The Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) at Georgia Tech has selected nine graduate students for the inaugural cohort of its Graduate Apprenticeship Program, officially launching the initiative. The program offers graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advanced materials research and systems-level problem-solving. 

Following a competitive application process, IMS selected students whose research interests align with the institute’s core capabilities in fabrication and characterization.  Apprenticeships begin October 1, 2025, with students working closely with IMS staff and faculty mentors to support facility operations and contribute to cutting-edge research. 

“The Graduate Student Apprenticeship program opens the door for students to gain hands-on experience in our cleanroom and characterization facilities,” said Eric Vogel, executive director of IMS. “By working directly with advanced tools and processes, they not only strengthen their research skills but also build the practical expertise that will set them apart in industry.” 

The IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program is a structured, paid alternative to traditional teaching assistantships. Apprentices commit 10 hours per week to facility operations and receive support for 50% of their graduate stipend and tuition.  

"This program is an exciting opportunity for us to advance and support graduate training and education,” said Anna Osterholm, principal research scientist and IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program coordinator. “It provides financial support to both students and faculty, and we expect to enhance the capacity of IMS core facilities, which continue to see a steady growth from both internal and external users each year.” 

The selected apprentices represent a diverse range of disciplines and will receive training on micro/nanofabrication or materials characterization tools. In addition, they will assist with instrumentation calibration, process development, sample testing, and data analysis for internal and external research projects. 

The 2025 Cohort 

• Kayla Chuong, Ph.D. student in the School of Materials Science and Engineering
• Grace Crim, Ph.D. student in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Parker Dulin, Ph.D. student in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Isaiah Ertel, Ph.D. student in the School of Physics
• Matthew Kim, M.Sc. student in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Calib Lanier, Ph.D. student in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Justin Nakamura, Ph.D. student in the School of Materials Science and Engineering
• Chinaza Ogbonna, Ph.D. student in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
• Eric Zhang, Ph.D. student in the School of Physics 

Mentors