Jared Ashcroft | Dept. of Chemistry, Pasadena City College & Director, Micro Nano Technology Education Center

Abstract: Microsystems and nanosystems technologies are becoming, if not already, pervasive throughout the daily human experience. The internet of things is expected to support a trillion micro-nano devices. Examples of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) include pressure sensors, microphones, accelerometers, time-keeping devices, photonic devices, and medical instrumentation. The growth and convergence of these technologies will expand for the foreseeable future as the miniaturization and integration processes continues. A modern hi-tech workforce will be educated by Micro Nano Technology educators to keep pace with these manufacturing developments.

The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) is a community college led conglomerate of educators, industry leaders, and government agencies that aim to increase micro nano technical education opportunities. The goal of the MNT-EC is to grow the MNT technician workforce by fostering academic and industry mentorship between existing MNT partners and educators developing prospective community college MNT programs. This goal will be accomplished by coordinating programs, engaging with industry partners, increasing the diversity in MNT education and workforce, and providing professional development opportunities for MNT faculty and students. This presentation will discuss the current state of MNT technical education and share the Center goals.

Bio: Jared Ashcroft is a Chemistry professor at Pasadena City College and the Center Director for the NSF-supported Micro Nano Technology Education Center (micronanoeducation.org), actively involved in bringing MNT technical education programs to community colleges. He earned his BS in Chemistry from Long Beach State and Doctorate in Chemistry from Rice University. His doctorate work and subsequent studies at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab focused on nano-based medical diagnostics and therapeutics. His current undergraduate research group focuses on using active learning in conjunction with remote instrumentation to increase success and engagement in science.

Access the Lecture at: https://primetime.bluejeans.com/a2m/live-event/wsebvapr