{"691125":{"#nid":"691125","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Graduate Apprentices Are Shaping Research While Building Their Future ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the second floor of the Marcus Nanotechnology Building, Calib Lanier operates a rotary-bed reactor unlike any other at Georgia Tech. As the system begins its specialized operations, the doctoral student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E watches closely, monitoring temperatures, pressure, and other critical metrics that could define the tool\u2019s success.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier isn\u2019t just using the equipment; he\u2019s helping bring it to life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOver the last year, he has worked with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInstitute for Matter and Systems (IMS)\u003C\/a\u003E staff as part of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/matter-systems.gatech.edu\/graduate-apprenticeship\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EIMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program\u003C\/a\u003E to install a newly designed powder-processing, rotary-bed system. While traditional coating tools are designed to deposit ultra-thin films onto flat surfaces (like silicon computer chips or glass), this tool continuously tumbles a bed of fine powder to ensure a uniform coating of 3D objects with microscopic grains of powder at an atomic scale\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe work has involved more than just running experiments. Lanier has developed operating procedures, established safety protocols, solved technical challenges, and documented processes that future tool users will rely on long after he graduates.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to leave something behind for IMS,\u201d Lanier said. \u201cOnce I\u2019m gone, the documentation for this tool will still be there. It\u2019s giving IMS information that will be useful for following students.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHis experience reflects the mission of the apprenticeship program. Launched to provide graduate students with hands-on experience in IMS\u2019s research facilities, the program places graduate students in core facilities with experts. This gives them opportunities to develop technical expertise, support facility operations, and gain professional skills that extend beyond the classroom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe wanted to create an experience where everyone benefits,\u201d said Anna \u00d6sterholm, principal research scientist and IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program coordinator. \u201cStudents gain technical training and professional experience while IMS gains talented and motivated contributors who help develop new capabilities, train users, and improve facility operations.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier was one of nine students in the inaugural cohort, which represented a wide range of disciplines and research experience. Matthew Kim, another member of the cohort and a master\u2019s student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ece.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, came to the program with a mechanical background and a desire to gain hands-on semiconductor experience.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore the program, much of Kim\u2019s previous exposure to semiconductors and chip packaging came from videos and lectures. Through the apprenticeship, he gained practical experience in the cleanroom, where he taught lab sections for undergraduate integrated circuit fabrication classes. In that role, Kim guided students through the process of creating semiconductors \u2014 starting with a blank silicon wafer and ending with a finished product \u2014 featuring various designs and structures.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIt was a new experience for me because I was teaching students while learning the material myself,\u201d Kim said. \u201cIt really pushed me to learn everything quickly, and I think that benefited me.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThrough the program, Kim both taught and participated in some of the semiconductor fabrication short courses offered by IMS throughout the year.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cA lot of what we learn in class is theory-based,\u201d Kim said. \u201cIf you want hands-on experience and want to see semiconductor fabrication with your own eyes, this program is a great way to learn.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBesides semiconductor design and creation, additional focus areas for the program include materials characterization operations. Kayla Chuong, a doctoral student in the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mse.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESchool of Materials Science and Engineering\u003C\/a\u003E, took her existing experience with materials characterization techniques and expanded it. \u0026nbsp;She entered the program as a user of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mcf.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EMaterials Characterization Facility (MCF)\u003C\/a\u003E, having previously conducted research using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tools.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the program, Chuong now trains campus and industry users on tools throughout the MCF. She conducts check-offs on training sessions and authorizes researchers to use instruments. She may spend an entire day conducting back-to-back instrument training, helping everyone from undergraduate researchers to industry professionals gain access to advanced microscopy tools.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It\u0027s really cool that external users from industry come in and get trained, and I get to meet people from different backgrounds,\u0022 she said.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhile the program provides students with access to advanced research tools and facilities, participants said some of the most valuable lessons happened outside of the lab.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKim found teaching an unexpected source of growth. As he guided students through cleanroom processes and semiconductor fabrication techniques, he found himself developing confidence as a researcher and as an instructor.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Chuong, the program expanded her professional network and her base knowledge of SEM beyond what she thought was possible.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELanier gained a different perspective through regular interactions with IMS staff. By participating in facility staff meetings and working closely with mentors, he was exposed to the challenges of managing complex research infrastructure and learned how experienced scientists approach troubleshooting and process optimization.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Being able to see how other people look at going about research and what they do to work through troubleshooting and optimization,\u0022 Lanier said, \u0022it\u0027s a really good learning experience for myself as well.\u0022\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether, these experiences highlight one of the program\u0027s greatest strengths: its ability to immerse students in the broader research ecosystem. Beyond learning how to operate world-class instruments, apprentices gain experience communicating across disciplines, mentoring other researchers, solving complex technical challenges, and contributing to the shared resources that support research across Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor Chuong, Kim, and Lanier, the apprenticeship provided more than just access to equipment. It offered a chance to become contributors to Georgia Tech\u0027s research ecosystem \u2014 whether by teaching new users, supporting education, or helping bring new capabilities online. As the program prepares for future cohorts, their experiences illustrate how immersive, hands-on training can accelerate both research and professional growth.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGraduate apprentices gain experience with advanced instrumentation, mentoring, and facility operations while supporting the research ecosystem that serves Georgia Tech and its partners.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Graduate apprentices gain experience with advanced instrumentation, mentoring, and facility operations while supporting the research ecosystem that serves Georgia Tech and its partners. "}],"uid":"35272","created_gmt":"2026-07-15 15:52:48","changed_gmt":"2026-07-16 16:20:46","author":"aneumeister3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-07-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680611":{"id":"680611","type":"image","title":"graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMembers of the first IMS Graduate Apprentice cohort gather for a group photo at the program kickoff, including Matthew Kim (back row, second from left), Kayla Chuong (front row, third from left), and Calib Lanier (second row, fourth from right).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"A group of students, researchers, and staff stand together for a group photo outside a brick building beneath a covered walkway.","file":{"fid":"264895","name":"graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":1096812,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/graduate_apprentice_kickoff.JPG?itok=ecb3XQWe"}},"680610":{"id":"680610","type":"image","title":"Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECalib Lanier wears full cleanroom protective gear in the IMS gowning area before entering the cleanroom for research and training activities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"Calib Lanier wearing a full cleanroom suit, face mask, safety glasses, and gloves takes a mirror selfie in a gowning area lined with cleanroom garments and lockers.","file":{"fid":"264894","name":"Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":649455,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/Cleanroom-Gown.JPEG?itok=UCHWKJ_j"}},"680612":{"id":"680612","type":"image","title":"Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, captured by IMS Graduate Apprentice Kayla Chuong during training on the instrument, was selected as the cover image for \u003Cem\u003EMaterials Advances.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","created":"1784131585","gmt_created":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","changed":"1784131585","gmt_changed":"2026-07-15 16:06:25","alt":"color microscopic image showing a highly porous material with interconnected openings and a textured blue-to-purple surface.","file":{"fid":"264896","name":"Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":220171,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/07\/15\/Materials-Advances-Journal-Cover_Blue.jpg?itok=830M0oTq"}}},"media_ids":["680611","680610","680612"],"groups":[{"id":"660369","name":"Matter and Systems"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193652","name":"Matter and Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EAmelia Neumeister\u003C\/a\u003E | Communications Manager\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Institute for Matter and Systems\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["amelia.neumeister@research.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}