NSF
NSF grant: "Supporting Micro and Nano Technicians through Hybrid Teaching Methods"
What is Nanotechnology?
Think small. Extremely small. Nanotechnology is where science, engineering and technology meet—at the nanoscale, or 1 to 100 nanometers in size. This is the scale of semiconductor manufacturing. With this study, technicians are able to manipulate individual atoms and molecules to change the properties of tools and products. And this science can be used in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, biology, chemistry, and more.
Supporting Micro and Nano Technicians through Hybrid Teaching Methods Program
Labor market data show that Micro and Nano Technicians are in high demand throughout the American Southwest. Employers have indicated that they have trouble identifying potential hires with the right combination of experience and industry knowledge. Rio Salado College, in collaboration with Arizona State University, seeks to address the critical need for skilled Micro and Nano Technicians throughout Arizona and the American Southwest. This program is a technician education program with a hybrid learning environment that prepares students to quickly enter the workforce. The goals of the program are to:
- Offer students an opportunity to earn a certificate in six courses or continue on to earn an associate degree in Nanotechnology (Semiconductor Manufacturing)
- provide an accessible and affordable academic program for students to gain employable skills
- actively recruit students from underrepresented and underserved groups
- establish partnerships with industry and other partners to prepare students to fabricate and characterize materials for biological, textile, chemical, light, and electrical applications, all at the micro and nanometer scale.
The courses are offered in a unique model with some components online and others in-person.
- Hybrid - We offer a hybrid model of online courses for the lectures.
- In-Person - In-person labs held at Arizona State University.
Learn Nano, Save Big
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student videos
Christina - Student
Dreaming of a better future, Christina found the nanotechnology program to be the perfect solution to furthering her science education.
Jeff - Student
At 49, Jeff is living proof that it’s never too late to make a career change. And nanotechnology shows a wealth of possibilities.
NSF GRANT #2100402
The Nanotechnology program at Rio Salado College is undertaking the work to increase the employee pool for the nanotechnology industry thanks to a $300,000 grant awarded through the National Science Foundation as part of Advanced Technological Education. The Rio Salado initiative aims to train 30 micro- and nano technicians. Headed by Dr. Rick Vaughn and in collaboration with Dr. Trevor Thorton at Arizona State University, the project will enable Rio Salado to offer a six-course certificate and an associate degree in nanotechnology.