Concurrent Sessions
Wednesday and Thursday, July 23–24

S02

AI-Powered Teaching: Ignite Innovation and Engagement in Your Classroom and Your Office

Join me for an exciting and transformative session that explores how AI is revolutionizing the classroom. In this interactive session, you’ll discover how AI can be your new teaching assistant—helping you streamline administrative tasks, personalize learning experiences, and support student engagement beyond the classroom. We’ll dive into practical strategies for integrating AI tools to enhance creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in your teaching practice. By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with hands-on techniques to prepare your students for the future AI-driven workforce while maintaining academic integrity and fostering authentic learning experiences. Let’s unlock the magic of AI together and transform the way we teach.

Nancy Miller, Associate Professor, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC

S03

A Free Badging System to Integrate Bioscience Industry Content Valued for Credentials and Careers

With the goals of helping educators embed bioscience industry workplace competencies into curricula, inspiring students to pursue meaningful careers, and motivating them to earn the national Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) credential, UF Biotility has launched a free badging system. Discover how these eight bite-sized accomplishments provide valuable instructor and student feedback, serve as motivators, and empower students to recognize their capabilities and how to apply them in the bioscience industry workforce.

Tamara Mandell, Director, Biotility, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

S05

Additive Manufacturing Knowledge Transfer Course and Bringing AM Certification to Your Institution

The focus of this session will be the strategy of using the Stratasys AM Certification content partnering where hands-on, project-based learning with a focus on advanced manufacturing is flourishing due to the content and training provided to instructors. We will share specific case studies of success where instructors were trained to use the content and equipment and are having immediate success in teaching the next generation key aspects of advanced manufacturing. Attendees will learn about the steps necessary to qualify to offer the AM certification and guidance on how to offer them at their institution.

Jesse Roitenberg, Director of Education, Stratasys, Minnetonka, MN

S06

Associations Between Creative-Self Efficacy, Mindset, and Perceptions

In this session, new data analysis that focuses on associations between GPA, creative self-efficacy (CSE), creative mindset, and perceptions of engineering as creative will be discussed, comparing female and male undergraduate engineering majors in ten disciplines: biological, architectural, biomedical, chemical, computer, electrical, civil structural, civil environmental, industrial, and mechanical. It is a continuation of research into why certain engineering and engineering-related professions have higher percentages of women and how success academically (GPA), CSE, fixed creative mindset (FCM), growth creative mindset (GCM), and perceptions of engineering as a creative field may relate to professions that are more appealing to women.

Christine Delahanty, Program Director, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA

S08

Leveraging Resources for Grant Development and Leadership with the CCPI-STEM Grant Modules

The Community College Presidents’ Initiative in STEM (CCPI-STEM) ATE curriculum modules have been developed by Shane Kirby, in collaboration with the expert CCPI-STEM leadership team. The five curriculum modules aim to introduce grant strategies and concepts to current and future leaders at community colleges and have been adapted to become supplemental resources for grant professionals and grant leads. This session aims to educate community college leaders about the CCPI-STEM designed module curriculum, which focuses on the ins and outs of grant leadership and development.

Shane Kirby, Director, Advancement Partnerships, CCPI-STEM (Community College President’s Initiative in STEM), Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH

S09

AI for Educators: State of the Union, Implications, and Practical Applications

This session will focus on the current state of the union of AI and its implications and applications for higher-ed. This session will address common apprehensions and questions regarding the use of AI by students and faculty to transform education. The session will include a discussion forum with the sharing of best practice examples and references for use and adoption.

John Jagtiani, Professor, Department Chair, CS, CIS, BI, College of Technology, CT State, Northwestern, Winsted, CT

S10

Self-Assessments: How to Help Students Prepare to Enter the Workforce

Students who choose a career path generally do not know all the competencies required for their chosen fields. How do students access what they need to know or what they do not know? One way can be by taking a self-assessment and identifying their strengths and weaknesses for competencies required for a career. The GeoTech Center has created an online self-assessment for geospatial technology careers. This presentation will include how the geospatial technology self-assessment was created and how it is used by students, faculty, and working professionals.

Ann Johnson, Associate Director, GeoTech Center, Colorado Springs, CO; Vincent DiNoto, Director, GeoTech Resource Center, Louisville, KY

S11

Cognitive Approximation Theory: Understanding the Intelligence of Transformer Neural Networks

This session introduces Cognitive Approximation Theory, a groundbreaking framework explaining how transformer neural networks, such as ChatGPT, approximate human intelligence. Drawing on neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and mathematical principles, participants will explore the mechanisms underlying human-like cognition in AI. The session highlights the parallels between transformer neural networks and human cognitive functions, demonstrating their susceptibility to biases like the anchoring effect. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of AI’s potential and its cognitive limitations.

Yamil Guevara, Assistant Professor, Artificial Intelligence, Miami Dade College, Doral, FL

S12

Tech Together LIVE: Building a Human-Driven Workforce in an AI-Driven World

AI is evolving faster than schools, companies, and communities can keep up. How do we build a workforce that can match AI’s pace without losing what makes us human? In this live Tech Together podcast, Minnesota leaders in tech, education, and workforce development explore that challenge through the Human Intelligence (HI) Framework—emotional (EQ), adaptive (AQ), and intellectual (IQ). Attendees will gain actionable strategies, local success stories, and insight into how cross-sector collaboration is building a workforce pipeline that’s both future-ready and rooted in equity, resilience, and human-centered innovation. It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about leading with intention.

Shannon Seaver, Executive Director, CreateMPLS, Minneapolis/St Paul, MN; Allison Barmann, Executive Director, Genesys Works, Minneapolis, MN

S13

Expert to Classroom: Transforming Faculty Professional Development

Developed in collaboration with mechanical engineering technology faculty to address challenges in hands-on technical education, this workshop equips faculty with strategies to create student-centered learning environments. Participants will explore techniques to engage diverse learners, foster critical thinking, and enhance experiential learning. Emphasizing real-world applications and cross-disciplinary relevance, the session provides actionable ideas to improve course design, promote active participation, and address common challenges in STEM education. Participants will gain valuable tools to refine instructional practices while fostering deeper student engagement and success, ensuring both faculty and learners thrive in dynamic, applied learning contexts.

Dr. Mary Wiseman, Director of Instructional Innovation and Faculty Investment, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA; Lara Sharp, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA

S14

Low-Cost Nanotechnology Lab Manual for Hands-on Education and Outreach

This session will focus on low-cost alternatives that have been developed, and are actively being developed, to provide students with hands-on learning experiences with the typically costly methods used in the nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing industries. In many cases these activities are portable and can be utilized for student recruitment and outreach at the K12 and CC levels. A lab manual featuring 10 labs has been developed and the labs in this manual will be shared during this session.

Zachary Gray, Managing Director, Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization, Penn State University, Bellefonte, PA; Trey Shirley, Engineering Technologist, Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization, Penn State University, State College, PA

S15

Best Practices for Project-Based Learning in College Prep STEM Classes

This session will focus on how to engage students in project-based learning from beginning to end while adhering to standards and providing authentic, challenging problems. Incorporating student voice and choice, sustained inquiry, critique and revision, and reflection will be discussed. A sample project will be used to illustrate.

Roland Labana, Dean of STEM, formerly Head of Programs, Snap Lab, Snap Inc., Director of Software Engineering at Google, Best Practices for Project Based Learning in College Prep STEM Classes, SMPREP, Marina Del Rey, CA

S16

Using ChatGPT to Assist in Grading: Enhancing Efficiency and Feedback Quality

This presentation explores how educators can leverage ChatGPT to streamline the grading process. Through demos and practical case-study examples, this session will show how ChatGPT can provide initial assessments, suggest feedback, and reduce grading time, enabling educators to focus on high-value teaching activities. Attendees will learn how to integrate AI into their current workflow.

Marcelo Guerra Hahn, Associate Professor, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA

S17

Breaking Barriers: Creating Effective Cross-Campus Teams

This session will explore successful strategies for building cross-collaborative grant teams. Attendees will learn how to foster collaboration among diverse departments, faculty, staff, and community partners to create impactful grant proposals. Key topics will include identifying potential team members, developing and aligning goals and objectives across disciplines, and managing communication and expectations throughout the grant process. Participants will gain practical tools for overcoming common challenges in cross-functional teamwork, ensuring that everyone’s expertise is leveraged. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to form stronger, more effective grant teams that drive innovation and institutional success.

Tee Bush, Agriculture/Horticulture Instructor, Advancing Precision Agriculture in the Urban Environment, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE; Brandon Keller, Agriculture Instructor, Advancing Precision Agriculture in the Urban Environment, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE

S18

Governance of AI: Ensuring Ethical and Responsible Innovation

This session will provide educators, workforce participants, and AI novices with a deep understanding of AI governance, focusing on the critical aspects that ensure AI innovations are developed and deployed responsibly. Attendees will learn about the key principles of AI governance, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and safety, and how these principles help mitigate risks such as bias, discrimination, and privacy breaches through case studies and inactive tools. The presentation will also cover the latest U.S. and international regulations on AI, offering insights into their implications for educational institutions and workforce development.

Dr. Deanne Cranford-Wesley, Director, Cybersecurity, NCYTE Consultant, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

S19

Connecting K-12 Educators and Students to Clean Energy Workforce Opportunities and Training

KidWind has been working with CREATE (Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education), Heartland Community College, and their Challenger Center to build relationships with local educators and students through educator training and KidWind Challenge events. This project focuses on student and educator outreach opportunities in a multitude of ways for careers and training that relate to the clean energy economy. We will share our best practices in educator training, student successes, marketing, and outreach opportunities and how to replicate this model with others.

Christopher Miller, Professor, CREATE Center for Renewable Energy Education, Heartland Community College, Normal, IL; Michael Arquin, Director and Founder, KidWind, CREATE, Saint Paul, MN

S20

Transforming Job Task Analysis with AI: A Live Demonstration

Discover how AI streamlines the job task analysis (JTA) process in this live demonstration. Learn how AI tools gather and analyze data to identify key knowledge, skills, and abilities with efficiency and precision. By automating repetitive tasks and providing actionable insights, AI reduces the time and effort required from industry partners, enabling faster alignment of curriculum with workforce demands. This innovative approach not only simplifies the JTA process but also strengthens collaboration between educators and industry professionals. Join us to see firsthand how AI is reshaping workforce development.

Josh Webb, Associate Director, EARTh Center, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC

S21

Working Well with our New Cybersecurity Co-workers: A Report

AI continues to transform business and technical workflows. It is also transforming our workforce. AI represents more than a quantum leap in technical capability. It has brought us a new cadre of employees. In this presentation, CompTIA’s Dr. James Stanger will discuss the contributions that these new, diverse AI personas are bringing to the security analyst and pen tester work roles, and others. James will provide case studies about how these new workers are creating developer guardrails and taming the data “three Vs.” More importantly, James will outline what companies are learning about how human workers are training AI “employees.”

James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA, Downers Grove, IL

S22

Sticker Heist: Teaching Cybersecurity Skills and Critical Thinking by Hacking into a Locked Safe

Sticker Heist teaches high school and college students the basics of cybersecurity and strengthens their critical and creative thinking skills. Working in teams, students must solve multiple puzzles within a limited time to complete the shared quest of opening an alarmed, locked safe containing laptop stickers. This initiative was developed at Sinclair Community College and funded by a National Science Foundation grant. Attendees will learn how Sticker Heist works, the current status and future plans of the grant, and how they can implement some of these elements in their own classrooms.

Mike Libassi, Professor, Sticker Heist, Sinclair College, Dayton, OH; Eric Renegar, Professor, Sticker Heist, Sinclair College, Dayton, OH; Kyle Jones, Assistant Dean of Technology, Grants, and External Partnerships, Sinclair College, Dayton, OH

S23

Building Lifelong Learning Pathways for Emerging Industries Seen as National Priorities

The expansion of national priority industries such as semiconductor and battery manufacturing require a workforce skilled in advanced automation and manufacturing. This session explores how to embed these industries into a seamless education pathway, beginning in secondary education and progressing through technical training and workforce development. By integrating hands-on learning, competency-based education, and industry partnerships, educators can create structured pathways connecting foundational skills to real-world applications. Attendees will gain strategies for aligning education with industry needs and education standards, ensuring students develop the knowledge and experience required for high-demand careers in these vital industries.

Steven Lehr, Director, Business Development, Festo Didactic, Austin, TX

S24

Why Did It Break? Engaging and Empowering Students by Leveraging Failure

Failure is an expected part of the learning process, and eliminating the fear of failure is crucial to establishing a growth mindset. Failure can be incorporated into curriculum as a positive learning mechanism. Engaging students by expecting and welcoming failure offers a pathway to empowerment and intrinsic motivation. This session will address failure as an iterative process that leads a student to success through perseverance and problem solving. Session participants will learn how the engineering design process (EDP) is used as a teaching tool within project-based learning (PBL) to engage students in research and critical thinking leading to a solution.

Christine Delahanty, Program Director, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA

S25

Nationwide Workforce Development of Veterans in STEM Including Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing

A nationwide effort for workforce development in microelectronics and nanomanufacturing focused on veterans and strategies that are leading to their ongoing success will be shared in this session. Ways of effectively expanding microelectronics and nanomanufacturing education geographically across community colleges in multiple states will be discussed. Successful approaches of recruitment, advising, and providing intensive hands-on experience that map with the requirements of the industries will be elaborated. Teaching and education methods that are developed to productively train veterans and other students in STEM fields will be discussed with a focus on the areas of microelectronics and nanomanufacturing.

Vishal Saravade, Assistant Teaching Professor, Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program for Veterans (DUE 2229983), Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA; Zachary Gray, Managing Director, Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program for Veterans (DUE 2229983), Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA

S26

Building for the Future: Trades and Training Access for High School Students

This session will share how Central Piedmont Community College has developed a partnership that embraces a shared training model incorporating local high schools, industry partners, and college curriculum. We will explore our partnership with The ROC (Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction) Charlotte and its sister program ROC Direct/Work Force Containing Education Pathways. Through these dual-enrollment programs and work-based Learning components, we are opening pathways to engage high school students and set them on a course to advance their training at the college level or to go directly to the workforce.

Brian Lucas, Associate Dean of Skilled Trades, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC; Stephen Gerhardt, Director of Workforce Education, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC

S27

Entrepreneurial STEM

Students use their experiences from STEAM K-7 to launch a business. The students have complete autonomy in choosing their business idea. The students surveyed their community, families, classmates, and teachers and decided on a business. Students work on their business plan as laid out by the Michigan SBDC and a beginning budget. Once they have the budget set, they present it to the instructor for final review. They take out a small no-interest loan to start, file their LLC, apply for an EIN, and launch their business. Currently there are several student businesses running:

• Bamboo Accessories and More LLC (BAAM), which customizes using laser engraving and creates custom clothes;
• Fizz and Beans LLC, which roasts coffee beans from across the world including Honduras, Columbia, Africa, Costa Rica, and Brazil;
• Bender Baits LLC, which uses injection molding and airbrushing to create custom fishing lures;
• Bullseye Bakery LLC, which bakes and sells confectionary goodness;
• Seasonal Soaps using research and chemistry developed their own soap recipe; and
• Subzero Sweets LLC, which makes freeze-dried foods and offers vending options.

The students learn marketing, web design, graphics, branding, etc. as they push their business out into the community. The students pay back their loan and begin earning shares of the profit as their business grows. Students learn about positions within a corporation and hold positions themselves such as CEO, CFO, COO, and quality control. Students keep detailed accounting, which includes accounts receivable, accounts payable, invoicing, and filing taxes. As of the past fiscal quarter, just over $100,000 has been paid directly to students.

Joseph Walsh, Teacher/Career Tech Coordinator, Manchester Community Schools, Manchester, MI; Rylee Feuerbacher, Student/CEO, Manchester Community Schools – Bullseye Bakery, Manchester, MI; Luke Walsh, Manchester Community Schools, Manchester, MI

S28

Weld-Ed/AWS Welding Content and Credentialing Resources for Educators and Students

This joint Weld-Ed AWS presentation will highlight resources available to welding educators and students including low-cost Weld-Ed professional development workshops, welding technology curriculum, and occupational demand research. The AWS portion will focus on their online credentialing and on-site certification resources as well as financial and foundation resources for welding students and schools. Participants will also learn how both organizations are collaborating with industry to deliver the best and most relevant offerings for students and educators. There will be opportunities for students and educators to engage with both Weld-Ed and AWS followed by time for questions.

Michael Fox, Interim Director, Weld-Ed, Lorain County Community College, Elyria, OH; Efram Abrams, Senior Sales Executive, American Welding Society, Miami, FL

S29

Building the Manufacturing Workforce: Strategies for Manufacturing Career Awareness and Growth

Colleges hosted a variety of events to increase awareness of and enrollment in education for manufacturing careers. These innovative approaches successfully engaged the community to strengthen the talent pipeline and boost enrollments. Additionally, institutions introduced flexible learning models, such as short-term training, self-paced programs, and hybrid learning models, to accommodate diverse learners and improve retention. Industry engagement played a crucial role, providing real-world insights, mentorship, and career pathways that aligned training with workforce needs. By combining strategic marketing, hands-on experiences, and industry partnerships, these colleges effectively connected more learners to manufacturing opportunities and expanded the skilled workforce pipeline.

Allyssa Johnson, Program Manager, SME, Southfield, MI; Dr. Deb Volzer, Director of Government and Workforce Partnerships, SME, Southfield, MI

S30

InnovATEBIO Biosciences Leadership Institute (BLI)

Participants will learn about the unique InnovATEBIO Bioscience Leadership Institute (BLI), which is intended for instructors who seek to improve their leadership skills. The BLI was first implemented in 2022. In the post-survey, 79 percent noted that they expect their experience to be “useful in current or future leadership.” The program comprises both a virtual segment and an in-person meeting and is industry led. The participants are exposed to “active” case studies by industry experts and apply their knowledge. The BLI 2025 cohort consists of 14 participants. We will discuss the structure of the program and the evaluation results.

Russ Read, Executive Director, National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce, Co-Pi, InnovATEBIO: National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC; Candiya Mann, External Evaluator, Principal Consultant at Sound Research Center, LLC, Bremerton, WA

S31

Grant Funding Demystified: Exciting ATE Opportunities and No-Cost Proposal Development Assistance

NSF ATE proposals can be challenging for two-year colleges to navigate. Understanding the expectations and specifics of this funding opportunity is vital for success. Dr. Celeste Carter, ATE Lead Program Officer, will offer an overview of current funding opportunities, the reauthorization of the program by Congress, and the implications of PAPPG 26-1. Pamela Silvers will present information about Mentor-Connect, which provides no-cost support to prospective two-year college grantees. This support includes personalized mentoring, technical assistance, ATE-specific resources, and leadership development for STEM faculty. Mentor-Connect has helped 261 college teams (new to ATE grants) achieve a 71 percent funding success rate.

Pamela Silvers, PI, Mentor-Connect, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC

S33

Unlocking YOUR Leadership Potential: How an NSF ATE Grant Can Advance Your Career

Discover how to expand your leadership opportunities and take your career to the next level, all while continuing to teach in the discipline you are passionate about. This session will show you how applying for and implementing an ATE grant can help you develop valuable leadership skills that are often new to faculty primarily focused on teaching. Through interactive, hands-on activities, we will explore case studies, resources, and opportunities like the Mentor Fellows program, all designed to enhance your leadership journey and professional growth. Join us to unlock your full potential and chart a clear course for your future success.

Pamela Silvers, PI, Mentor-Connect, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; Louis McIntyre, Director, Grants Evaluation and Compliance Consulting, Fayetteville, NC; Sharon Gusky, Professor, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, CT State Community College, Northwestern, Winsted, CT; Jonathan Beck, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Autonomous Technologies, National Science Foundation ATE Program, UAS Technology Instructor, Northland Community and Technical College, Thief River Falls, MN

S35

ET Career Scholars: A Pre-Apprentice Model for Strengthening Pathways in Emerging Technologies

Recruiting students into emerging technical fields remains a persistent challenge for postsecondary institutions. Without well defined career and educational pathways, many students are unaware of the high-demand, high-wage opportunities in fields such as data center operations and semiconductor manufacturing. This session will introduce a pre-apprenticeship program designed to build workforce capacity in engineering technology. We explore recruitment strategies, application processes, and key programmatic elements, highlighting how these approaches can be adapted to other emerging fields. Attendees will gain insights into program design, implementation, and lessons learned, equipping them with practical strategies for supporting the growth of emerging technologies in their communities.

Ti’Era Worsley, STEM Education Coordinator, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA; Justin Owen, CTE Coordinator, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA

S36

Project Sustainability with J ATE!

In this interactive session, you’ll learn about the progression of the Journal of Advanced Technological Education (J ATE). Hear how J ATE went from an ATE center-supported effort to a ATE project-supported effort and ultimately how J ATE created a business plan for long-term sustainability. Do you want your project or center to sustain after your grant sunsets? Learn how in this session.

Peter Kazarinoff, Professor, J ATE, Portland Community College, Portland, OR

S37

Maximizing Student Learning with Flex-Labs in Technical Education

This session explores how flex-labs replace traditional lectures with structured hands-on learning and 1:1 student-instructor interaction. Courses follow a sequential approach: students complete e-learning/bookwork to understand nomenclature, theory, and installation concepts, then immediately apply that knowledge in guided lab activities. Checkpoints and assessments ensure comprehension before advancing, while variations in tasks reinforce skills without overwhelming students. The program operates a flexible, scalable model that allows students to move through courses at their own pace while balancing school, work, and life. Instructors function as field technicians, supporting students across multiple courses while continuously improving lab materials in real time.

Tim Tewalt, Emmeritis Mechatronics Program Director, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Mechatronics Training, Eau Claire, WI; Nate Bolden, Mechatronics/Math Instructor, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire, WI

S38

Case Study: Using GenAI Tools as a Teaching Assistant in a Programming Course

Generative AI, propelled by conversational chatbots like ChatGPT, has significantly impacted higher education in recent years. This presentation covers the fundamentals of large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and their effects on the classroom. It illustrates how these technologies have been applied in an intermediate server-side programming course at the University of Hawaii Maui College. While hands-on activities are optional, participants with laptops are encouraged to participate actively.

Debasis Bhattacharya, Professor, Award Abstract DUE 2300867, Cyber Data Analytics Education, Curriculum, and Workforce Development, University of Hawaii Maui College, Kahului, HI

S39

Innovative Apprenticeships for Increased Employee and Student Reach, Retention, and Advancement

An NSF ATE-supported project aligned U.S. technician education with semiconductor industry needs by creating a dynamic semiconductor competency model, curriculum insights, and semiconductor’s first registered apprenticeship programs. Launching the cloud-based National Talent Hub for real-time data, the project expanded across 25 states, 60 community colleges, 100 employers, and 3,000 apprentices. In collaboration with the Minnesota CHIPS coalition and Hennepin Technical College, a pathway was developed with multiple entry points for apprentices, from high school to incumbent workers, aiming for AAS completion in four years. The model enhances student recruitment and completion and integrates resources from federal and state agencies.

Robert Weinman, Director for Workforce Innovation, Development and Implementation of a Semiconductor Workforce Certificate Program Based on a Unified Advanced Manufacturing Competency Model, National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement, Hanover, MD; Robert Geer, Vice President for Education and Workforce Development, NY CREATES, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY; Katie L. Staub, Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park, NY

S40

How to Develop Micro-Credentials for Faster Education on Emerging Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Advanced technologies have emerged to increase manufacturers’ productivity. However, manufacturers depend on technical colleges to skill their workforce to implement these advances. By aligning training programs to industry-vetted standard micro-credentials, colleges are providing new affordable and faster pathways to acquisition of skills that stack towards higher degrees and higher paying jobs. CESMII, the national Smart Manufacturing Institute; SACA, the Smart Automation Certification Alliance; and Amatrol, a leader in career and technical education (CTE) training, will be sharing how colleges are accelerating micro-credential-based training programs and states are developing pathways from CTE to 2- and 4-year degrees.

Conrad Leiva, VP Ecosystem and Workforce Development, CESMII, Los Angeles, CA; Sue Smith, Executive Program Director, SACA (Smart Automation Certification Alliance), Louisville, KY; Paul Perkins, President, Amatrol, Jeffersonville, IN

S41

Safety Education and Technical Skills in Agriculture

The goal of our Technical Applications in Agriculture project was to build an agricultural technician curriculum for secondary schools, focusing on skills and knowledge directly relevant and transferable to postsecondary education and the agricultural technician workforce. The review process revealed industry-recognized gaps in safety education that needed to be filled. As a result, a supplementary grant was utilized to develop a safety curriculum available for secondary educators. Join us to discuss how and why partners moved from development to supporting curriculum implementation nationwide and why that support led to additional resources, such as the safety curriculum.

Carl Aakre, Director, CASE 4 Learning, Indianapolis, IN; Judy Barka, Assistant Director, AgCentric, Technical Applications in Agriculture, Staples, MN

S42

Roadmap to Success: Unlocking Pathways into the Growing Semiconductor Industry

SEMI Foundation will explore the various pathways and possible barriers to entry in the semiconductor industry for job-seekers, including associate- and four-year-degree holders, transitioning military-connected individuals, high school graduates, and more. We will highlight partnerships between industry and educators that accelerate the pathways in employment. We will discuss ways to continue to include college faculty in curriculum discussions. We will also talk about best practices for collaboration between colleges and industry.

Anissa Hamdon-Morison, Training and Curriculum Manager, SEMI Foundation, Milpitas, CA

S43

Finding the Right Evaluator for Your NSF ATE Project

Selecting a qualified evaluator is an important yet sometimes daunting step in setting up your NSF ATE project for success. This session will share useful information and helpful strategies that can support ATE applicants or new grantees who are looking for the right evaluator for their project. Attendees will be introduced to key EvaluATE resources, including the ATE Evaluator Directory, the RFP Repository, and guidance on procurement policies. Ultimately, participants will gain knowledge that can support their efforts to navigate institutional procurement policies, develop an RFP, and recruit and interview prospective evaluators.

Brianna Hooks Singletary, Senior Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Cori J. Hyde, Graduate Assistant, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Megan Lopez, Senior Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

S44

Is There an Engineer Inside You?

Join us for an insightful session where presenter Ramona Anand shares her experience developing the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Collegiate Interest Group at Lorain County Community College and hear about a minority female student’s journey from summer camp to earning her engineering degree and serving as a professional. Learn about several outreach events that can increase the recruitment, retention and visibility of women and minority students in STEM. The session will discuss lessons learned, best outreach practices, and ways to grow the SWE community.

Ramona Anand, Assistant Professor, Weld-Ed, National Center for Welding Education and Training, Elyria, OH

S45

Multidisciplinary Approaches, Cross Collaborations, and Industry Partnerships for Agriculture Success

Northeast Community College will present lessons learned from its two project grants focused on precision agriculture and urban agriculture and discuss ways it is leveraging that work to braid other funds and create new partnerships. It will focus discussion on a national alliance of community colleges funded through USDA focused on agriculture pathways, professional development, and student leadership. Cross-disciplinary fields of interest to member institutions include cybersecurity, big data, and artificial intelligence; ag robotics and automation; forestry, natural resources, and environmental conservation; and geosciences. This alliance plans to utilize ATE consortium funds among other resources to support this work. Partner institutions are being sought.

Tracy Kruse, Vice President of Development and External Affairs, Advancing Precision Agriculture in and Urban Environment, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE; Dr. Trentee Bush, Ag Faculty, Precision Agriculture in an Urban Environment, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE; Brandon Keller, Agriculture Instructor, Advancing Precision Agriculture in the Urban Environment, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE

S46

Bridging the Gap: Hiring and Retaining Qualified Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Professionals

The demand for skilled professionals in advanced technology careers is growing, yet deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals remain underutilized in these fields. This session will explore how employers can recruit, hire, and retain talented DHH professionals by leveraging inclusive hiring practices, fostering an accessible work environment, and utilizing innovative communication tools. Learn about successful industry partnerships, practical strategies for fostering accessibility, and approaches to building an inclusive workplace culture that benefits all employees. Case studies will highlight how businesses can tap into this highly skilled yet often overlooked talent pool to drive innovation and diversity in their workforce.

Linda Bryant, Director, NTID Center for Workforce Development, National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT, Rochester, NY

S47

Bridging Classrooms to Careers: Adapting the BILT Model for Industry-Responsive Programs

This session examines the nuances of adapting the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model to create industry-responsive workforce programs in water technology, incorporating emerging biotechnology skills. Rather than simply applying the model, we explore ways to customize employer engagement strategies; enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) to meet evolving industry demands; and establish a dynamic feedback loop for ongoing micro-credential improvement. Participants will gain insights into structured co-leadership with local industry and national organizations, regional economic growth opportunities, and curriculum enhancement. Participants can take home actionable strategies and flexible frameworks to ensure workforce programs remain agile, relevant, and driven by employer needs.

Sheela Vemu, Associate Professor of Biology, Waubonsee Water Ways: Building Pathways to Careers in the Water Sector, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL; Nancy Christensen, Associate Professor, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL; Hope Cotner, CEO, CORD, Waco, TX

S48

RECITE Focus Group: Using Extended Reality Technologies in Customized Workforce Training Programs

The Resource Collaborative for Immersive Technologies (RECITE) is an innovative NSF ATE project that harnesses the transformative power of extended reality (XR)—including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)—to revolutionize technician education. This session supports a research project designed to better understand the use of XR technologies in customized workforce training. In this session, participants will engage with the research team in a focus group environment to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights, contributing to a collaborative dialogue. Insights gained from these conversations will be analyzed to glean insights and strategies for further engagement.

Shalee Hodgson, Education Researcher, RECITE, Impact Allies, Vero Beach, FL; David Anderson, Director and PI, Resource Collaborative for Immersive Technologies (RECITE), St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN; Ellen Bluth, Principal Consultant, EJ Bluth Consulting, Davenport, IA

S49

Sustainable Transition of the Underemployed to High-Tech Workforce Addresses Two Tough Challenges

Half of the baccalaureates in the U.S. workforce are underemployed, affecting individuals and communities, while high-tech industries struggle with workforce shortages. This session explores an innovative, scalable solution that leverages AI, HyFlex scheduling, Industry 4.0 tools, and paid co-ops to transition underemployed individuals into high-tech careers without income loss. Attendees will learn how to estimate the number of underemployed in their regions. Scaled across the nation, a 0.5% annual transition of underemployed individuals (450K over a decade) could halve the projected high-tech workforce gap, while enhancing neurodiversity that boosts resilience and competitiveness—creating sustainable educational pathways that drive economic growth in high-tech ecosystems.

Sam Samanta, Professor of Physics, Coordinator of Smart Systems Technologies, Finger Lakes Community College, Victor, NY; Brad Conrad, Education and Workforce Development Manager, ManufacturingUSA, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

S50

Creating Positive Dual Credit Mechatronics Classes for High School Students and Business Partners

The demand for mechatronics industrial automation technicians is continuing to increase. This session will introduce attendees to a model that can build partnerships with business, industry, and high schools while growing a pipeline of mechatronics and instrumentation technicians and engineers. Attendees will learn the best practices used in delivering hands-on, technical courses in mechatronics at a distance utilizing high school instructors as their facilitators. The session will also cover opportunities to receive a free trainer and paid professional development session in the summer of 2026. Participants will get to see and touch all four trainers.

Doug Pauley, Associate Dean of Community and Workforce Education, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Jerry Muller, Industrial Technology Coordinator/Trainer, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Doug Laven, Mechatronics Faculty, Expanding the Technician Workforce through Independent Mechatronics Education Curriculum (DUE 2400652), South Central College, N. Mankato, MN

S51

Connecting the Coast to the Cloud: A Multi-Level Approach to Increasing Cloud Technicians in Mississippi

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s NSF ATE grant “Connecting the Coast to the Cloud” is developing a number of initiatives to address the Mississippi Gulf Coast region’s lack of technicians proficient in cloud administration. This presentation will explore the grant’s multi-pronged approach, which includes a new package of cloud “options” that can be attached to existing IT programs, boosting recruitment efforts of military veterans, and removing enrollment obstacles, especially with regard to improving ADA access through technology. Attendees will learn more about these initiatives, including details on the decision to develop a cloud certificate option rather than a new AAS degree.

Robin Hayes, AI and Data Technology Instructor, Connecting the Coast to the Cloud, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gulfport, MS; Vic Gauthreaux, Coding Technology Instructor, Connecting the Coast to the Cloud, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gulfport, MS

S52

Beyond the Hype: Challenges and Opportunities of Extended Reality (XR) in Technician Education

This panel explores the adoption, barriers, and potential impact of extended reality (XR) in two-year college technician education. Featuring educators who have actively implemented XR on their campuses, the discussion will cover how XR was introduced, obstacles faced, its application across various disciplines, and its effects on faculty and students. Participants will gain insights from firsthand experiences and receive actionable advice for incorporating XR in their educational settings. This session is tailored for those interested in understanding the practical aspects of XR integration in two-year colleges, offering a comprehensive view of its educational potential, implementation strategies, and remote XR training opportunities.

David Anderson, Director, Resource Collaborative for Immersive Technologies (RECITE), St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN; Josh Webb, Associate Director, EARTh Center, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, CA; David Presley, XR Content Lead, RECITE, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, CA

S53

Beyond the Resume: Helping Students Assess and Select the Right Job or Internship

Choosing the right work-based learning experience or job opportunity for students involves more than just presenting themselves as the ideal candidate. In this session, we will explore three simple tools to help students clarify their career and educational goals, frame interview questions to obtain accurate information to assess whether a workplace will support those goals, and objectively compare that information from multiple interviews to make an informed decision.

Karen Leung, Biotechnology Instructor and Internship Coordinator, A Collaborative Approach to Work-Based Learning in Biotechnology: Building Inclusive Lab Environments, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

S54

Navigating the BILT Minefield: Successful Strategies for Industry Partnerships

Implementing a Business Industry Leadership Team (BILT) can be challenging. We share practical lessons learned while transitioning from a traditional advisory committee to a dynamic BILT at a rural community college. Our BILT is composed of local industry experts who vote on essential technical curriculum knowledge, skills, and abilities. We will demonstrate how a BILT can apply to any technical discipline, not just information technology. Community college educators will discover how to navigate potential pitfalls, build strong industry partnerships, and ensure curriculum remains relevant to current workforce needs. Join us and learn how to successfully traverse the BILT landscape.

Danny Darden, Associate Professor, Computer Information Technology, Reducing Barriers to IT Technician Education (RBITTE), Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX; Ginger Dennis, Department Chair, Business and Information Technology, Reducing Barriers to IT Technician Education (RBITTE), Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX

S55

CREATE and EARTH Center’s Greatest Hits, Volume 2: A Duet

Join us to explore how two ATE national centers have collaborated to create engaging, easy-to-adopt lessons for educators. This session highlights three new lessons from CREATE (Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education) and the EARTH (Environmental and Natural Resources Technology) Center. Presenters will showcase two types of interactive lessons on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and introduce a new lesson that enables students to interpret system data directly from a PV array using eGauge technology. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with lesson authors and designers to learn how these resources are being developed and implemented.

Joel Shoemaker, Instructor, CREATE, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI; Scott Liddicoat, CREATE, Green Bay, WI; Andrew McMahan, Director, EARTh Center, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC

S56

Capturing Alumni Stories: Podcasts and Scientist Spotlights

This session explores how community colleges can leverage alumni success stories to inspire and connect current students with real-world career possibilities. By showcasing career trajectories of alumni through podcasts and Scientist Spotlights, attendees will learn how these stories can bridge the gap between education and career paths. Participants will gain practical tools for creating and implementing impactful, career-aligned assignments that resonate with students and enhance their academic and career journey.

Karen Leung, Biotechnology Instructor and Internship Coordinator, Increasing Student Retention and Recruitment through Alumni Programs, Speed Networking, and Industry Engagement, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Peter Kazarinoff, Engineering and Engineering Technology Faculty, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Portland Community College, Portland, OR

S57

Advanced Manufacturing and Second Language Learners: Early Lessons in Recruiting and Retention

Many areas of the country have seen dramatic increases in second language communities. These people are often eager for training opportunities that will lead to employment in local manufacturing industries. How do advanced manufacturing programs recruit, retain, and properly train this subset of learners? This session will discuss our early efforts to market our plastics engineering technology certificate, looking at what worked and what didn’t. We will also discuss our beginning phase of augmenting our established curriculum to make it more accessible to English language learners, and how one of our CO-PIs, himself a second language learner, was instrumental in identifying aspects of the curriculum that needed updating.

Karl Anderson, Director, Plastic Injection Molding, Injecting English Language Learners into Advanced Manufacturing, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Doug Pauley, Associate Dean of Workforce Education, Central Community College, Columbus, NE

S58

Showcasing Top IT Trends Transforming Technical Education

As technology continues to evolve, technical education programs must stay ahead of emerging trends to equip students with the skills needed for the modern workforce. This session, led by the National IT Innovation Center (NITIC), will showcase key trends transforming IT programs, including AI-powered teaching, micro-internships, GenAI’s impact on cybersecurity, and the rise of container technology and quantum. These topics will be introduced at a broad level, and participants will learn how to engage with NITIC for deeper exploration and ongoing professional growth.

Lawrence McWherter, Associate Professor, PI, National IT Innovation Center (NITIC), Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Oh; Stephanie Schuler, Assistant Director, National IT Innovation Center (NITIC), Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Kyle Jones, Professor, Sinclair Community Colege, Dayton, OH

S59

Integrating Gaming in the STEM Classroom

Successful gamers often excel at strategic thinking, math skills, collaborative teamwork, and problem-solving, and many go on to successful careers in STEM. This session will explore the impact of integrating gaming concepts and strategies into classroom delivery. The presenter will also discuss the value of recruiting STEM students from e-sports programs. This presentation will include concrete examples, practical applications, and research data that attendees can use in their own technical classrooms.

Jill Ranucci, CTE Consultant, Leander, TX

S60

Sustaining Innovation: The CA2VES Model for Long-Term Impact

Over the past decade, CA2VES has developed a suite of digital learning tools to enhance technician education. As CA2VES transitions from an active NSF-funded center to a mentoring role for other ATE projects and centers, it becomes essential to establish a sustainable model for delivering its content. This need led to the creation of SkilRedi, a Clemson University-incubated technology company based in Greenville, SC. Dedicated to equipping the workforce with critical skills, SkilRedi ensures continued access to high-quality digital learning tools beyond grant funding. This presentation explores strategies for long-term sustainability and the role of industry partnerships in maintaining impact.

Rebecca Short, Director, CA2VES, Clemson University Center for Workforce Development, Greenville, SC; Kapil Chalil Madathil, Professor of Industrial Engineering, CA2VES, Clemson University Center for Workforce Development, Greenville, SC

S61

Ecosystem Approach to Pathway Success

This session explores the pieces involved in developing a successful, thriving ecosystem that creates a direct line of sight for high school students to college, both credit and non-credit, to advanced manufacturing jobs and even university. Examples of proven ecosystems that have multiple entry and exit points that benefit Industry as well as the local economies through 3rd-party ISO (International Standards Organization) micro-credentialing.

Jason Venneman, Regional Manager, Amatrol Inc., Jeffersonville, IN

S62

Metaverse Architect: A New Career in Web3, Blockchain, Digital Twins, and Automation

As industries rapidly adopt Metaverse technologies, digital twins, and Web3, a new career path—Metaverse Architect—is emerging. This session explores how blockchain, IoT, automation, and AI-driven 3D modeling are transforming smart building management, industrial automation, and virtual collaboration. Participants will gain insights into Matterport, SimLab, KNX, Crestron, and decentralized networks to create interactive, real-time digital twin environments. Attendees will leave with practical applications, industry insights, and a roadmap for integrating Metaverse technologies into education and industry.

Frank Gonzales, Course Developer/Instructor, Automation Programmer for Sandia National Laboratories, CNM Ingenuity, Inc., Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, NM

S63

BILT for Better Feedback: An Efficient Approach to Meaningful Insights

Business and Industry Leadership Teams (BILT) are often used by community college career and technical education programs to glean insight and expertise from industry. Developing and maintaining these partnerships can be challenging due to budgetary and time limitations. The sUAS certificate program at Dakota College at Bottineau has been working to develop successful strategies for fusing industry expertise with curriculum and programming. Join us to learn approaches used to engage our BILT; foster robust discussions; and develop meaningful knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) while respecting time constraints.

Linda Burbidge, sUAS Instructor; PI, DUE 2247777: Elevating Rural North Dakota Workforce with Skilled sUAS Technicians, Dakota College, Bottineau, ND; Michelle Cauley, sUAS Instructor, DUE 2247777: Elevating Rural North Dakota Workforce with Skilled sUAS Technicians, Dakota College, Bottineau, ND; Angie Bartholomay, Professor of Science, Dakota College, Bottineau, ND

S64

Recruiting and Supporting Military Veterans in ATE Technology Programs

Are you struggling to find veteran students for your ATE technology programs? Please join us to learn about why veterans make great technology students, how to recruit them, and how to support them while enrolled in your technology programs. We will walk you through each of these areas in detail so you can create strategies and plans to include military veterans in your current or future programs.

Thomas McGlew, Adjunct Faculty, STEM Programs, Microelectronics Nanotechnology Certificate Program (Penn State University, NACK), Rio Salado College, Tempe, AZ; Jessica Arroyo, Success Coach for ATE Microelectronics and Nanotechnology Certificate Program Arizona and California Cohort, ATE Microelectronics and Nanotechnology Certificate Program (Penn State University, NACK), Rio Salado College, Tempe, AZ

S65

Nurturing the Next Generation of Software Developers Through Open Source Contributions

This presentation explores the hurdles and solutions in bridging the gap between academia and open source. We will discuss our program’s built-in partnership with industry and a consortium of community and technical colleges that is helping overlooked students make their first contributions to open-source software to gain experience similar to an internship to better prepare them for their first job. We discuss what mental barriers students face when it comes to coding and contributing to open source, how to craft mentorship resources, and what resources projects need to build lasting relationships with students.

Tyler Menezes, CEO, CodeDay, Seattle, WA

S66

Faculty Professional Development, Energy Infrastructure, and Electric Vehicles in Iceland and Norway

Iceland and Norway are world leaders in energy technology, energy storage, and electric vehicles. Over the past two years, CREATE delivered an international faculty professional development program to examine the Icelandic and Norwegian energy and electric transportation sectors. Faculty participants from the CREATE program will discuss their findings, share observations from abroad, and highlight plans for incorporation of this experience into their classroom instruction. CREATE will also share the program structure and organization used for the project, so that other organizations planning international faculty programs might benefit.

Kenneth Walz, Director and Principal Investigator, CREATE Energy Center, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI

S67

Mentoring Matters: Enhancing Student Retention in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

This interactive session explores how mentoring can boost student success and retention in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Participants will examine the impacts of peer and faculty mentoring on student engagement and completion. Key takeaways include best practices for creating inclusive mentoring relationships, strategies for designing and sustaining programs, and methods for measuring effectiveness. Join us to discover how mentoring fosters student persistence, career readiness, and stronger connections between students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Angie Sieren, Math Professor, PI, NSF GoStem Grant, Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, IA; Kim Dreaden, Department Chair, Advanced Technologies, NSF GoStem Grant, Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, IA

S68

The InnovATEBIO 2026 Big Ideas Hackathon

InnovATEBIO is holding a virtual hackathon June 22–24, 2026. Hackathons are short, intense experiences that are well known for their ability to help participants work together in teams to generate new ideas. We will describe elements of a hackathon and how they work, present examples, and share data from our antibody engineering hackathons. InnovATEBIO’s Big Ideas Hackathon will create opportunities for community members to work together on new ideas and strategies for addressing shared challenges in biotechnology workforce education. Potential topics for 2026 hackathon teams are recruiting students, workplace preparation, student retention, new technologies like AI and automation, and new pedagogical tools.

Sandra Porter, Co-PI, InnovATEBIO, Digital World Biology LLC, Seattle, WA; Margaret Bryans, Professor, InnovATEBIO, Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA

S69

Insights from the ATE Survey to Strengthen Proposals, Projects, and Industry Collaboration

The EvaluATE team will share key insights from the ATE Survey, demonstrating how educators, researchers, and industry partners can use findings to identify opportunities, showcase successes, and strengthen networks. A panel of ATE project leaders will discuss real-world strategies for leveraging data in proposals, research, institutional engagement, and industry partners. The ATE Survey provides more than 150 findings from activities at more than 300 STEM projects. Those developing ATE proposals would particularly benefit from this session, as would anyone looking for data to strengthen communication with local employers, school administrators, other partners, and STEM education researchers.

Lee McClure, Project Manager, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Erika Sturgis, Project Manager, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

S70

Building and Expanding the Manufacturing Workforce Through Collaboration, Outreach, and Partnerships

South Central College (SCC) is recognized as one of the leading academic institutions in the areas of manufacturing workforce development. Over the past decade, SCC has built academic programming that leverages distance learning models, internal and external partnerships, and innovative pathways in the areas of mechatronics, welding, and machine tool technology. In addition, SCC has focused on developing manufacturing talent pipelines that address workforce requirements.

Doug Laven, Mechatronics Faculty, Expanding the Technician Workforce through Independent Mechatronics Education Curriculum (DUE 2400652), South Central College, N. Mankato, MN; Dr. George Taylor, Dean of Business and Industry, Expanding the Technician Workforce through Independent Mechatronics Education Curriculum (DUE 2400652), South Central College, N. Mankato, MN; Chris Blaisdell, Mechatronics Instructor, South Central College, N. Mankato, MN

S71

New Resources for Energy Technology Educational Programs

Over the next decade the US will experience a once-in-a-generation transformation to our electrical infrastructure as legacy power plants nearing the end of their lives are replaced. At the same time, growth of electric transportation and computer server farms will require a 2-3X increase in American power production and transmission grid capacity. This session will share several new resources developed by the CREATE Energy Center and industry partners to support colleges that are starting new energy programs, and those that are seeking to grow existing academic programs to embrace a variety of new energy technologies.

Kenneth Walz, Director and Principal Investigator, CREATE Energy Center, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI; Nick Matthes, Director, Illumination Solar, Hellenville, WI; Cal Couillard, Founder, Couillard Solar Foundation, Greater Madison, WI

S72

Teaching Bioinformatics in Sonipat, India, as a Fulbright Specialist

In the fall of 2024, the presenter received a Fulbright Specialist Award to travel to Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology in Sonipat, India, to teach a course on bioinformatics. During this session, participants will learn how a bioinformatics course taught at the community college was adapted to a Fulbright Specialist Program. They will learn how this course is used in the US and India to introduce students to the growing field of bioinformatics. Some of the bioinformatics data browsers and the tools that are used to annotate genomes will be demonstrated. Information on the Fulbright Specialist Program and how to apply will also be addressed.

Sharon Gusky, Professor, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, CT State Community College, Northwestern, Winsted, CT

S73

EARTh Center Resource Round-Up: Tools and Support for Educators

Teaching environmental and natural resource technology comes with challenges: access to costly materials, safety concerns with real-world scenarios, and limitations to hands-on learning opportunities. The EARTh Center is changing that by offering immersive, accessible resources designed for community college instructors. This session will introduce the EARTh Center’s four key resource pillars and how they enhance both classroom and field-based learning. Attendees will explore ready-to-use tools provided by the EARTh Center, discover professional development opportunities, and connect with potential collaborators.

Andrew McMahan, Director, EARTh Center, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC; Josh Webb, Associate Director, EARTh Center, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC; Brian Ritter, Director, Co-PI, EARTh Center, Nahant Marsh, Davenport, IA

S74

Immersive Professional Development Experiences

As technical educators, we appreciate the value of learning-by-doing. Immersive professional development experiences provide hands-on, place-based engagement that builds deeper connections to both content and community. We’ll highlight two EARTh Center immersive professional development opportunities, discuss their impact, and gather attendee input to refine future experiences. This will be an interactive session where participants reflect on their own PD experiences, share ideas, and help shape the future of immersive learning with the EARTh Center.

Andrew McMahan, Director, EARTh Center, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC; Tiffany Breindel, Project Manager, EARTh Center, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC; Brian Ritter, Director, Co-PI, EARTh Center, Nahant Marsh, Davenport, IA

S75

Building a Strong URE Program: Best Practices and Getting Started

Interested in starting a URE (undergraduate research experience) program at your institution? In this session we’ll explore key considerations for URE implementation, highlight best practices, and introduce resources from the EARTh Center that support faculty and students in this endeavor. Attendees will hear about Nahant Marsh’s successful program and have the opportunity to share their biggest challenges in implementing research experiences at their institutions. This session is great for new and seasoned URE programs alike.

Brian Ritter, Director, Co-PI, EARTh Center, Nahant Marsh, Davenport, IA; Jimmy Wiebler, Naturalist and Research Coordinator, EARTh Center, Nahant Marsh, Davenport, IA

S76

Is Climatetech/Cleantech Becoming a Discipline? Is it Time to Start Programs About This Technology?

This talk will address the emerging field of climatetech/cleantech. Unfortunately, at this point, it appears fairly clear that humanity is not being successful in curtailing its use of fossil fuels. Recently, there has arisen a new climatetech/cleantech industry that holds the promise that we can recycle the CO2 from fossil fuels into solar fuels, useful chemicals, and construction materials, and even protein for food. Typically, using nanotechnology-based electrocatalysts and photocatalysts to implement this recycling process, this emerging industry will need a workforce to allow it to grow. We will examine the two-year college’s critical role in that endeavor.

Gary Mullett, Professor and Department Chair, Advanced Engineering Technologies, MNTEC, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA

S79

Pathways to Careers in Artificial Intelligence: Community College Focus

This session will describe the efforts of five community colleges in developing career pathways from 2-year programs to 4-year programs in CS/AI. It will introduce overarching frameworks and principles shaping their workforce development approach, point to legacy materials shaping content for AI literacy and AI applications across careers, provide a high-level overview of their program development process, and describe recent research defining the work of the AI-enabled software developer and the AI-enhanced data practitioner.

Joyce Malyn-Smith, Distinguished Scholar/Advisor, Integrating Artificial Intelligence Literacy into Community College Programs (IUSE), EDC, Waltham, MA

S80

Career Awareness Through Immersive Media: Strategies for Connecting Education and Industry

In the complex intersection of workforce and education, students often get lost in the shuffle. Real-world career awareness that extends beyond traditional classroom learning is a critical yet unmet need that faces significant logistical challenges. This session will provide insights and best practices for implementing immersive media—including virtual reality video and virtual tours—to enhance student awareness of technical career pathways. Attendees will learn strategies for developing sustainable industry-education partnerships, leveraging immersive career experiences to demystify career pathways, and integrating career awareness activities through professional development opportunities to improve career advising outcomes.

Matthew Chaussee, CEO, CREATE National Energy Center – Ken Walz, CareerViewXR (by Be More Colorful), Fargo, ND

S81

We Built It, Why Aren’t They Coming? Enhancing Skilled Technical Program Recruitment

Promising programs aimed at increasing the number of individuals pursuing STEM professions often struggle to achieve recruitment goals despite the implementation of “best practices.” In this session, the presenters will provide preliminary findings that support an overall theory of recruitment for skilled technical programs. This theory highlights why certain recruiting tactics work or don’t work within a given context. Participants will learn about the value and process of taking a theory-driven approach to recruitment, minimizing recruitment tactics, and implementing a more effective overall recruiting strategy.

Lana Rucks, CEO and President, The Rucks Group, LLC, Dayton, OH; Brianna Crumly, Research Associate, The Rucks Group, LLC, Dayton, OH

S82

ATE Through an Economic Development Lens: Tools for Crafting an ED Approach

In 2023, most NSF ATE projects reported that workforce development education is either the same as economic development or a key part of it. But how can college programs engage more intentionally with their regional economic development ecosystems, and what are the benefits? The Rutgers Hidden Innovation and Infrastructure (HII) research project puts forward recommendations for various ED stakeholder groups, including community colleges. Join us to learn about the findings from eight in-depth case studies of manufacturing programs and how you can implement these strategies using new tools developed by the project including a typology of community college ED approaches.

Michelle Van Noy, Director, EERC, Rutgers University, Hidden Innovation Infrastructure, Piscataway, NJ; Marilyn Barger, Senior Educational Advisor, FLATE, FloridaMakes, Tampa, FL; Alysa Hannon, Researcher, EERC, Rutgers University, Hidden Innovation Infrastructure, Piscataway, NJ

S83

Department of Energy National Laboratory Case Studies for Workforce Development

In this session, we will introduce new educational case studies from U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories. The case studies translate real-world research into the college classroom and help U.S. students develop technical and professional skills and practices such as obtaining and interpreting scientific data, developing models, and creating proposals. The case studies explore career opportunities at multiple levels and address real-world scientific and economic challenges. National Labs can play a critical role in U.S. workforce development in emerging fields and industries. This session will provide an opportunity for discussion around leveraging the resources of National Labs for this purpose.

Mike Kollasch, Learning Coordinator, Argonne National Lab Institutional Partnerships, Lemont, IL; Amy Trethaway, Workforce Development Manager, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL

S84

Today’s Careers: Manufacturing USA Institutes

The Manufacturing USA network of institutes supports training programs and curricula that familiarize students with technology, entrepreneurship, and career pathways in advanced manufacturing. Focusing on 18 different technology areas, these organizations are effective at connecting you to the resources and opportunities you might need to help students in their career pathways. This panel discussion will focus on the newest and most important skills necessary for today’s advanced manufacturing career pathways. Join us and learn about the careers of 2025 and beyond, plus how to connect to Manufacturing USA Institutes programs sponsored by the DOD, DOE, and DOC.

Brad Conrad, Education and Workforce Development Manager, NIST – Office of Advanced Manufacturing, Gaithersburg, MD

S85

Developing Partnerships for Advanced Manufacturing Programs to Address Industry Workforce Needs

Partnerships are essential to the success of advanced manufacturing programs. With the rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 technologies, the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) relies on partners to provide important resources and insights for ensuring that advanced manufacturing programs meet industry’s workforce needs. During this session, the leadership from the NCNGM will share partnership models, including the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, that have helped to make their programs impactful. Sometimes these collaborations can come from unexpected partners. Attendees will learn where to look for partnerships and how to maintain them.

Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Farmington, CT; Jerry Muller, Central Community College, Grand Island, NE; Tim Baber, Department Chair, Manufacturing Technology, College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA

S86

Bringing Industry Into the Classroom: Activities

Join us for an interactive workshop focusing on industry careers and career pathways. In early 2025, there were over 400,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs open, and manufacturers consistently cite the lack of a skilled workforce as one of the biggest challenges to advanced manufacturing initiatives. In this session, Manufacturing USA Institutes will showcase programs aimed at engaging students and highlight ways to bring today’s cutting-edge industry technology into classrooms through collaborations and programs established by Manufacturing USA Institutes. The session will include a live cybersecurity attack demonstration by CyManII and other Manufacturing USA Institute activities.

Brad Conrad, Education and Workforce Development Manager, NIST – Office of Advanced Manufacturing, Gaithersburg, MD

S87

The Future of Agricultural Robotics and Automation

Discover the impact of robotics and automation on our food production systems from field to table. We will preview the curriculum components and training scope for developing a concurrent enrollment module. This project overview will demonstrate the strategic partnership between academia and industry that is serving students in this sector.

Keith Olander, Executive Director, Dean of Agricultural Studies, Agricultural Robotics and Automation, AgCentric (Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence), Staples, MN; Cark Aakre, Case Director, Agricultural Robotics and Automation, Curriculum for Ag Science Education; Benjamin Sheldon, Raven Industries, Martinsville, IN

S88

From Idea to Impact: Reflecting on Human-Centered Design, Collaboration, and AI in the Classroom

This hands-on workshop takes educators and professionals through project examples of human-centered design, collaboration, and AI. Participants will review challenges, iterate solutions, and reflect on strategies for moving ideas forward—through effective collaboration. Finally, we’ll demystify AI, exploring practical ways to integrate AI-assisted prototyping and problem-solving while addressing ethical considerations. Walk away with tools to enhance innovation, communication, and real-world impact in the classroom and beyond.

Elysia Contreras Springer, NSF Grant Director, Applied Design Thinking for Product Development Technicians, Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville, AR; Sharon Fox, Dean of Communication and Arts, Applied Design Thinking for Product Development Technicians, Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville, AR; Jim Laughton, Chair of Language Arts and Humanities, Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville, AR

S89

Leveraging Geospatial Tools for Effective Project Evaluation

Geospatial technology plays a crucial role in assessing project impact, efficiency, and sustainability across various industries. In this session, we will explore how geospatial tools can enhance project evaluation by providing spatial insights, visualizing key metrics, and supporting data-driven decision-making. Through real-world examples and practical applications, participants will learn how to integrate geospatial analysis into their evaluation workflows to improve project outcomes. Whether you are new to geospatial tools or looking to refine your approach, this session will offer valuable insights into their potential for more informed and strategic project assessments.

Nicole Ernst, Professor, GeoTech Center, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA; Lana Rucks, President and CEO, The Rucks Group, LLC, Dayton, OH

S90

NCAIST (Northeast Consortia for Silicon Technologies) Activities for Community College Faculty

We introduce activities developed during the 2023–2024 year of the Northeast Consortia for Advanced Integrated Silicon Technologies (NCAIST), whose mission is to STEM-skill educators for advanced manufacturing of Si electronic-photonic integrated circuits (EPIC). Several new workshops will be introduced as well as videos, and two full courses for silicon photonics. Working with AIM Photonics, a U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Institute, NCAIST will accelerate the transition of technician education content and teaching methodologies from AIM-affiliated universities to community and technical colleges. An EPIC teaching kit developed by AIM Photonics will introduce modules and lab activities for classroom use.

Abe Michelen, SUNY Poly Professor, Director, Northeast Consortia for Advanced Integrated Silicon Technologies (NCAIST), Troy, NY; Robert Geer, Director of Workforce Development at NY-CREATES, Albany, NY

S91

Elevating Program Impact and Visibility with a Statewide Industry Board

In an ongoing effort to streamline engineering technology degrees and certificates, FLATE, in coordination with FloridaMakes, the Department of Education, and the ET Forum, launched the Statewide Engineering Technology Industry Advisory Board (SETIAB). The Florida SETIAB is a vehicle for engagement between Florida manufacturers and the colleges’ engineering technology programs. Its mission is to ensure that Florida’s 20-plus associate in science engineering technology (ASET) programs meet the rapidly evolving industry needs and raise the visibility of the ASET graduates’ skills. This session will share our experiences, provide recommendations, and facilitate a discussion about working with industry partners.

Marilyn Barger, Senior Educational Advisor, FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence), Tampa, FL; Sam Ajlani, Engineering Technology Program Director, FLATE, College of Central Florida; Richard Gilbert, Tampa, FL

S92

Developing Practical Operating System Skills in New Cybersecurity Students for Career Entry

Cybersecurity students often enter the program/major with limited practical skills. Knowing the foundations of using all operating systems is critical to learning cybersecurity-related skills. Additionally, operating system skills can lead directly to workforce readiness based on their ability to meet immediate needs of employers/industry. This session will cover methods for teaching the basics of Windows 10/11, Windows Server, Linux, Active Directory, and Advanced System Administration across two semesters. Participants will be provided with materials to create the learning environments using VMWare Workstation on desktop computers. Examples of practical labs and testing will be provided.

Andrew Stone, Associate Professor/Assistant Academic Chair, Cybersecurity, Advancing Cybersecurity Education through Program Expansion and Enhancement, Suffolk County Community College, Selden, NY; Jonathan Sadowski, Specialist/Adjunct Instructor, Advancing Cybersecurity Education through Program Expansion and Enhancement, Suffolk County Community College, Selden, NY

S93

Closing the COVID and AP Gap Using Hands-on Summer Programming

During this presentation we will describe the summer program we used to engage and educate high school students while introducing them to technical careers. COVID era high school students missed significant hands-on laboratory time due to being remote and AP (Advanced Placement) curriculum sacrificed lab time to cover more topics. Our program was designed to bring students into the lab to increase their hands-on exposure to the physical sciences and technical careers.

Douglas Mooney, Professor of Chemistry and Physics, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, CT State Northwestern, Winsted, CT

S94

Community College Regional Alliances to Support Semiconductor Experiential Education

Community colleges are at the forefront of workforce development for the semiconductor industry. Experiential learning is essential to complement students’ classroom education and connect them with semiconductor careers. The ATE-funded Educational Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL) was established between community colleges and NY CREATES to provide immersive experiential learning at a leading-edge 300mm Si ‘fab’ to integrate semiconductor experiential learning in academic programs and connect college faculty with industry expertise for curriculum and credential development. Attendees will be introduced to EASEL and will be provided with case studies on community colleges utilizing the program to advance their semiconductor education programs.

Capri OHara, Educational Outreach and Workforce Development Manager, Educational Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL), NY CREATES, Albany, NY; Dr. Robert Geer, Vice President for Education and Workforce Development, Educational Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL), NY CREATES, Albany, NY; Gino Duca, Associate Professor and Department Chairperson, Engineering Science and Technology, SUNY Onondaga Community College, Syracuse, NY

S95

Building the Next Generation: The National Community College Cybersecurity Fellowship Program

The National Community College Cybersecurity Fellowship Program directly addresses the critical shortage of cybersecurity educators by developing a pipeline of trained faculty. This session will showcase NCYTE’s successful model for recruiting and retaining cybersecurity educators, including collaborations between CAE institutions, industry partners, and military personnel. Attendees will explore best practices in mentoring, professional development, and hands-on teaching assignments that prepare fellows for instructional roles in cybersecurity education. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for implementing similar fellowship models at their institutions to strengthen regional cybersecurity ecosystems and expand teaching capacity.

Kristine Christensen, Professor, Computer Information Systems, Director, Faculty Development, Program Director, The National Community College Cybersecurity Fellowship Program, NCyTE / EPNC, Palos Hills, IL; Michele Robinson, Senior Director and Principal Investigator, National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center, CAE Candidates National Center (CCNC), Bellingham, WA

S96

Industry Engagement Toolkit for Career and Technology High School Teachers

High school CTE teachers must engage with industry to ensure students develop relevant, in-demand skills and access internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities. These partnerships help align curriculum with industry standards, preparing students for certifications and career success. This workshop introduces a toolkit designed to help teachers build strong industry connections. Adapted from Working Partners, the National Career Pathways Network, and Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work, it provides practical strategies and resources for engaging employers. Participants will learn effective ways to collaborate with industry, enhancing student career-readiness and creating meaningful workforce pathways.

Bridgette Kirkpatrick, Biotechnology Faculty, Working Partners, Collin College, McKinney, TX; Jennifer Lazare, Biotechnology Instructor, InnovATEBIO, Austin Community College, Buda, TX

S97

Bridging the Gap: Building Comprehensive Cybersecurity Career Pathways

Cybersecurity careers span multiple industries, yet many students lack awareness of the pathways available to them. Counselors and advisors are essential in bridging this gap. This session explores strategies for establishing clear cybersecurity career pathways from high school to community college, four-year institutions, and industry. Participants will learn how to integrate career exploration tools, professional development resources, and industry certifications into advising practices. The session will also highlight the RING cybersecurity curriculum as a tool for early exposure, faculty fellowships to expand teaching pathways, and strategies for building regional cybersecurity ecosystems that connect education with workforce needs.

Kristine Christensen, Professor, Computer Information Systems, Director, Faculty Development and Program Director, The National Community College Cybersecurity Fellowship Program, NCyTE / EPNC, Palos Hills, IL; Michele Robinson, Senior Director and Principal Investigator, National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center, CAE Candidates National Center (CCNC), NCyTE / EPNC, Bellingham, WA

S98

Creating Student Retention and Self-Efficacy Through Cognitive Teaching Practices

In this session, participants will explore the impact of cognitive teaching and engagement practices on student retention and self-efficacy. Based on Spangler et al. (2024), the session demonstrates how integrating cognitive learning activities—engagement exercises, walking lectures, yoga, music, guest speakers, and active learning—enhances the learning experience. The students (83.4%) reported that cognitive activities are helpful and increase their learning ability. Participants will learn how cognitive methods will positively influence student engagement and retention, reduce anxiety, and create self-efficacy. This knowledge will empower educators to apply effective cognitive practices, fostering student success and retention.

Scott Spangler, Provost Fellow/Associate Professor, Middle Georgia State University, Macon, GA; Shannon Beasley, Associate Professor, Creating Student Retention & Self-Efficacy through Cognitive Teaching Practices, Middle Georgia State University, Macon, GA

S99

Designing Laboratory Research Experiences for First-time Researchers

Undergraduate research experiences in the sciences are a well-known high-impact practice that can improve student retention and build STEM identity. However, structuring these experiences for first- and second-year students can be challenging, as students typically have limited knowledge of laboratory practice and even less awareness of the social and communication norms in a scientific research environment. This session will share the design and preliminary results from a partnership between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University intended to provide first research assistantships for freshmen-level students in the life sciences. The session will focus on how the design of the assistantship is intended to acculturate students into the laboratory environment.

Chris Russell, IET Project Manager, Strengthening Transfer Pathways in Science Through Undergraduate Research Experiences, Northern Virginia Community College, Fairfax, VA; Amany Saleh, Professor of Chemistry, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, VA

S100

High Employer Engagement for Local Colleges, Regional Collaboratives, and National Initiatives Including AI

This session focuses on how to achieve extremely high employer engagement for college programs, both emerging new and existing, through use of a structured, repeatable, and very efficient model: the Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT). Topics will include an explanation of the model and how it has been used effectively for local, regional, and national programs, as well as the specifics for recruiting and retaining the right subject matter experts and how to use them for maximum benefit using the minimum amount of their time.

Ann Beheler, Director of Innovation, CORD; Hope Cotner, CEO, CORD, Waco, TX; Maria Coons, Senior Consultant, CORD