Learn how to teach rough vacuum technology using hands-on activities in effective, engaging ways in your classroom!

Background:
Vacuum technology is a critical, enabling technology for many industries, with semiconductor manufacturing being one of the largest. The global semiconductor industry is a key growth sector in the global economy. National interest to invest in semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. is growing.  The CHIPS for America Act and FABS Act are some of the examples. Since the bill was introduced in the spring of 2020, companies have announced plans for $187 billion in new or expanded semiconductor facilities in 16 states that would create more than 30,000 jobs, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. 
 

Semiconductor manufacturers hire technicians to maintain and repair their process equipment. A key part of a technician’s skill set is a working knowledge of vacuum systems.
 

Goal of this professional development workshop:
The main goal of this workshop is to provide faculty from technology and technician programs with information and hands-on experiences which help them incorporate rough vacuum technology instructional resources in their courses and program.
 

Objectives and Activities:   
Join us in Bloomington, MN in 2023 for this on-site hands-on Professional Development Workshop in vacuum technology. By participating in this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• review new educational resources developed as part of this NSF New-to-ATE project:
  • technician-level e-book in rough vacuum technology
  • student laboratory manual
  • instructor's guide,
• get familiarized with rough vacuum systems developed by Normandale Community College and SUNY Erie Community College,
• gain experience in building, operating, and troubleshooting rough vacuum systems, 
• access ready-to-use, hands-on classroom lab activities that will enable you to add meaningful context for learning about rough vacuum technology in your classroom, and finally
• network with educational and industry professionals.

Intended audience for the workshop is community college faculty and educational specialists affiliated with a high school or 2-year college system .   


This professional development workshop includes two linked events:

1. Introductory virtual meeting to address workshop logistics and introduce the e-book resource:
   • Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 10am-11am (CT) or
   • Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 2pm-3pm (CT)
      
2. On-Site Workshop at Normandale Community College, 9700 France Av S, Bloomington, MN:
   • Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 6 pm (CT) – welcome dinner
   • Thursday, June 22, 2023 – full day workshop session at Normandale Community College (lunch provided)
   • Friday, June 23, 2023 – half-day workshop session at Normandale Community College (, session concludes by 1pm, lunch provided)
   • Friday, June 23, 2023, 2-3pm (CT) – optional industry tour to Seagate
   • Information on hotel accommodations in Bloomington, MN will be provided after workshop application is submitted and approved
   • Participation Stipend:
     A Stipend will be provided to offset travel costs (lodging, meals, transportation costs):
     - $1,500 for participants traveling over 100 miles.
     - $750 for participants traveling less than 100 miles.

Your Instructors:

• Nancy Louwagie, Normandale Community College – Vacuum Technology Instructor
• Elena Brewer, SUNY Erie Community College – Electrical Engineering Technology and Nanotechnology Instructor
• David Hata, Portland Community College – former Microelectronics Technology Instructor and author of the original Introduction to Vacuum Technology textbook

Application Process: Applications are due by April 3. Applications will be reviewed and approved in the order they are received until the workshop capacity is reached.  Applicants will be notified about their workshop acceptance by April 17.

Join us in Bloomington in 2023!

For more information, contact:

• Elena Brewer at SUNY Erie Community College: brewer@ecc.edu OR
• Nancy Louwagie at Normandale Community College: Nancy.Louwagie@normandale.edu