A new partnership between Washtenaw Community College and the University of Michigan’s Lurie Nanofabrication Facility (LNF) is a win-win.
Just ask the three future engineers who started their college education at WCC and are now working at the lab. Or Sandrine Martin, Ph.D., Managing Director of the LNF.
LNF is a state-of-the-art shared cleanroom facility that provides advanced micro- and nanofabrication equipment and expertise to enable cutting-edge research from semiconductor materials, biotechnology, medical devices and more.
Having begun working in the LNF as full-time summer interns, WCC students Liam Moore, Zane Goldenberg-Dietz and Nicolas Troost plan to continue part-time employment during the school year.
“They are helpful in what they provide to our research community, and it gives the interns hands-on experience," Martin says of the student employees. "This is a program that’s very beneficial on both sides.”
WCC’s interns were mentored by LNF staff and contribute to equipment maintenance, calibration and inventory management tasks.
“There is a lot that needs to happen for everything to work right in the LNF, and there are a lot of significant safety procedures and protocols," Martin said. "A successful intern is someone who can be trained, follow instructions and be responsible. The trainability element is an important one.”
The new partnership is among a number of efforts contributing to the state’s goal to establish a global semiconductor center of excellence in Michigan.
This fall, WCC will launch a Semiconductor Technician Training program and is planning stackable credentials for 2025. The mean annual wage for semiconductor processing technicians in the country is $48,970, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We expect the partnership to grow, including our existing collaborations as part of the Michigan STAR program, and more,” Martin says.
Michigan’s semiconductor workforce ranks among the top 10 in the nation, with jobs projected to grow by at least 11% in the next five years, according to the state.
NICOLAS TROOST
WCC Programs: Pre-Engineering Science Transfer (2025 completion)
Future Plans: Transfer to U-M for Mechanical Engineering
Nicolas Says: “My ultimate career goal is to work in the motorsports industry. I became interested in semiconductors when the chip shortage happened during COVID. It’s incredibly interesting to now learn first hand what goes into the creation of semiconductors.”
LIAM MOORE
WCC Program: Pre-Engineering Science Transfer Associate (2024 completion)
Future Plans: Transfer to U-M for Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biophysics
Liam Says: “I plan to gain some work experience before ultimately attending graduate school to pursue a master’s or doctorate in biomedical engineering. … Every day I come in I learn something new, and it always keeps me engaged and focused.”
ZANE GOLDENBERG-DIETZ
WCC Program: Pre-Engineering Science Transfer Associate (2025 completion)
Future Plans: Transfer to U-M for Electrical Engineering
Zane Says: “I hope to get involved with quantum computing at some point down the line, which would require a master’s degree, at least. … This opportunity has given me exposure to the electronics manufacturing world, which is very relevant for me.”
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This story appears in the Fall 2024 edition of Launch magazine. See complete issue.
Tags: Internships, Launch Fall 2024, Semiconductor, Semiconductor Industry, Student Success