Student Experience at ATE PI Conference

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing had the privilege of participating in the prestigious 2024 NSF ATE Principal Investigators (PI) Conference held from October 23rd to 25th, 2024. This annual event serves as a platform for the NSF's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, which plays a vital role in developing innovative educational methodologies to cultivate highly skilled technicians for the industries that are the backbone of the nation's economy. During the conference, there was a palpable sense of celebration as we collectively reflected on the remarkable accomplishments made possible through the NSF ATE program. It provided a unique opportunity for interaction and collaboration among the various ATE centers project PIs and representatives from different institutions. One of the event's highlights was the recognition of outstanding students with the prestigious NSF ATE Student Recognition Award, a testament to their dedication and excellence in their academic pursuits. Notably, the deserving students were nominated by the leadership overseeing NSF ATE grants at their respective community colleges, underscoring the importance of recognizing and nurturing young talent. In addition to the honor of receiving the award, the students were also invited to actively participate in the conference, engaging in activities tailored to enrich their overall experience. The visual documentation of the occasion is captured in the slideshow below, showcasing the moment students were presented with their well-deserved recognition awards. The awards were given to them by distinguished figures such as the NSF ATE Program Director, Dr. Paul Tymann, and the NSF ATE Lead Program Director, Dr. V. Celeste Carter. Furthermore, the presence of esteemed leaders from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) further emphasized the event's significance and the collaborative efforts to enhance educational opportunities for aspiring technicians.

During the meet and greet session before the poster presentations, students had the valuable opportunity to network and establish connections with their peers who were also recognized awardees. This informal gathering allowed them to engage in conversations, exchange ideas, and build relationships within their academic community. In the initial moments captured in the first slide, we see student Amelia Kearney taking the initiative to introduce herself, setting a friendly and welcoming tone for the interaction. Positioned alongside her CT State peers, the group dynamic is evident as Celit Flores Egusquiza, Diego Angeles, and Alissa Pace are seen engaging in conversation and sharing insights.

During the student poster session, the awardees showcased diverse projects that reflected their passion and dedication to their respective fields of study. The event provided a platform for students to demonstrate their innovative ideas and research findings, highlighting their perspectives and contributions. Alissa Pace and Diego Angeles, as depicted in the first slide below, exemplified the creativity and hard work that went into their projects, offering valuable insights and solutions to current challenges in their field. The audience was captivated by the depth of knowledge and the unique approaches presented by each student, sparking engaging discussions and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The industry networking session provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage directly with prominent figures in the business and industry sectors, offering a unique chance to interact with leaders from diverse backgrounds. This interaction not only allowed students to establish connections but also provided a platform for them to gain valuable insights and knowledge about different fields of interest that they might consider exploring in the future. One such instance captured during the session was when Connecticut State Community College student Zachary Gioia engaged in a conversation with Koushik Datta, the University Innovation Project Manager for NASA Aeronautics. This exchange likely offered Zachary a glimpse into the innovative projects and advancements within the aeronautics industry.

During the educational trip, students could explore the Mall of DC and the renowned Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The weather was delightful and warm, adding to the overall experience. In a collaborative effort, members of the NCNGM, along with their students, gathered for a working dinner. This event served as a platform to not only celebrate the accomplishments of the participants but also to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the ongoing initiatives of the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. The exchange of ideas and experiences during the dinner further strengthened the bonds within the academic community and highlighted the importance of innovation and advancement in manufacturing.

Student and Alumni Participants

Diego Angeles, Student, Connecticut State Community College Manchester Pierce Campbell, Student, Connecticut State Community College Northwestern

Celit Flores Egusquiza - Student, Connecticut State Community College Tunxis Zachary Gioia, Student, Connecticut State Community College Northwestern Carlos Gastelum – Alumni, Central Community College, Nebraska, and Project Engineer, Becton Dickinson

Amelia Kearney, Student, Connecticut State Community College Tunxis

Alissa Pace, Student, Connecticut State Community College Manchester Pictures are credited to NCNGM and AACC Flickr albums, EPNAC.com, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.