts and Science Academy campus. The facility is run by dual credit high school and two-year Austin Community College biotechnology students and faculty. Students participate as part of their curriculum to complete an industry-recognized level-I certificate in biotechnology from ACC. Kissaou Tchedre, Professor, Dual Credit High School-Community College DNA Sequencing and Genomics Project (NSF-ATE Award #2055607, Hub Number: P2-02), Austin Community College, Elgin, TX
Forsyth Tech has taken on a three-year project designed to help strengthen the cybersecurity footprint within the Triad area of North Carolina. The grant covers our two service areas, Forsyth and Stokes Counties, expanding to other counties in the third year. Each year eight K-12 CTE teachers are invited to obtain our cybersecurity certification within two semesters. Once they complete the certificate, they are given the opportunity to take the CompTIA Security + Exam and become adjunct instructors for the cybersecurity program at Forsyth Tech. Teachers are also given resources to use in their classrooms to help students become cyber-aware. Thomas Brown III, Department Chair, Engaging K-12 Teachers to Help Build a Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC
Student participation in actively learning environments is critical to retaining students in STEM, especially at Hispanic Serving Institutions. To promote institutional transformation at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, faculty across departments have formed a supportive community that collaborate to improve institutional culture within and beyond the classroom environment leading to increase student retention, and their sense of belonging. The presentation will provide insight on faculty engagement that have led to increasing student retention and engagement: flipped classroom strategies to increasing learning in general chemistry, undergraduate research in the classroom, as well as results from surveys, summer camp program for first generation and low-income first-year STEM students. Josee Vedrine-Pauléus, Professor, Department of Physic & Electronics, HHMI-PROUD Program Grant # GT11071, University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, Humacao, PR
The biotechnology program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) received a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund to establish a honey-testing laboratory at BCTC. Students in the biotechnology program isolate, extract, and sequence pollen DNA from honey submitted by regional farmers. The aim of the project is to facilitate undergraduate research at a community/technical college while simultaneously providing a service to local agricultural industry, ensuring the quality of locally produced honey, and collecting data to study honeybee forage patterns and floral diversity across Appalachia. Potential project expansion includes sugar-profiling and pesticide and microbial analysis. Audrey Law, Biotechnology Program Coordinator, Biology Faculty, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Lexington, KY; Victoria DeFrese, Biotechnology Staff Instructor, Lab Manager, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Lexington, KY
Garden City Community College (GCCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in rural Western Kansas, has received a five-year $5 million Title III Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students earning STEM degrees and to develop model transfer and articulation agreements between two-year HSIs and four-year institutions in related fields. Four priorities include: 1) expand STEM instruction with three new employment-aligned academic programs and online courses, 2) develop a robust articulation program, 3) create services including summer programs to build STEM interest and skills, and 4) renovate and equip STEM facilities. Ron Carlson, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Garden City Community College, Garden City, KS
Visitors to this session will learn how four mechatronics courses are being delivered via the web to high schools in Nebraska and Minnesota. A classroom-based facilitator provides basic instruction and supervision while the college instructor addresses harder questions. Each student has access to a hands-on trainer. Daniel Davidchik, Mechatronics Instructor, iMEC2.0 2037491 and the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) 2055767, South Central Community College, Mankato, NM, and Central Community College Columbus, NE
This poster will provide an overview of institutional support for community college engineering and engineering technology students. The program offers six associate of science degrees and fourteen certificates. These stackable credit awards serve as curricular milestones that align with students’ transfer and employment goals. The authors are developing new articulation agreements with partner institutions that incentivize pre-transfer completion of engineering curriculum and offer program awards to students who complete engineering credits upon transfer. The program has also implemented a holistic, non-credit engineering summer cohort program that introduces students to engineering and critical community college student services and institutional agents. Eugene Mahmoud, Professor, Developing Pathways to Engineering Technology Careers, Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, CA; Carolyn Robinson, Professor of Engineering and the Co-Chair of Physics and Engineering Department, Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, CA
The goal of this new-to-ATE project is to develop open-source resources, that is, an e-book, laboratory manual, and instructor’s guide to enhance vacuum technician education. The project team will outline the steps and resources necessary for e-publishing of the laboratory materials: a step-by-step e-publishing guide, Creative Commons licensing, instructions for producing video materials on a budget, and an overview of existing OER guides and courses. Elena Brewer, Professor, Developing an E-book and Other Interactive Instructional Materials for Technician Education in Vacuum Technology (ATE project #2000454), SUNY Erie Community College, Williamsville, NY; Nancy Louwagie, Instructor, Vacuum Technology, Developing an E-book and Other Interactive Instructional Materials for Technician Education in Vacuum Technology (ATE project #2000454), Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN
The reality of cyberterrorism has prompted the United States federal government to enact legislation and form initiatives designed to mitigate cybersecurity risks. The threat of cyberattacks has been exacerbated by the shortage of skilled IT security professionals. Community colleges play a vital role in rapidly preparing the next generation of cyber experts. Community colleges are charged with transforming novice students into skilled cybersecurity professionals. This poster will examine the transformation process at Enterprise State Community College. Rosalyn Warren, Instructor, Enterprise State Community College, Enterprise, AL
Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) involves growing food in environment-controlled structures like greenhouses and indoor vertical farms using precision technology, data processing, and automation. The purpose of CEA is to provide optimal growing conditions. Since CEA integrates engineering, agriculture, and computer science-based approaches, an NSF grant-funded smart technology course is currently being designed at Ivy Tech Community College. The course will lead to an interdisciplinary CEA certificate. We will utilize Raspberry Pis and Arduinos integrated with wireless sensor networks to remotely (IoT) monitor key environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, pH, electrical conductivity, and light. Rhiannon Lake, Project Director/Co-PI of Controlled Environment Agriculture NSF Grant, Preparing the Skilled Technical Workforce in Controlled Environment Agriculture, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN
NSF grant DUE 2100114 (AttrACTing the Next Generation Cybersecurity Workforce [ACT]) has enabled us to create our own homegrown Cyber Range (CR) at MassBay Community College. The goal was to establish a supportive educational environment for underrepresented students to become skills-ready for the workforce. With the cost of private CRs being prohibitive for a community college, we collaborated with UMass Lowell faculty to create and configure our own CR, which is a small network of servers, routers, switches, etc. This poster will show the creation process of CR design and configuration, along with a list of devices and cost. Shamsi Moussavi, Professor, AttrACTing the Next Generation Cybersecurity Workforce (ACT), Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA; Giuseppe (Tony) Sena, Professor, AttrACTing the Next Generation Cybersecurity Workforce (ACT), Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA; Ryan Fried, Professor, AttrACTing the Next Generation Cybersecurity Workforce (ACT), Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA
Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning materials that are openly licensed or in the public domain, meaning they’re free to students and sharable for faculty. In this project, we are building OER for welding and electronics courses that are customized to fit the needs, experiences, and identities of our students. We are also focusing on accessibility so that students of all abilities can learn. Our materials add to the pool of OER that is just beginning to be developed for manufacturing technology. Student and faculty surveys conducted by this project show the benefits and challenges of using OER. Katherine Kelley, Faculty Librarian, Creation and Modernization of Technological Education in Electronics and Welding through Open Educational Resources That Are Free to Share, Use, and Revise, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA; Priyanka Pant, Dean of Instruction, Creation and Modernization of Technological Education in Electronics and Welding through Open Educational Resources That Are Free to Share, Use, and Revise, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA
The IT Flexible Apprenticeship program at Columbus State Community College is a work-based learning program that takes students on a two-year journey involving front-loaded technical coursework, intense career preparation, and the opportunity to interview with employer partners to secure paid apprenticeships aligned with their academic programs of study. During this session, you will be able to speak with program alumni about their journey through the program from entry to completion. Hear firsthand accounts of how the program has impacted participants and enabled them to reach their career goals. Geoff Bauer, Supervisor, IT Work Study Flexible Apprenticeship Model, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
Roane State Community College has created corequisite general education mathematics and physics courses to be paired with core courses required for an AAS in Mechatronics. A general education mathematics course is paired with Process Controls or Motor Controls, and a general education physics course is paired with Mechanics and Machine Elements. Students gain a better understanding of and appreciation for their general education classes when they are able to connect the content with that of their core classes. Elizabeth Weaver, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Improving Mechatronics Education by Pairing Mechatronics Courses with General Education Math and Science Courses, Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge, TN; Phillip Hyun, Associate Professor of Physics, Improving Mechatronics Education by Pairing Mechatronics Courses with General Education Math and Science Courses, Roane State Community College, Harriman, TN
Partnering with Industry to Convert Non-Credit Injection Molding Courses to a For-Credit Certificate
Learn how Central Community College (CCC) used industry partnerships to convert non-credit Injection Molding workshops into a 12-credit-hour certificate in Advanced Manufacturing (AMDT). Learn how awareness programs allowed CCC to reach recent high school grads as well as non-traditional students and enrolled them in four “bootcamp” classes while using outside funding to cover the students’ cost. Jerry Muller, Industrial Training Coordinator, Prime grant #1902354 and National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) #2055767, Central Community College, Columbus, NE
Southern University’s Engineering Technology 2+2+2 Matriculation Model is designed as a gateway to enable early education, persistence to postsecondary credentials of value, and high-quality career outcomes. Programs of study with similar demographics may be able to use this model as a template. The model aims to do four things: 1) facilitate the early engagement of students, thereby decreasing the number of academically underprepared learners entering college; 2) expand postsecondary educational opportunities to improve outcomes and foster economic opportunity; 3) increase the enrollment, persistence, and graduation of early education and underserved populations in STEM; and 4) facilitate a reduction in time to degree. Kenie Moses, Professor and Department Head, Engineering and Technology, Building a Career Pathway from High School into the Workforce for Skilled Technicians in Electrical, Industrial, and Process Engineering Technology, Southern University, Shreveport, LA
This poster session will focus on the results of a recruiting survey that was administered to Instrumentation students in the Fall 2022 semester. This survey was used to gauge the effectiveness of current recruiting practices. The survey is a critical part of an action research project that River Parishes Community College STEM and Instrumentation faculty are conducting to improve the diversity and inclusivity outcomes of the Instrumentation Program. Esperanza Zenon, Professor of Physical Science, Advanced Industrial Instrumentation Control Technician Education, River Parishes Community College, Gonzales, LA
This poster will show how the Associate in Applied Science in Construction Management program at HCCC comprises a one-year academic certificate, four-month long proficiency certificates, stackable credit certificates, and micro-credit certificates. Azhar Mahmood, Associate Professor, Strengthening Community College and Workforce Partnerships in Construction Management, Hudson County Community College, Jersey City, NJ; Khursheed Khan, Stackable Certificates in Construction Management Program, Hudson County Community College, Jersey City, NJ
The session will examine in-progress NSF-sponsored research that includes: 1) strategies to engage non-traditional students enrolled in digital circuits, statics, and aerodynamics through peer leader support in fully online learning environments; 2) the development of supplemental activities that have the potential to increase the academic performance and persistence of veterans, adult learners, and active military; 3) an analysis of best practices to train peer leaders on ways to relate to others with different backgrounds and experiences; and 4) research on building student connections in asynchronous environments to allow students to further identify as part of the engineering and aerospace community. Kimberly Luthi, Assistant Professor/Associate Program Chair, Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems Applications, College of Aviation, The Engagement of Non-Traditional Students in Online Engineering Pathways, National Science Foundation, Improving Undergraduate STEM Education, Award Number 2216325, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; David Harvie, Assistant Professor, Program Coordinator, Master of Aviation Cybersecurity, The Engagement of Non-Traditional Students in Online Engineering Pathways, National Science Foundation, Improving Undergraduate STEM Education, Award Number 2216325, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; Keith Wilson, Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Accreditation, Department Chair, Undergraduate Studies, College of Aviation, The Engagement of Non-Traditional Students in Online Engineering Pathways, National Science Foundation, Improving Undergraduate STEM Education, Award Number 2216325, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
To increase enrollment of women in college engineering and industrial technology programs, our project focused on changing perceptions of potential students and career influencers (parents, counselors, advisors, teachers, administrators, etc.). Taste of Industry is a one-day on-campus event that highlights our engineering and industrial technology program areas through interactive demonstrations. Participants are given a lesson plan kit for their classrooms to conduct mini-STEM based lessons and activities with their students. The event helps career influencers to better speak to the changing needs of Industry 4.0 and to better help students plan for training and employment. Zack Hubbard, Dean of Technical Programs, Increasing Women in Engineering and Industrial Technologies Programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury, NC; Tony Bean, Program Chair of Engineering Technologies, Increasing Women in Engineering and Industrial Technologies Programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury, NC; Brandon Hoffner, Program Chair of Welding Technologies and Machining, Increasing Women in Engineering and Industrial Technologies Programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury, NC
Visit this session to learn how to employ big data sets and tools, AI, and ML techniques and be better equipped to harness the data revolution. Learn how to add big data sets and use tools of dimensional reduction, cluster algorithms, and spectral analysis in your ATE work to increase participation (e.g., STEM enrollment, completion, diversity metrics, funding, usage of a technology) in your projects. Ben Reid, Director and Principal Investigator, Grant Insights for Research and Development, Impact Allies, Vero Beach, FL; Kevin Cooper, Director and Principal Investigator, Project Vision, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL
Program evaluation is critical to the success of projects as it offers feedback for making iterative changes to improve impacts and sustainability. This poster will show metrics from a BioTech program evaluation that demonstrate the importance of a mixed methods and utilization focus approach to program evaluation. Sondra LoRe, Director, Center for Academic Research and Excellence, NFS award #2000193, Chattanooga State & SPEAR Consultants, Chattanooga, TN
There are great opportunities for NSF ATE projects and centers to collaborate or partner with the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP) and the Manufacturing USA Institutes (MUSA). Both have a mission to support manufacturing. The MEPs in each state focus on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers survive and thrive. Today, much of that “survival” deals directly with workforce needs. The MUSA Institutes focus on technology development and technology transfer but also include workforce development in their mission. This poster will share how projects and centers are partnering with these federally funded networks to build collaborative relationships leading to win-win scenarios involving academia and industry. Marilyn Barger, Senior Educational Advisor, FLATE, part of FloridaMakes, Tampa, FL; Evelyn Brown, Director, Extension Research and Development, TRACKS-CN, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC; Marci Gale, Mechatronics Faculty, Manufacturing, Adjuncts, Partnerships, and Students, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, NC
Both in practice and throughout the literature, workplace-based learning (WBL) opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships are often characterized by inconsistent language and non-standardized features. For example, the terms “internship” and “apprenticeship” are sometimes used interchangeably. Also, benefits and components, such as paid versus non-paid or academic credit versus no credit, can vary widely across and within institutions. This poster will present findings from a mixed-method study exploring WBL language in the ATE community and will invite discussion about the impact of these inconsistencies on WBL implementation in technician education and the sharing of best practices. Valerie Marshall, Research Associate, The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Mary Slowinski, PI of Working Partners Project & Workshops, Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA
Concurrent Sessions
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m.
It is essential for students in workforce-focused STEM programs to acquire the competencies employers require students to possess. The GeoTech Center has collaborated with industry partners and the US DoL to define those competencies and create the Geospatial Technology Competency Model—a pyramid of competencies in multiple tiers from basic to specific geospatial knowledge. The competencies were used to create a self-assessment for individuals and a program assessment tool to build the content for geospatial programs. This presentation will cover how this can be accomplished for other disciplines. Ann Johnson, Associate Director, GeoTech Resource Center, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Rathdrum, ID; Vincent DiNoto, Director, GeoTech Resouce Center, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Louisville, KY
During this presentation we will describe the research and service programs that we use to engage students and introduce them to technical careers. Our projects introduce students to real-world applications and provide them with opportunities to solve actual problems and contribute to global research projects. Food insecurity in our community is an issue that students have worked on addressing. High school students designed and built a hydroponics unit, and community college students installed a raised bed garden on campus. Both college and high school students participate in research that addresses antibiotic resistance, a global health concern. These and other projects and their impacts will be discussed. Douglas Mooney, Professor, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT; Sharon Gusky, Professor/PI, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT
U.S. manufacturers consistently cite the lack of a skilled workforce as one of the biggest challenges to advanced manufacturing initiatives. To address this challenge, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute has created RoboticsCareer.org. This free national resource identifies and standardizes the competencies, skills, and pathways required of an advanced manufacturing workforce, and includes training options ranging from apprenticeships to two- and four-year degree programs. Additionally, ARM has developed an endorsement program that recognizes and promotes high-quality robotics training and education. Learn how your institution can leverage these innovative resources to increase awareness of your programs and support your students. John Zappa, Senior Product Manager, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, Pittsburgh, PA; Mary Ellen Rich, Certification Manager, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
This session will explore the next generations of wireless technologies that will be enhanced by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) as we move through this present decade. Today, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, enablers of Industry 4.0, the key to integrating alternative energy to the grid, and countless other technology innovations are enabled primarily through wireless data transmission. Presently 6G is in the planning stage, as is Wi-Fi 8. This presentation will address these emerging technologies, anticipated timelines, and their targeted applications and will also endeavor to explain how ML and AI will be used in their implementation. Gary Mullett, Professor and Department Chair, AET, Internet of Things Education Project, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
The COVID-19 pandemic has made learning about molecular testing more important than ever. Learn how you can bring PCR, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, and even CRISPR/Cas labs to your program with tools that are affordable, accessible, and engaging. Discover easy-to-use hands-on resources and free curriculum that can help your biotechnology, medical laboratory technology, and clinical laboratory programs gain a practical and conceptual grasp on pivotal molecular techniques and prepare your students for the biotechnology and lab technology workforces. Ally Huang, Lead Research Scientist, miniPCR bio, Cambridge, MA; Janet Standeven, Biotechnology Teacher and iGEM Advisor, Lambert High School in Forsyth County GA; Megan Heaphy, Equipment Depot Manager, Center for Global Health Innovation, Atlanta, GA
Aviation maintenance technology (AMT) programs rely heavily on kinesthetic learning. The COVID-19 crisis caused major disruptions to AMT programs’ curricula. Applying a resilience engineering framework, this NSF ATE project investigates AMT programs’ immediate and long-term learning responses to the pandemic using qualitative and quantitative methods. Additionally, we analyze data on digital learning tools to gain in-depth insights into successful methods for maintaining academic continuity with the added benefit of diversifying the future workforce. We discuss our findings and share evidence-based guidelines based on our data and other published work. These guidelines can help maintain academic continuity and increase diversity. Rebecca Short, Director of Operations, Clemson University Center for Workforce Development, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, Greenville, SC; Michael Sasso, Assistant Dean, AMT, Cape Cod Community College, Barnstable, MA; Damon Lercel, AMT Professor, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; Karen Johnson, Associate Professor, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL; Vice President and Journal Editor, Aviation Technician Education Council
This session deals with strategies for engaging and retaining students through hands-on learning, beginning with course planning several weeks before class begins through the first day, syllabi, learning styles, group labs, lab reports, grading, and continuous monitoring and improving. Session participants will explore new ways to organize student groups and prepare learning activities. It is designed for IT students but should work equally well with other technical disciplines. Glenn Jones, Semi-retired Associate Professor of IT Networking and Cloud, Tulsa Community College, Owasso, OK
Learn how the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, coupled with developing a culture and knowledge of writing competitive grant proposals with emphasis on BILT leadership, provides a strong strategy for long-term innovation. This session will cover BILT essentials and how colleges across the nation have benefitted from this coupling. Ann Beheler, PI, Pathways to Innovation/CTC/ITSS, CORD and Collin College, Waco, TX
Accordion Sample Description
Accordion Sample Description
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Reception / Poster Sessions
Thursday, July 27
7:30 a.m.–Noon
Registration Open
7:30–8:15 a.m.
Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
7:30 a.m.–Noon
Exhibit Hall Open
Concurrent Sessions
THUR 8:15–9:00 a.m.
We will present the MassBridge project and discuss our approach to aligning advanced manufacturing programs across seven community colleges in Massachusetts. Funded by the DoD, MassBridge developed a process for mapping industry needs to existing curricula to identify gaps and develop content to address those gaps. During the session, we will share employer data and analysis, the curriculum playbook that can be followed to perform this work, and the products that were developed, including the skill assessment rubrics and student electronic portfolio template. The resulting products can be easily adapted to many other industry sectors, including CS, biotech, and others. Meghan Abella-Bowen, Senior Program Manager, Center for Advanced Manufacturing, MassTech Collaborative, Westborough, MA; Marina Bograd, Associate Professor and Chair of Engineering, MassBay Community College, Wellesley, MA; Dr. Beth Unger, MIT Research Scientist, MIT, Cambridge, MA; Rick Bsharah, Dept. Chair, Associate Professor of Engineering, Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable, MA
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) plays a key role across industries, but there is a widening gap between the technology and the number of skilled workers who can drive it. As a certification institution, you will prepare the workforce of tomorrow by offering a professional proficiency credential in additive manufacturing technologies, industries, and applications; FDM and PolyJet materials; key technology specifications; design considerations from CAD to CAM; fabrication considerations; and post-processing methods. Come and engage with the director of education for Stratasys, Jesse Roitenberg, on how this offering can transform your coursework and workforce development path. Jesse Roitenberg, Director of Education, Stratasys, Eden Prairie, MN
This session will provide an introduction to the curriculum developed by MNT-EC center and how course implementation can be disseminated into micro/nanotechnology programs. Neda Habibi, Assistant Professor, The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), University of North Texas, Denton, TX; Cait Cramer, MNT-EC, Assistant Program Chair. Mechanical Engineering Technology, Ivy Tech Community College, Lawrenceburg, IN; Zachary Gray, Assistant Professor, MNT-EC, NACK, State College, PA; Vishal Saravade, MNT-EC, Penn State, State College, PA
Internships are integral to technical education training and provide an important bridge to employment. Valencia College’s Biotechnology grant focuses on improving the internship experience and better preparing students to enter the workforce. We created two online courses. One guides students through internship requirements, the application process, and the sites available. The other prepares students to enter the workforce by focusing on essential workforce skills and current biotechnology topics. Finally, we developed opportunities for students to learn about careers in biotechnology, present their internship work, and network with industry professionals. Susan Ingersoll, Professor and Program Director, Improving the Biotechnology Internship Experience to Better Prepare Student Technicians for the Modern Workforce, Valencia College, Orlando, FL; Sothy Kien, Instructional Lab Supervisor, Valencia College, Orlando, FL
CPTC became a Guided Pathways institution in 2018 and has since worked to incorporate Guided Pathways into its technical degrees. The presenters’ research, conducted as part of the Harvard Strategic Data Program for Career and Technical Education (SDP-CTE) fellowship, reveals that there is no silver bullet to solving retention and completion issues but provides examples of successful fact-finding and program innovations. Attendees will leave with concrete examples of how to adapt Guided Pathways principles to technical programs, the prerequisites for measuring the effectiveness of these interventions, and methods of collaboration between institutional research departments and instructional workforce divisions and program faculty. Samantha Dana, AVP for Institutional Effectiveness, Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood, WA; Dr. Claire Korschinowski, Dean of Instruction, Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood, WA
Program evaluation is critical to every project to demonstrate impacts and return on investment. When we involve the people we intend to serve in our education and workforce programs, we create sustainable and culturally responsive programs with lasting impacts. In this session, attendees will engage with program evaluators sharing information from two NSF ATE program evaluation materials to discover program evaluation metrics for all people groups and programs for meaningful and impactful program evaluation. Sondra LoRe, Director, Center for Academic Research and Excellence, Program Evaluator for ATE projects #2000193 and #1900165, Chattanooga State and SPEAR Consultants, Chattanooga, TN
Diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with broadening participation, are important to educators and employers. Learn about strategies that have positively impacted recruitment and retention of diverse students in technician education classes and programs around the country. These fresh, cost-effective ideas may be just what you need to advance your program now, or that you can incorporate in grant proposal plans. Three experienced technician educators will share what worked for them. You will leave this presentation with specific ideas you can adapt or adopt to increase enrollment and retention in your technician education and related STEM programs. Esperanza Zenon, Instructor, Grant PI, Advanced Industrial Instrumentation Control Technician Education, River Parishes Community College, Gonzales, LA; Pamela Silvers, Instructor/Co-PI, Mentor Connect Forward: Leadership Development, Mentor-Connect, SCATE Center of Excellence, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; Terry Bartelt, Mentor Connect Forward: Leadership Development, Mentor-Connect, SCATE Center of Excellence, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC
The presenter will review teaching strategies and tools he has found effective in increasing student engagement in asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid modality courses. Discussion about how these practices and resources support the Department of Education’s “regular and substantive interactions” guidelines will be emphasized. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the practices and how they can be implemented in their own teaching environments. Mark Choman, Professor, Computer Information Systems, Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, PA
This session will tell the story of how we launched a virtual Career Connections event to connect students and alumni with local industry. The events serve as a platform for students to learn about their chosen field, the decisions and opportunities behind each industry professional’s personal career trajectory, what to expect after being hired, and the many options they have as they start (or develop themselves along) their journey. Our session will offer ready-to-implement solutions for meeting industry demand, work experience program requirements, and graduate job placement. Heidi Gurdo, Department Chairperson, Delaware Technical Community College, Newark, DE; David LaFazia, Instructional Coordinator, Delaware Technical Community College, Newark, DE
Concurrent Sessions
THUR 9:15–10:00 a.m.
Culturally relevant instruction in STEM fields boosts students’ sense of belonging and identity. Professors at a community college engaged in a year-long series of professional development activities designed to infuse their classrooms with high-impact practices. Hear from students, professors, subject matter experts, and administrators about how to build a community of practice and its impacts. Sarah Belknap, Professor, HSI ATE Hub Initiative, Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY; Vanessa Morest, Provost, HSI ATE Hub Initiative, Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY; Juan Rodriguez Jr., Professor, HSI ATE Hub Initiative, Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY
The cloud computing industry has become the number one transformative technology trend in the Southeast region and the nation. The pandemic single-handedly accelerated this move. With increased demand for emerging technology education, a unified approach that brings together best practice technical degree institutions is called for—an approach that involves sharing best practices, curriculum, faculty training, and industry networks. A transforming technology environment poses challenges for technical colleges. There is a continuous need to adopt, modify, and create new content to stay aligned with emerging technologies. Mubarak Banisakher, Computer Science Instructor, An Initiative of Closing the Cloud Computing Skills Gap, Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL; Marilyn Carrasquillo, Computer Science Assistant Professor, An Initiative of Closing the Cloud Computing Skills Gap, Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL
The “IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond” project, funded by an NSF grant, has convened over 250 employers from across the country to identify essential job skills for the most in-demand IT job clusters. Material produced by ITSS helps IT and cyber programs nationwide align curriculum with workforce needs. This project is powered by the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, which energizes the relationship between educators and employers to align curriculum with industry needs. Attendees will learn how to implement the ITSS process, effectively collaborate with employers, and develop skill standards. This process works with any technical discipline. Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond, Collin College, Frisco, TX
Advanced manufacturing technologies continue to rapidly evolve and expand, creating the need for timely implementation of programmatic responses from higher education. Attendees will hear from a panel of advanced manufacturing industry representatives and educators on changes that are coming to advanced manufacturing. Panelists will discuss topics such as future workforce needs, how to prepare programs and students to meet those needs, and outreach initiatives that can change the image of manufacturing. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Farmington, CT
NSF ATE Lead Program Officer, Dr. Celeste Carter, will review current funding opportunities, congressional re-authorization of the ATE Program with potential budget increases, and plans for a 2024 ATE Solicitation. NSF ATE proposals are complex and can be daunting for two-year colleges. Understanding the expectations and nuances of this funding opportunity contributes to proposal success. Mentor-Connect’s comprehensive no-cost help for prospective two-year college grantees (customized mentoring options, technical assistance, resources specific to ATE proposal development, and STEM faculty leadership development) is often the key to success. Mentor-Connect has assisted 234 colleges with a 71 percent funding rate for those new to ATE. Elaine Craft, PI, Mentor-Connect Forward: Leadership Development and Outreach for ATE, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; Dr. V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Officer, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA
Join us to learn more about edge computing in advanced manufacturing and other disciplines with the results of a pilot program of five faculty-student teams from engineering technology programs in Florida. Each project used a LIMS Edge Appliance (Learning Integrated Manufacturing System) and smart sensors to develop their demonstration projects. Edge computing is a distributed computing framework that brings enterprise applications closer to data sources like IoT devices or local edge servers. The project concepts, setup, and outcomes will be shared, and a group discussion will be facilitated about how and where this technology can be integrated into college programs. Marilyn Barger, Senior Educational Advisor, FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education), Tampa, FL; Sam Ajlani, Professor and Program Manager, Engineering Technologies at Central Florida College, Ocala, FL; Richard Gilbert, FLATE, Ambrose Gromley Inc, Tampa, FL
PathTech LISTEN (DUE #1801163) is a partnership between the University of South Florida (USF) and the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE). This session will present results from multiple waves of in-depth interviews tracking short-term educational and career outcomes of community college alumni sampled from PathTech LIFE (DUE #1501999), a national survey of advanced technology students conducted in 2017/2018. This session will report on their degree completion, work history, transfer, and educational attainment. Overall, we found that study participants had a wide range of jobs primarily related to their fields of study with several pursuing four-year STEM degrees. Will Tyson, Associate Professor, PathTech LISTEN: Mixed Methods Longitudinal Investigations of Students in Technician EducatioN, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
This session will describe a detailed design using NI MyDAQs and NI ELVIS IIIs to build circuits that can be remotely accessed by individuals outside of the college. Lab experiments with RC and RL circuits, relays, MyDAQs, and the NI ELVISmx software suite can be used to evaluate RC and RL circuits. Likewise, lab experiments for active filters can be evaluated using NI ELVIS IIIs and NI Measurement Live software. Both the MyDAQ and ELVIS III boxes connect to computers via a USB interface. Each of the four rack-mounted computers is connected to both an ELVIS III and MyDAQ. Andrew Bell, Department Chair, Engineering, SCME, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN
Accordion Sample Description
10:00–10:30 a.m.
Refreshment Break/View Exhibits
Concurrent Sessions
THUR 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Learn about hands-on, experiential programs that familiarize students with advanced manufacturing technology, entrepreneurship, and the education and career pathways that can lead to manufacturing careers. Developed by Manufacturing USA institutes, these programs effectively connect students, often from underserved communities, with resources, opportunities, and access to mentors who can help guide their career decision-making up to and through college. Hear how Manufacturing USA institutes have successfully introduced students to new technologies, and learn how you can bring these engaging programs to your school. Courtney Power, Deputy Director of Workforce Development, NextFlex, San Jose, CA
Data centers are large, centralized clusters of computing hardware. Enterprise and economic activities that rely on Internet services require significant data center infrastructure to ensure continuity of services. To provide these services, data centers require significant capital investment, ongoing operational maintenance, and a trained engineering technician workforce. As computing continues to move to the cloud, the data center industry is slated to grow significantly over the next decade. This presentation will introduce data center operations as an emerging discipline, focusing on the growth patterns of the data center industry, the skills required for technicians, and postsecondary curriculum and outreach strategies. Josh Labrie, Director NOVA SySTEMic, Expanding Regional Capacity for Training in Engineering Technology and Data Center Operations, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA; Chris Russell, NOVA IET Project Manager, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA
We discuss educational resources at The Smart Manufacturing Institute (CESMII.org) and work funded by CESMII for developing hands-on learning activities for Industry 4.0, including AVR and Digital Twins. We demonstrate hands-on learning activities using a workstation developed by Amatrol with CESMII. We present case studies of required student co-ops at high-tech businesses leading to full-time jobs and a 75% completion rate in two years. Similar collaborations with regional high-tech ecosystems are critical for addressing current and emerging needs of a technical workforce needed for the digital transformation of industries accelerated by the global disruptions, caused by the pandemic and other geopolitical factors. Sam Samanta, Coordinator of Smart Systems Technologies & Professor of Physics, FLCC, Victor, NY; Daniel Poehlein, Technical Specialist, FLCC, Victor, NY; Paul Perkins, President, Amatrol, Jeffersonville, IN; Conrad Leiva, VP Ecosystem and Workforce Education, CESMII – The Smart Manufacturing Institute, Los Angeles, CA; Kent Powell, North American Sales Manager, Amatrol, Goshen, KY
Evaluation is a powerful tool that can help inform project goals and activities, identify areas for growth, and guide decision-making. After providing a gentle introduction to evaluation, this session will review different ways that evaluation findings can be leveraged, whether you are in the proposal development stage or have already started your grant. Attendees will strengthen their knowledge of evaluation, identify ways that evaluation findings can be harnessed in proposal development and all phases of a project’s implementation, and walk away with relevant EvaluATE resources to support ATE proposals and evaluations. Valerie Marshall, Research Associate, EvaluATE, The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
Professional development workshops typically produce knowledge transfer. However, you can also have your professional development workshops create an active, engaged learning community. In this interactive session, attendees will learn about the professional development efforts of the Journal of Advanced Technological Education (J ATE), the peer-reviewed technical journal produced by and for the ATE community, and how the J ATE Readers, Writers, and Reviewers groups build a peer-review publishing community. Become a published author in J ATE and disseminate your results. Peter Kazarinoff, Professor, MNT-EC, Portland Community College, Portland, OR; Pamela Silvers, Instructor, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC; Laura Malave, Academic Chair, St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL; Billie Copley, Center Manager, MNT-EC, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
Module Development, Expansion, and Dissemination for Bioindustrial Manufacturing Workforce Readiness
BioMADE’s mission is to expand the biomanufacturing workforce where entry-level technicians to management will be needed to fill the predicted 1.1M career positions in the near future. BioMADE is launching an initiative to develop modules that address the multidisciplinary workplace competencies required in bioindustrial manufacturing, building on basic biotechnology core skills to include engineering principles, systems, and process practices. This session will be interactive as the presenters seek to map knowledge gaps and where new modular content may be integrated into existing biology, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, biochemistry, and bioengineering courses. Approaches that facilitate broad impact and dissemination of resources using web-enabled platforms will be identified. Louise Petruzzella, Senior Program Manager, BioMADE, Minneapolis, MN; Kristin Jenkins, Senior Program Manager, BioMADE, Minneapolis, MN; Parminder Jassal, Chief Executive Officer, Unmudl, Austin, TX
We will introduce content and activities developed during the life of NEATEC. An overview of our website, which the ATE community can use, will cover the following: (1) workshops developed for community college faculty and students; (2) modules, professional development, and workshops for middle and high school teachers and students; (3) training for new-hire technicians for semiconductor industries (GlobalFoundries, TEL, and others); (4) workshops and internships designed to train military members and veterans for careers in the semiconductor industry; and (5) experiential learning through internships with National Labs and industry leaders. Abe Michelen, Managing Director, NEATEC, SUNY Poly, Albany, NY; Robert Decker, Developer, NEATEC, SUNY Poly, Albany, NY; Robert Geer, PI, NEATEC, SUNY Poly, Albany, NY; Stephen Steward, Developer, NEATEC, SUNY Poly, Albany, New York
Decarbonization efforts demand that buildings employ control technology that saves power and energy. This session will provide an overview of new and emerging smart building controls as well as the careers that are in high demand to employ these technologies. Free curriculum has been developed through the NSF ATE project Smart Start to Energy Management. These comprehensive hands-on lessons, used and reviewed by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and six surrounding high schools, are available for free. Learn how to access these lessons and the low- or no-cost equipment used to teach about building controls. Jennifer Brinker, Instructor, Smart Start to Energy Management, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, WI; Scott Liddicoat, Curriculum Developer, CREATE Center, Madison, WI
The ACABT grant is well into its first year and just starting to get rolling. Working with community-based organizations and industry and internally at the college has been challenging, but it is all starting to come together. This presentation will cover the efforts of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) to bring project information to underserved areas of Milwaukee. These efforts include (1) finding and working with CBOs, (2) understanding funding mechanisms for scholarships and grants (local, state, and federal), (3) reviving industry relationships that provided letters of commitment two years old, and (4) recruiting efforts (and challenges) for workshops hosted in the community to market the opportunities. Ted Wilinski, BAS & Sustainability Instructor, Access to Careers in Advanced Building Technology (ACABT), Milwaukee Area Technical College, Oak Creek, WI; Bonnie Griffin, Coordinator, NSF ACABT Grant, Access to Careers in Advanced Building Technology (ACABT), Oak Creek, WI
Concurrent Sessions
THUR 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
In the engineering technology sector, employers report that students lack the skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving that are necessary for success in the modern workplace. One way to address this gap is to integrate design thinking into instruction. As a nonsequential iterative approach to problem-solving, design thinking privileges teamwork and user-centric methods. In this session, facilitators will introduce three methods for effectively combining design thinking with digital fabrication—a sustained professional learning program to help faculty integrate design thinking into their pedagogy, an entrepreneurship incubator for interdisciplinary groups of postsecondary students, and an outreach-focused summer camp for K-8 students. Facilitators will share outcomes from each of these approaches, with an emphasis on how audience members can apply these techniques in their own contexts and institutions. Christopher Russell, IET Project Manager, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA; Mary Ratcliff, Fabrication Lab Coordinator, Supporting Instructors to Embed Design Thinking in Digital Fabrication Courses, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA; Richard Sewell, Fabrication Lab Coordinator, Product Design Incubator: Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Interdisciplinary Product Design, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA
Determining how to effectively evaluate the industry partnerships that inform our work can prove challenging. What metrics should we use? What methods support analysis of individual relationships as well as aggregate efforts? How can results best be shared? How might assessment improve alignment between partner interest and program need? Join The Rucks Group and Working Partners for an overview and demonstration of one such tool that shows promise, and to learn more about peer efforts, successes, and challenges around partnership evaluation. Through presentation and discussion, attendees will gain a greater understanding of evaluative approaches that support and deepen productive partnerships. Mary Slowinski, Principal Investigator, Working Partners Project & Workshops, Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA; Julia Siwierka, Director of Research and Evaluation Services, The Rucks Group, Dayton, OH; Rachael Bower, co-Principal Investigator, Working Partners Project & Workshops, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Of the sixteen Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MII), three were created to serve the bioscience sector: the Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem (BioMADE), the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI/BioFab), and the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). The impact of building relationships between two-year colleges, career technical programs, industry partners, and the MIIs can lead to transformative change for educators, institutions, and job seekers. In this session, we will highlight the current and potential impacts for each of the three biomanufacturing MIIs, success stories, challenges, and innovative solutions to building workforce capacity. Tom Tubon, Chief Workforce Development Officer, BioMADE, Minneapolis, MN; John Balchunas, Workforce Director, NIIMBL, Newark, DE; Karla Talanian, Chief Education and Workforce Officer, ARMI BioFabUSA, Manchester, NH
Logic models are a powerful tool that can visually communicate a project’s goals and intended outcomes. Grant proposals and evaluation plans can greatly benefit from the inclusion of a clear and concise logic model. This presentation will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the essential elements of a logic model and how to develop their own. Throughout the presentation, attendees will be shown examples of ATE logic models and how they have been used successfully. Participants will leave with practical tools for creating their own logic models and integrating them into ATE proposals and evaluation plans. Lyssa Becho, Principal Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Megan Lopez, Senior Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
MREA and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) have joined together to put the U.S. on a path forward in energy storage systems technology. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), this project is creating an industry-recognized energy storage credential that is administered by an independent third-party certification body (NABCEP) to advance industry standards and promote a skilled energy workforce. The credential will be known as the NABCEP Photovoltaic Energy Storage Professional Certification, or PV-ESP. Kenneth Walz, Director/PI, CREATE Energy Center, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI; Nick Matthes, Solar Project Manager and Co-Principal Investigator, Energy Storage Certification Project, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), Custer, WI; Shawn O’Brien, President and CEO, Co-Principal Investigator, Energy Storage Certification Project, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Clifton Park, NY
The use of drone technology has exploded in recent years, with applications in fields ranging from agriculture and construction to media and entertainment. Drones offer a unique and exciting platform for students to explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). In this presentation, we will explore the potential of drones to enhance STEAM education and engage students in hands-on, experiential learning. La’Quata Sumter, Engineering Professor and Education Consultant, Focusing On Me Inc, Leesburg, GA
The Industry 4.0 revolution is forcing manufacturers to increase data skills across multiple manufacturing positions. Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) has two NSF grants: Distance-Enabled Industry-Led Data Analytics Technician Pathway (ATE #2202090) and Teaching Technician Troubleshooting with Mini Industry 4.0 Factories (ATE #2100322). Guided by multiple industry KSAs, BTECH developed two courses to meet industry needs: Data 1065 “Manufacturing Analytics” and CTRL 2065 “Data and Manufacturing Analytics.” This presentation will demonstrate the curricular resources developed by BTECH. Participants will walk away with the knowledge and resources to teach manufacturing analytics at their schools. Sydney Dahl, Data Analytics Instructor, Bridgerland Technical College, Logan, UT; Stephen Allred, Automation Technology Instructor, Bridgerland Technical College, Logan, UT; Tiffany Chalfant, Instructional Designer, Bridgerland Technical College, Logan, UT
RPA is a software development technology used by businesses to automate repetitive tasks and processes. This presentation will help attendees understand how businesses are using RPA—with low-code/no-code tools such as Power Apps, Power Automate, and UiPath—and why educators should include it in curriculum. This presentation will explore tools for developing simple apps and chatbots to improve productivity by automating business processes. The presenter will demonstrate how to build an app solution and build a chatbot using such tools. Rajiv Malkan, Professor, LoneStar College, Montgomery, Conroe, TX
This session will take a look at the current barriers that marginalized populations face when looking to access work-based learning. Attendees will learn how to negate these barriers and ensure equitable access for students and job seekers. A fundamental shift in the opportunities afforded to job seekers is needed. When students are given access to work-based learning, they are more likely to establish appropriate paths for themselves and stay on them, which in turn improves retention and success. Bob Slaman, Partnerships Director, Jobspeaker, Inc., San Francisco, CA
12:30–1:45 p.m.
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Concurrent Sessions
THUR 2:00–2:45 p.m.
Learn how workforce agencies and educational institutions in South Florida are using our Virtual Career Center to build strong talent pipelines for high-tech industries. We will introduce our collaboration and the implementation of our Virtual Career Center with CareerSource South Florida and its affiliated schools. We will highlight how students are engaged and prepared for successful careers in targeted high-tech industries via a regional implementation. Chuck Johnson, Business Development Manager-Education, Geographic Solutions Inc, Palm Harbor, FL; Megan Aderele, Sales Support Specialist, Geographic Solutions, Palm Harbor, FL
We know data tells a story, but how do you collaborate with different sources of data to tell one cohesive story? Using examples from the NSF Automotive Work Study program, Columbus State will share our learned strategies and best practices for working with different sources and types of data to draw conclusions for program improvement. Specifically, this session will cover working with programmatic, external evaluation, and institutional data; identifying when data is supporting versus competing; and pulling it all together to address deliverables and program sustainability. Grayson McKeown, Reporting and Evaluation Coordinator, Improving Automotive Technician Training Through a Flexible Industry Apprenticeship Program, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Katelin Franklin, Project Manager, Improving Automotive Technician Training Through a Flexible Industry Apprenticeship Program, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
The field of environmental technology affects nearly every facet of our lives, providing our water and electricity, processing our water, and protecting our habitat. In this session, we will present the findings from the 2023 forums on Defining Environmental Technologies, which brought together industry professionals from environmental science fields to identify existing and emerging workforce demands for environmental technology. Andrew McMahan, Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Technology (EARTh) Center, Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro, NC; Josh Webb, Associate Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Technology (EARTh) Center, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Davenport, IA
Although the biotechnology industry continues to grow, one of the obstacles to recruiting students is a lack of awareness about biotechnology. In collaboration with industry, an experience has been developed for students in secondary and college courses to do science, while developing biotechnology skills. Previous studies have suggested a connection between mutations on dog chromosome 6 and excessively friendly behavior. Students collect saliva samples and extract DNA to analyze this gene location to see if there is continued evidence linking genotype and phenotype. Learn ways this project can be implemented based on the education levels of students and resources available. Misty Wehling, Co-chair, Biotechnology Program, Southeast Community College, Beatrice, NE; Tracy Niday, Co-chair, Biotechnology Program, Southeast Nebraska, Southeast Community College, Lincoln, NE; Gabrielle Johnson, Science Department Co-Chair, Southeast Community College, Lincoln, NE
The goal of the Needed Math Project is to improve the alignment of the mathematics taught in community colleges with the mathematics necessary for manufacturing technicians. The project so far has involved research that informed a large-scale survey of more than 10,000 company personnel and two-year math and technical faculty. Our purpose in this session is two-fold: (1) We will report on the survey results, discussing where there is consensus and where there are differences between survey respondents. (2) We will ask participants for input to guide future project activities that best serve the math-related needs of our students. Lisa Seidman, Adjunct Instructor, Faculty Emeritus, Needed Math, Madison Area Tech College, Madison, WI
Collecting, displaying, and analyzing location data will be the theme of this presentation. The presentation will explore building a data collection survey that contains spatial information, mapping the collected data, and interacting with the collected data through a dynamic interactive dashboard. Additional demographical information, such as U.S. Census data with appropriate symbology, can be utilized. Throughout the presentation, live interactive information will be demonstrated. All component parts will be created, constructed, and displayed in a browser. This tool can be used by any faculty member or administrator to develop a simple query with multiple factors and categories, such as survey data, that will output to a user-friendly map. Vince DiNoto, Director, GeoTech Center, National Geospatial Technology Center of Excellence, GeoTech Center/Jefferson Community and Technical College, Louisville, KY
This session will discuss the application of online simulation and visualization tools for teaching, research, and collaboration in the areas of nanotechnology, material science, environmental science, electrical engineering, biological sciences, physics, chemistry, photonics, and more. Tools include 26 Remote Access Instruments in Nanotechnology (RAIN) nodes for accessing visualization instruments; 500+ tools at nanoHuB for simulating nanotechnology processes; PV modeling and simulation tools—PVGIS, SolarGIS, PVWatts, PVsyst, and RETScreen for designing PV systems; interactive simulations at Phet for Physical sciences and math; and CompuCell3D & Physicell—and flexible modeling and simulation platforms for biology, tissue engineering, and viruses such as COVID-19. Best practices and experiences at GVSU with X-ray characterization using XPS and XRD will also be presented. Ahmed Khan, Fulbright Scholar/President, World Learning Inc., Washington, DC/Radiance International, Oak Brook, IL; Dr. Atilla Ozgur Cakmak, Assistant Professor of Engineering, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Sala Qazi, Professor Emeritus, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is dedicated to investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research, education, and job and workforce development to meet the critical need for employees in these fields. STCC developed the STEM Starter Academy (SSA) in response to the Commonwealth’s charge. SSA provides programs for a range of students including high school students, STCC students, and STCC STEM majors. The driving principles of SSA are to support our underrepresented student populations by providing equity and access to STEM majors and pathways and to promote positive and equitable outcomes through intense student support and guidance. Samar Ghrear, STEM Starter Academy Coordinator, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA; Jason Phillips, STEM Academic Counselor, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
2:45–3:00 p.m.
Break Refreshments Available
Concurrent Sessions
3:00–3:45 p.m.
The National Convergence Technology Center (CTC), funded by an NSF grant, regularly offers faculty professional development events, from lengthy in-person workshops to streamlined 30-minute webinars. This includes the popular Working Connections series that’s been running in North Texas since 2002 and attracts faculty from across the country. Surveys show Working Connections—and its 3100 total faculty enrollments—has impacted at least 161,000 students. Attendees will hear best practices and implementation strategies developed across years of successful events and learn from the CTC’s successes and mistakes. Topics will include event logistics, topic selection, attendee registration, and survey evaluations. Mark Dempsey, Assistant Director, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Debbie Miller, Reporting Manager, National Convergence Technology Center, Colin College, Frisco, TX
The BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) process is an indispensable component of developing academic curriculum for technical programs to ensure these programs meet industry needs for regional employers. This session will present a look back at the development of our two-year data science program, including how we used our local BILT. The session will also provide cautionary tales to avoid mistakes, missteps, and blunders when constructing a new program as part of a grant. Pamela Brauda, Professor, DataTEC, Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL; David Singletary, Professor, DataTEC, Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL; Gina Baker, Student, Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL
Join this session to learn how to create an e-book with learning activities for a laboratory course. The demand for free online educational resources (OER) is substantial. Since it may be difficult to find resources that fit a particular discipline, educators may want to pursue creating their own materials in a shareable electronic format such as an e-book. However, the process of creating and publishing an e-book is challenging. In this session, you will learn how to start your e-book, choose an e-publishing system, implement e-book components (using the Milne Publishing platform), use Creative Commons licenses, and access existing OER development resources. Elena Brewer, Professor, Developing an E-book and Other Interactive Instructional Materials for Technician Education in Vacuum Technology (ATE Project #2000454), SUNY Erie Community College, Williamsville, NY; Nancy Louwagie, Instructor, Vacuum Technology, Developing an E-book and Other Interactive Instructional Materials for Technician Education in Vacuum Technology (ATE Project #2000454), Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN
RING (Regions Investing in the Next Generation) is a free online high school cybersecurity course that offers engaging content specifically for rural students, homeschool students, and students attending schools without existing cybersecurity programs. RING is structured for high school students, grades 9-12. The curriculum has been developed through the National Security Agency’s RING program grant to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). University of Hawaii Maui College is part of a coalition of colleges across the U.S. supported by funds from the NSA to teach RING to high school teachers and students. Debasis Bhattacharya, Associate Professor, CyberSecure: Extended Cybersecurity Education, Curriculum and Workforce Development, Award #1700562, University of Hawaii Maui College, Kahului, HI
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. As a nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA is a successful model of employer-driven workforce development. Renee Blackshear, Professor, Texas State Technical College, Brownwood, TX; Billy Weaver, Professor, Texas State Technical College, Harlingen, TX
Virtual and Hybrid Labs and Remote Collaboration Platform for Energy-Efficient Building Technologies
This hands-on session will present an innovative technology-rich blended learning environment for energy-efficient building technologies and IoT education and professional skills training. It will incorporate adaptable cloud-based virtual laboratories (v-Labs), augmented reality (AR) technology, synchronized collaborative online platform (SCOP), and other components that can be connected and coordinated with physical equipment at college laboratories. V-Labs enable students to perform authentic workplace tasks online using digital copies of actual devices, explore relevant equipment and processes, and, in this context, study pertinent theoretical subjects and acquire troubleshooting skills. Making students comfortable with equipment and process workflow and boosting their job-related understanding prior to hands-on work dramatically enhances their performance at college labs and during on-site training. Participants will learn how to modify and adapt virtual labs and associated resources and integrate them with their own curricula. Participants will also learn how to use SCOP for interactive remote teamwork practice and with online courses. Yakov Cherner, Co-PI, The Internet of Things Education Project #1801090, Advanced Tools for e-Learning (ATeL), Swampscott, MA; Gary Mullett, PI, Professor and Department Chair of Applied Engineering Technologies Department, The Internet of Things Education Project #1801090, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA