Students Explore Integrated Photonics Careers During National Manufacturing Day Event at AIM Photonics
Manufacturing Innovation Institutes open their doors each October to inspire the next generation of technical talent
In recognition of National Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 2, AIM Photonics hosted students from Capital Region high schools at NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex to experience the fast-growing world of integrated photonics and explore career opportunities helping to power tomorrow’s technology.
More than 60 students from Canajoharie High School (Canajoharie, NY), Mohonasen High School (Rotterdam, NY), Schenectady Big Picture Program (Schenectady, NY), South Colonie High School (Albany, NY) and Tech Valley High School (Albany, NY) explored educational pathways, training programs and in-demand careers shaping the photonics industry. Through interactive learning experiences, demonstrations and presentations, students gained insight into the skill sets needed to succeed in advanced manufacturing and emerging technology fields, while also discovering how photonics is driving innovation across communications, national defense, biotechnology, healthcare and beyond.
The National Manufacturing Day event underscores AIM Photonics’ commitment to building a strong national workforce by connecting students with educational and career opportunities while helping them develop a deeper understanding of the skills needed by the industry.
Nicholas Fahrenkopf, AIM Photonics Executive Director, welcomed students with a presentation introducing them to integrated photonics and the work being done at the Institute. Several students had the opportunity to practice putting on cleanroom attire before touring the Albany NanoTech Complex, where they observed technicians at work and learned how wafers are transferred between processes throughout the complex.
AIM Photonics staff further enhanced the students’ experience through demonstrations showing how light serves as a powerful enabling technology. Students explored how light can transfer signals between sensor devices, power robots and be transmitted through lasers. They also used UV-sensitive beads to create simple binary code and simulate how photonic integrated circuits (PICs) process information.