Workshops, Special Interest Groups (SIG), and Tour

MONDAY, 8:30–Noon

Workshop ($150)

(Complimentary workshop registration will be provided by Mentor-Connect to the first 10 registrants. Contact pamela.silvers@fdtc.edu for a code.)

PI 101: Providing Answers to Questions About ATE That You Were Afraid to Ask—or Didn’t Know to Ask

Tailored for first-time principal investigators (PI), this workshop covers tips and tricks for managing an ATE project, from grant administration to cultivating partnerships. This workshop will include discussions about keeping your project aligned with industry needs, incorporating innovative strategies, and navigating compliance requirements. This workshop will offer an opportunity for resource sharing and networking and will eliminate anxiety to improve your journey as a first-time grantee. Complimentary registration will be provided by Mentor-Connect to the first 10 registrants.

Pamela Silvers, Mentor-Connect PI, Mentor-Connect Forward (DUE 2227301), Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; Emery DeWitt, Project Manager and Co-PI – Mentor-Connect Forward (DUE 2227301), Florence, SC; Louis F. McIntyre, Sr., Director – McIntyre Leadership Development Group/Consultants, Mentor – Mentor-Connect Forward (DUE 2227301), Fayetteville, NC; Sheila Vemu, Associate Professor, Waubonsee Community College, PI – Waubonsee Water Ways: Building Pathways to Careers in the Water Sector (DUE 2400347), Sugar Grove, IL

Workshop ($150)

Using Arduino Microcontrollers in the Classroom

This workshop will provide participants with basic microcontroller theory and operational skills, a curriculum and lab guidebook review, and a series of hands-on lab activities with tips and tricks for classroom use. Participants will learn how to write and modify Arduino code; interface sensors and output devices; and build, test, and troubleshoot circuits. Participants will receive a Sparkfun Inventor’s Kit ($106 value) and will perform several of the hands-on laboratory activities. Laptops and software will be provided for workshop use. This workshop is sponsored by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (DUE 2000281). Space is limited.

Greg Kepner, Co-Principal Investigator, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Mel Cossette, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA

Workshop ($150)

Using Design Thinking in Postsecondary STEM Courses to Enhance Employability Skills

At Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the Fab Lab uses design thinking to foster employability skills in STEM disciplines. By integrating design thinking modules into STEM curricula, we help students develop critical skills like communication, collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving—skills valued by industry partners. This workshop will highlight our “Intro to Engineering” (EGR121) module, where participants will work in teams to apply the five design thinking steps—empathy, define, ideate, prototype, and test—to solve a challenge. This hands-on session will demonstrate how design thinking enhances student learning and prepares them for the workforce.

Richard Sewell, Fabrication Lab Coordinator, Product Design Incubator: Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Interdisciplinary Product Design, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA; Chris Russell, Product Design Incubator: Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Interdisciplinary Product Design, Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, VA; Cameisha Chin, Associate Professor of Business, Product Design Incubator: Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Interdisciplinary Product Design, Northern Virginia Community College, Woodbridge, VA

MONDAY, 1:00–4:30

Workshop ($150)

Practical Applications for Engaging Students with Hands-on Mechatronics Activities for Dual Credit

This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to portable electronics, instrumentation, PLC, and sensor trainers used to teach dual-credit mechatronics courses at a distance to high school students. Participants will rotate through four stations and complete two lab activities at each station. Participants will learn how two-year colleges are teaching dual-credit mechatronics courses with high schools and collaborating with local industry partners. They will also learn about paid professional development opportunities that will enable them to offer affordable, hands-on dual-credit mechatronics courses in their states, ultimately growing their program enrollments.

Jerry Muller, Trainer/Coordinator/Adjunct Mechatronics Faculty, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (DUE 2335016), Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Doug Laven, Expanding the Technician Workforce through Independent Mechatronics Education Curriculum (DUE 2400652), South Central College, North Mankato, MN; Doug Pauley, Associate Dean for Community & Workforce Education, Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for Expanding Participation in Advanced Manufacturing (DUE 2400465), Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Chris Blaisdell, NSF iMEC3.0 Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), Mechatronics Instructor, Expanding the Technician Workforce through Independent Mechatronics Education Curriculum (DUE 2400652), South Central College, North Mankato, MN; Dan Davidchik, Mechatronics Instructor, NCNGM Tech Team Member, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (DUE 2335016), Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Wendy Robicheau, Assistant Director, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (DUE 2335016), CT State Community College, Farmington, CT

Workshop (complimentary)

Skills to Support Process Control in Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Situations

This workshop will bring process control expertise to faculty who prepare OT technicians for I4.0 automation. Topics with hands-on activities will include proportional, integral, and differential control schemes. First- and second-order algorithms will be explored for manufacturing-related applications. Strategies for explaining differentiation and integration to technician students who don’t take calculus will be provided. The workshop will include activities with a Process Control Platform and will provide instruction and time for activities. TinkerCad, to be used with the PCP, will be introduced. Attendees will receive a kit. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Marilyn Barger, Sr. Educational Advisor, FLATE, Tampa, FL; Andres Cardenas-Valencia, FLATE/I 4.0 ET Pathways for Florida, FLATE, Tampa, FL; Richard Gilbert, Engineering Professor, USF (retired), FLATE, I4.0 ET Pathways for Florida, FLATE, Tampa, FL

Workshop ($150)

GenAI and Its Impact on Higher Education

Generative AI, driven by conversational chatbots like ChatGPT, has profoundly impacted higher education in recent years. Topics of this presentation will include the fundamentals of large language models (LLM), prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and their effects on the classroom. While hands-on activities are optional, participants with laptops are encouraged to engage. Although many users know GenAI tools’ essential features, their impact on higher education remains uncertain and continually evolves. This presentation will examine how GenAI reshapes learning outcomes, transforms pedagogy, re-evaluates assessments, promotes institutional changes, affects the role of educators, and raises new ethical considerations in higher education institutions. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

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

Workshop ($150)

Strategies for Helping Incumbent Workers Start and Complete a Credential in a Technical Program

Normandale Community College has received three successive NSF ATE grant project awards related to developing an educational pathway for technicians. This presentation will address different strategies utilized over the course of these projects in areas such as student recruitment, classroom success, and student retention and completion. The presenters will engage participants in discussing these strategies and methods and identifying which ones to incorporate as part of managing a project and planning to sustain a technology program. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Nancy Louwagie, Instructor, Vacuum and Thin Film Technology, Flexible Technology Education to Upskill/Reskill for a Vacuum Technician Career (DUE 2202166), Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN; Tim Lapanne, Flexible Technology Education to Upskill/Reskill for a Vacuum Technician Career (DUE 2202166), Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN

Workshop ($150)

Secure Programming in Python

This workshop will introduce essential skills for writing secure Python code, protecting sensitive data, and mitigating common security risks. Participants will learn best practices in input validation, secure data handling, cryptography, API security, and threat mitigation. Through practical hands-on examples, we will explore problems that demonstrate real-world security challenges and solutions. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

David Singletary, Professor, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL; Pamela Brauda, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL

TUESDAY, 8:30–Noon

SIG (complimentary)

Next Generation Manufacturing SIG

This SIG will focus on equipping the future advanced manufacturing workforce with the skills needed by industry with a focus on Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and mechatronics. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing team will facilitate interactive opportunities for discussion, dissemination, and networking activities for attendees. Presenters will also review strategies for addressing challenges within the national advanced manufacturing technician education community that can be implemented at attendees’ institutions.

Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director & PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Farmington, CT; Jerry Muller, Co-PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Industrial Trainer/Adjunct Mechatronics Instructor, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Tim Baber, Co-PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Chair, Welding and Advanced Manufacturing Technology, College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA; Chris Dennis, Co-PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Assistant Professor, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; John Birch, Co-PI, Building Career Interest in Computer Science through Advanced Real-World Technology Project, President, The Birch Group, West Hartford, CT

SIG

(If you are a faculty member or administrator with an IT or cybersecurity two-year technical program, please email nitic@cscc.edu for a special NITIC registration code that will waive the workshop fee.)

Getting More Out of Your Employers to Benefit Your Students – Transforming your Advisory Council into an Engaged BILT

Do you need to improve your relationship with local business and industry leaders, strengthen your curriculum, and develop new programs to keep up with evolving workforce needs? In this hands-on, interactive workshop, attendees will learn how to transform a traditional advisory council into a more engaged Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT). Topics covered will include recruiting employers, preparing and hosting successful employer meetings, and deploying a unique voting system that allows businesses to prioritize entry-level job skills. Because this is a NITIC-funded workshop, attendees must be connected to IT or cybersecurity programs. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Mark Dempsey, Deliverable Lead, National IT Innovation Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Ann Beheler, National IT Innovation Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Larry McWherter, Principal Investigator, National IT Innovation Center, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH

SIG (invitation only)

ATE Evaluators: Connect, Share, and Learn

ATE evaluators, come share your evaluation experiences, learn from each other, and connect with fellow ATE evaluators! Eight ATE evaluators will present their ATE evaluation experiences to their peers and colleagues, sharing their successes, discussing challenges, and providing insights into others’ evaluation techniques. The session will also involve networking activities for ATE evaluators to get to know each other and identify common points of interest and collaboration opportunities. Attending evaluators will grow their network of ATE evaluator peers, learn about new practices, and group problem-solve difficult situations.

Megan Lopez, Senior Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Brianna Hooks-Singletary, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

SIG (invitation only)

Quantitative Skills in Environmental Technology: Educational Resource Development for the Classroom

Educators and industry partners from disciplines related to environmental and natural resource technology are invited to join the EARTh Center, Highline College, and the Science Education Resource Center in an exploratory discussion of the quantitative skills (e.g., math, numbers, graphing, data analysis) essential to the success of students in environmental tech programs and technicians in entry-level environmental positions. Participants will identify critical mathematical skills, discuss methods for conveying information, and assess the need for topics to be considered for development by “The Math You Need When You Need It” team. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Andrew McMahan, Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Technology Center, Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro, NC; Eric Baer, Highline College, Des Moines, WA; Rory McFadden, Science Education Associate, Science Education Resources Center; Josh Webb, Associate Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Technology Center, Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro, NC

TUESDAY, 1:00–4:30

SIG (complimentary)

Demystifying Extended Reality (XR) Technologies in Technician Education

This hands-on session demystifies XR technologies for technician education. Participants will gain practical experience with Quest headsets, learning to set up accounts, configure hardware, stream, load applications, and maintain the devices. Guided by our CFIR-based framework, the session will highlight best practices and strategies to prepare campus IT, administration, and educators for XR adoption. Through immersive activities, real-world demonstrations, and interactive Q&A, attendees will acquire essential skills to train students and integrate XR into technician curricula—leaving with a comprehensive guide, actionable takeaways, and renewed confidence to implement XR effectively. Participants will be given a Quest 3s to take home for exploration. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

David Anderson, Director, Resource Collaborative for Immersive Technologies (RECITE), St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN; David Presley, RECITE, Motlow State Community College; Kapil Chalil Madathil, Professor, RECITE, Clemson University; Josh Webb, Associate Director, RECITE & EARTh, Central Carolina Community College; Mark Gill, Director of AI & Viz Lab, RECITE, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN; Alan Srock, Professor, RECITE, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN

Tour ($150)

(Bus will load at 1:00 in front of the Marriott City Center. Lunch included.)

Seagate Technology

Seagate is a leader in mass-capacity data storage. We’ve delivered more than four billion terabytes of capacity over the past four decades. Breakthroughs in application development are leading to extraordinary data generation. Data that must be captured, replicated, and preserved at scale to ensure continued innovation and trust. In an age of unprecedented creation, Seagate stores infinite potential. Join us as we tour different departments within the Seagate MN location, see the 24×7 cleanroom facility, discuss what jobs skills and degrees employees typically have, and new technologies Seagate is using. Please wear walking shoes. Photographs are not allowed inside Seagate.

SIG (invitation only)

Working Partners Workshops Alumni Convening

This SIG is for Working Partners Workshop past participants. Workshop alumni will share industry partnership successes and challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and collaborate on partnership strategies while strengthening and extending their peer network.

Mary Slowinski, PI, Working Partners Project & Workshops, Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA; Rachael Bower, Working Partners Project & Workshops, Internet Scout, Madison, WI

SIG (invitation only)

Mobile Solar Training Labs

Illumination Solar’s mobile photovoltaic lab trainer unit provides a flexible hands-on educational platform that fills a market gap for affordable and easy-to-deploy solar lab technology. The trainers use real-world equipment, are compliant with National Electrical Code standards, and can be operated in both grid-connected and off-grid modes. Participants will gain hands-on experience working with the Illumination lab trainer, which was awarded an American Made Solar Prize by the US Department of Energy.

Nick Matthese, CEO, Illumination Solar, Helenville, WI; Ken Walz, Director and Principal Investigator, CREATE Energy Center, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI

SIG (invitation only)

Implementing the Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) Model for Strategic Employer Engagement

This SIG will be an intensive professional development experience for college teams participating in BILT Academy Cohort 6 through the Pathways to Innovation project led by CORD. It is designed to give cohort teams the opportunity to learn about, practice, and experience all steps in the BILT Implementation Annual Cycle. It will also be an important community building event for Cohort 6 member colleges and their respective BILT coaches. Attendees should bring their own laptops.

Hope Cotner, CEO, CORD; Co-PI, Pathways to Innovation, Center for Occupational Research & Development (CORD), Waco, TX; Ann Beheler, Pathways to Innovation, CORD, Waco, TX; Maria Coons, BILT Coach, Pathways to Innovation, CORD, Waco, TX

SIG (invitation only)

Microelectronics & Nanomanufacturing for Veterans Consortium (MNVC)

In this SIG, members of the national MNVC partnership will focus on recruitment, retention, and job placement of program participants.

Zachary Gray, Managing Director, Microelectronics & Nanomanufacturing for Veterans Consortium (MNVC), Center for Nanotechnology Education & Utilization, University Park, PA; Vishal Saravade, Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Education & Utilization, State College, PA

SIG (invitation only)

J ATE Dinner (6:00–8:00)

The J ATE dinner is an invitation only SIG for J ATE editorial board members, J ATE staff, and J ATE special guests.

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