The most recent cohort of the Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program (MNCP) have completed their training and are ready to dive into the workforce. 

The MNCP is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded collaboration between the Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS), Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) and Pennsylvania State University’s Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization. 

The spring 2025 cohort was comprised of three individuals with non-technical backgrounds. For 12 weeks, they split time between online lectures and hands-on training in the Georgia Tech Fabrication Cleanroom where they immersed themselves in advanced microelectronic fabrication techniques. Their training included thin film deposition, photolithography, etching, metrology, laser micro-machining, and additive manufacturing. They gained hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, even creating their own custom designs on 4-inch silicon wafers.

“The program really helps people get their head start, especially for those who don’t really have the educational background,” said Lauren Walker, one student from the cohort. Walker applied for the program after hearing about it from a colleague and was able to get a job as a laboratory technician with help from the program resources.

“[The program] gave me everything I needed to know for new skills and things like that for the industry,” said Walker. “It helped me eventually get another job. I say it helped because of the workshops they had.”

Under the direction of Seung-Joon Paik, IMS teaching lab coordinator, the cohort spent two days a week in the IMS cleanroom working on research projects with IMS staff. Michelle Wu, a research scientist in IMS, served as lab instructor throughout the program and oversaw the training on cleanroom tools. 

“As their lab instructor, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with their passion, patience, and unwavering dedication to this program,” said Wu.

The program is supported by the Advanced Technological Education program at the National Science Foundation and is free for all participants. 

Learn more about the Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program