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High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC)

July 25-28, 2011

San Francisco, CA - Students and faculty from the College of Technology attended the Hi-Tec conference and gave a presentation on the advanced Robotics on Water program.

Summer Challenge for Educators - "Engineering Challenge for 21st Century Skills", July 11-15, 2010

EC 2010

Dedicated high school and community college educators, both statewide and nationally, recently spent part of their summer vacation at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT for a five-day program designed to train them to help their students become qualified and productive engineers and technologists.

The Summer Engineering Challenge for the 21st Century Teachers Workshop is a partnership between the RCNGM and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The program stresses project-based learning; teamwork; technical communication; organizational and interpersonal skills (including understanding behavior styles using DISC profiles) and personal accountability. Projects that teachers participated in included: Robotics on the Water, and building and racing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

The program is designed to help educators prepare their students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), through a series of engineering projects and exercises designed to give the participants a greater understanding of work styles and teamwork.  

Electric Boat Professional Development Day

Thursday, April 28th

55 teachers participated in a professional development day at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT. With 10,000 employees and more than a century of experience, GD Electric Boat has established standards of excellence in the design, construction and lifecycle support of submarines for the U.S. Navy. Teachers saw demonstrations in the modeling simulation room, discovered career opportunities for students, learned about what the company does, and heard from senior management representatives on the state of their business.

"Engineer Your Future" Expo, Norwalk Community College

Friday, April 1, 2011

240 high school students and their teachers took part in the Engineer Your Future Expo at Norwalk Community College (NCC). Student and teachers went through six tracks that included demonstrations that illustrated the development life cycle of a product from conception to end of use. High school teachers attended a pre-expo curriculum workshop and the expo curriculum is available online for implementation. The exhibits featured Connecticut-based engineering companies and provided information on the Engineering and Technology program offerings at NCC and the College of Technology. Approximately 20 teachers and faculty also attended a professional development workshop that included presentations from Schwerdtle Stamping Company, Alloy Engineering, Sikorsky Aircraft, the Life Support and Sustainable Living Program, and the Virtual Ideation Platform. Check out photos from the event on the COT RCNGM Flickr stream.

"Lean and Green: Next Generation Careers in Technology" Expo, Manchester Community College

Friday, February 11, 2011

The RCNGM, in collaboration with Manchester Community College, sponsored an expo at the college, highlighting engineering, lean manufacturing practices and sustainable green initiatives.  Nationally recognized expert in lean manufacturing, Robert Emiliani, gave a keynote speech, followed by a series of exciting workshops and exhibits in the arts, science and technology building (next to the Learning Resource Center). Companies such as Hamilton Sundstrand, UTC Fuel Cells, Electric Boat, Sunlight Solar, General Electric, and Barnes Aerospace were represented. Over 300 students, 80 educators and 50 members from industry attended the expo.

"Immerse Yourself in 21st Century Technology" Expo and Seminar, Naugatuck Valley Community College

November 18-19, 2010

More than 250 students from six high schools viewed the processes of manufacturing and the latest technologies used, in particular Rapid Prototyping, during a student expo sponsored by the RCNGM held at Naugatuck Valley Community College.  The two-day event featured a student expo where students toured the technology hall, saw demonstrations of manufacturing processes, and talked to manufacturing and engineering professors about the programs offered at the college.  Internationally-renowned speaker, Terry Wohlers, gave a talk on rapid prototyping to both Naugatuck Valley Community College students in the evening, and at a special seminar for teachers and manufacturers the following day.  CBIA Economist Jason Giuletti provided a lunchtime keynote address following the Friday seminar, on the state of manufacturing, both nationally and in Connecticut.

Teachers Challenged During Engineering Challenge Workshop

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

July 11-15, 2010

The RCNGM, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, is once again hosting a week-long Engineering Challenge workshop for teachers. This workshop for high school and college faculty is designed to give educators hands-on project work around engineering challenges, team-work exercises and exposure to advanced technologies used in industry. Participants receive 4 CEU credits, a $250 stipend, and tuition, room and board are free. There is also stipend for travel (airfare max to $500, mileage to $200, including train fare). For more information, contact Ashley Halpin.

NASA Lunch and Learn with William Rivera

Capital Community College

April 27, 2010

The RCNGM is a sponsor of a lunch and learn session promoting exciting career opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).  William Rivera, an engineer at Pratt and Whitney is the main speaker, and lunch will be provided (pizza and drinks).  Students are welcome, and parking is available at the Morgan Street garage and the Columbus Boulevard Lot.  Click here for more information.

 

Epsilon Pi Tau Induction Ceremony - April 23, 2010, Manchester Community College

The International Honor Society for Professions in Technology is holding its induction ceremony at Manchester Community College, April 23, 2010.  If you would like to nominate a person who has made an impact in promoting technology education, please fill out the application by clicking on this link.  Application.

Hooked at the Roots - Gus Whalen

Asnuntuck Community College

December 2, 2009

Author Gus Whalen spoke on how his family's manufacturing company survived changing times and in turn changed its community. Whalen, who is an author and businessman, told his family's inspirational story at Asnuntuck Community College's auditorium. 

Housatonic Community College Student Networking

November 6, 2009

Connecticut community college faculty and staff are invited to attend a day-long conference on building communities and engaging students through social networking and Web 2.0. The free conference will be held at Housatonic Community College (8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) and includes information on how educators can use social media to recruit, instruct and build educational communities. The conference is sponsored by the RCNGM in collaboration with System's Teaching and Learning.  Click here for information and session listings.  For more information, contact Tobi Krutt, Manager, Technological Tools and Training, System Office., 860-244-7637.

Epsilon Pi Tau Dinner with Dr. Chandra Roychoudhuri

Manchester Community College

October 21, 2009

Dr. Chanddra Roychoudhuri, a renowned physics researcher in the field of Photonics at the University of Connecticut, will be the guest speaker at the Epsilon Pi Tau Dinner on Wednesday, October 21.  Dr. Roychoudhuri will talk about physics, light and the way it helps us view the world. His speech, entitled "How We Are Becoming Knowledge-Age Neanderthals", will also focus on solar warming and constructing an "adaptable collective purpose for the human species to evolve congruently with the biosphere." The dinner begins at 6:30 and is open to students inducted into Epsilon Pi Tau and the general public.  Cost is $6 for MCC students who are Epsilon members, and $12 for the general public.  For tickets and more information, contact Catherine Seaver at cseaver@mcc.commnet.edu. 

Educational Equity for the 21st Century: Increasing Achievement for All, Aug. 1-3, 2009 (Los Angeles, CA)

The 2009 Association for Gender Equity Leadership in Education (AGELE) National Conference will be held at the Manhattan Beach Marriott in Los Angeles.  The planning team is developing a conference program that will include keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, exhibits, and other activities.  Proposals for presentations are due March 1, 2009.  For more information, go to AGELE National Conference.

High Impact Technology Exchange Conference, July 21-22, 2009 (Scottsdale, AZ)

HI-TEC is a national conference on advanced technical education where technical educators, counselors, industry professionals, and technicians can update their knowledge and skills.  HI-TEC uniquely explores the convergence of scientific disciplines and technologies such as: geographic information systems and agricultural technology; information and communications technologies, biotechnology , and cybersecurity, manufacturing, engineering technology, and telecommunications.

For more information, go to HI-TEC.

Engineering Challenge for the 21st Centry, July 12-17, 2009, (Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT)

Teachers from around the country participated in a week-long residential program designed to help students develop the necessary skills to become qualified and productive engineers and technicians. The program ran from July 12-17th, 2009 at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Participants were immersed in problem-based learning robotic projects around U.S. Coast Guard Life Saving missions, and learned about interpersonal behaviors, personal accountability and observed 200 high school students participating in problem-based teamwork.

The RCNGM is offering this course free of charge, which includes tuition and accommodations. Participants will also receive a program stipend of $250 and will receive 3.2 CEU credits. For more information, go to Educators.

Connecticut Student Innovation Expo - May 8,9, 2009

Come celebrate student achievement, creativity, collaboration, innovation and 21st century STEM education at the Connecticut Student Innovation Expo.   Middle and high school students involved in cutting-edge education programs in science, technology, engineering and math will showcase projects relating to sustainable energy and environmental responsibility.   The Expo kicks off with the first annual Connecticut Student Film Festival on May 8th, and ends with exhibitions and awards on Saturday, May 9th.   Connecticut businesses, government, K-12 education, higher education and not-for-profit organizations have supported this program for Connecticut urban and suburban students and teachers.  The event is free to the public. 

For more information, please visit Innovation Skills.

Waterbury High School Students Get the High Tech Advantage from Industry Leaders

Naugatuck Valley Community College and the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (RCNGM), in collaboration with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and Waterbury Public Schools, are presenting a day of workshops for high school students in Waterbury (April 3, 2009).  The workshops will center on high tech careers in demand found in:  Engineering, Energy, Manufacturing, Bioscience and Environmental Science.  A workshop highlighting the Life Support and Sustainable Living program at the University of Hartford (which is a National Science Foundation project grant connected to the RCNGM) will also be presented.   Students will also be given a tour of the new technology center at Naugatuck Valley Community College.

For more information, contact, Mary deManbey at CBIA. 

Immerse Yourself in 21st Century Technology - Asnuntuck Community College, March 26-27, 2009

The College of Technology's Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, in collaboration with Asnuntuck Community College, would like to make you aware of an exciting opportunity happening.  Come join us as we explore the exciting and innovative world of Additive Manufacturing Technologies that are used in modern manufacturing, art, animation, medical modeling, architecture, aerospace, and the automotive industry.

You'll also have the opportunity to hear from industry expert Terry Wohlers who has over 27 years experience in the field.  Mr. Wohlers has been quoted in The Boston Globe, Business Week, Chicago Tribune, Discover News from the Discovery Channel, The Economist, FORTUNE, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Scientific American to name a few.

Please note: Thursday, March 26th, is designated for high school and college students, teachers and parents.  Friday, March 27th is open to the general public. 

If you would like more information, please go to this brochure.  For questions, please contact Chris Casey at cwsmcasey@cox.net, or call her at (860) 698-6267.

Teachers/Counselors, click here to register:  March 26th Morning

Parents click here to register:  March 26th Evening Event

 

General Public click here to register: March 27th Morning Event.

Title:         2008 National SBIR Conference

Date:         Nov 12-14, 2008

Venue:      Connecticut Convention Center - Hartford, CT

Website:    www.SBIRnational.com

 

For the first time, Connecticut hosted the National Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Conference on November 12 - 14 at the Connecticut Convention Center . The Connecticut Small Business Innovation Research office at CCAT and the State of Connecticut would like the Technology Center for Next Generation Manufacturing to be a supporting organization for this event. There is NO monetary cost to becoming a supporting organization. You will receive your first registration for free along with a table in the exhibit hall. All the details are laid out in the attached flyer.

This conference presented an invaluable opportunity for organizations to connect with virtually every federal agency that awards federal research funding in addition to major companies such as Boeing, GE Hamilton, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Procter and Gamble, Raytheon and Sikorsky plus five of the nation's largest federal laboratories, and 500-800 small high tech and manufacturing businesses from around the world.

Foldout Brochure 2008 Conference3 with CCAT

sbir e-blast template 8 20

National Educators Workshop

November 2-5,2008

College professors from around the nation and Connecticut high school teachers benefited from a four-day conference focusing on materials science recently. Sponsored by the RCNGM and held in Hartford, CT, the National Educators Workshop(NEW) was produced by the Center of Excellence for Materials and Process Development.   Keynote speakers included Mel Richardson from the University of Portsmouth (UK) who spoke about a village in China that is benefiting from volunteers sharing innovative technologies and expertise.   Approximately 75 educators attended the conference, which included breakout sessions on nanotechnology, development of advanced composite modules for engineering courses, exploring optics "magic" and photon projects, and structure property relationships in materials.

Manufacture Your Future Careers Expo II

June 2-4, 2008

Nearly 3,000 middle and high school students attended the second Manufacture Your Future Careers Expo held at Hartford's Connecticut Expo Center. Highlights of the Expo included the replication of a factory floor, demonstrations of Connecticut made products, and representation from community colleges and four-year universities.  CBIA and the RCNGM partnered with statewide manufacturers to put on the event. 

Go to this link for photos of the event. 

Manufacture Your Future Careers Expo II: Faculty Workshops

More than 50 high school and college faculty attended workshops as part of the Manufacture Your Future: Careers Expo, held June 3-5, 2008.  The workshops were sponsored by the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing and presented by three other National Science Foundation Center programs.   The workshops included:

The Toothpick Factory - (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center for Manufacturing).  The workshops raised awareness of the importance of soft skills in the workplace.  Through hands-on activities and teamwork, participants discussed and learned effective workplace skills such as: communication, leadership, teambuilding, listening skills, flexibility and active listening. 

Raid Prototyping - (National Center for Rapid Technologies) - Faculty gained information on rapid technologices and how to utilize the technologies in support of multiple subject areas.  Those areas included:  art and animation, engineering, math, medical, biology, and architecture. Tthe  technologies discussed included digital shape verification (reverse engineering), rapid prototyping, and rapid tooling. 

Gender Equity in Engineering and Technology Education - (National Resource Center for Materials Technology Education)  The importance of gender equity in engineering and technology education was discussed.  Strategies were presented to encourage women and minorities to pursue careers in engienering and technology through real-world projects and innovative learning processes.

Following the workshops, participants toured the Expo.

Click here to view our December 2007 Newsletter.

Workshops - 2007

In the spring of 2007, more than 100 Connecticut teachers were exposed to manufacturing technologies and practicies through a series of workshops sponsored by the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing and organized by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. The idea behind the workshops was to not only give teachers the opportunity to experience today's manufacturing, but it was also an opportunity to introduce the Center's new Teacher Guide package that accompanies the "Manufacture Your Future" DVD.

The workshops included:

Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center (Storrs, CT )

 A leader in the research, development and commercial deployment of fuel cell engineering and technology, the Center presented presentations from leading scientists on the latest in fuel cell development. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities. (Go to http://www.ctfuelcell.uconn.edu)

General Dynamics' Electric Boat (Groton , CT )

 Electric Boat's 10,000 employees manufacture the nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered submarines. The workshop included a tour of the shipyard, presentation of the Electronic Visualization System and viewing the model room. (Go to www.gdeb.com)

Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (East Hartford, CT)

 Modeling & Simulation tools allow students to exercise their imagination in 3D while learning the fundamentals of science, technology, engineering and math. The workshop took place in the CCAT Modeling & Simulation theater, which employs a 16- x 9-foot Vizwall screen where simulations were demonstrated in 3D passive stereo mode. (Go to http://www.ccat.us)

 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Stratford , CT )

Teachers learned about how helicopters are manufactured from the world's leader. Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies, designs and manufactures advanced helicopters for commercial and military uses, including the Black Hawk helicopter. (Go to http://www.sikorsky.com)

Today's Manufacturing - Highlights from the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing

Teachers heard from community college faculty who are developing new curriculum around current industry practices. They also learned about Center activities and the current marketing campaign to inspire students to enter manufacturing careers.

Career Counselor Workshops

Two workshops were given specifically for career counselors to introduce them to opportunities in manufacturing. Counselors were given tours and presentations at Trumpf, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of lasers, and at Mott Corporation, both in Farmington.

Changing Times, Changing Workforce

December, 2006

Educators, students and industry professionals learned about global competition and how manufacturers are retooling their business as a result and what skills employers are looking for at a conference sponsored by CBIA (December, 2006). A nationally known expert from the Ford Motor Co. and local CEOs discussed the need for manufacturers to be innovative and how they can make changes to remain competitive and excel under increasing competition. A panel of human resources professionals talked about skills needs and how educators can best prepare students to meet those needs.

Keynote speaker, Susan Leone, Americas director of supplier technical assistance, Ford Motor Co.,addressed the challenges facing the U.S. auto industry today and Ford's aggressive plan to compete and succeed in an evolving marketplace. Leone outlined Ford's comprehensive global strategy and how it will expand the company's work on hybrids and alternative fuels, vehicle safety, fulfilling customer needs, and the role that labor and the workforce will play in that plan.

A panel of local CEOs, whose companies have recently faced some challenges in the manufacturing world or are leaders in international business, discussed how their companies moved forward to stay competitive in the global economy. Human resource experts from top companies around the state explained how their firms are meeting the challenge of keeping a skilled workforce in the new competitive environment.

Manufacture Your Future Careers Expo

May, 2006

More than 3,500 students from Connecticut's middle schools, technical high schools and comprehensive high schools, including over 200 of their teachers, converged upon the Connecticut Convention Center to explore the world of manufacturing. A factory floor consisting of pods demonstrating the main processes of manufacturing highlighted the event, which also included CT manufacturers demonstrating their products. (Click here for more information.)

At workshops held in conjunction with the Manufacture Your Future Career Expo (May, 2006), educators learned about how green technologies are creating environmentally friendly workplaces and how companies are becoming more efficient through lean manufacturing practices. The Manufacture Your Future Careers Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center, May 17-18, 2006 exposed over 3,500 students and 150 teachers to manufacturing practices and products. (view photos).

The Green Technologies panel was moderated by Adam Ney of CBIA, who gave an overview of how companies are benefitting from incorporating green technologies. Presenters included: Kevin Wyman, UTC Power, who talked about the advances being made in fuel cell technology and the company's fuel cell car; Greg Van Deusen, BVH Integrated Services, discussing the integration of "green" energy in buildings that are economically and environmentally friendly, and Art Caisse of Naugatuck Valley Community College, who talked about what he is doing to incorporate green technology learning in his curriculum.

The Lean Manufacturing panel was moderated by Bob Toranni of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Tehcnology. He introduced Tommy Davis of Davis Learning Resources who gave an overview of the concepts behind lean manufacturing. He was followed by Tony Laraia of Wiremold, Inc., who has written a book on the successful implementation of lean manufacturing processes at his company. Dave Stec, a technology professor at Central Connecticut State University, rounded up the panel with his discussion of how he is implementing Lean Manufacturing in his academic programs.

Following the workshops, an overview of the Center's programs to date was given by the executive director, Karen Wosczyna-Birch. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association(CBIA), the Center's primary business partner, shared information on the manufacturing careers campaign and showed segments of a brand new dvd on manufacturing careers (watch for upcoming information on this dvd).

The Outlook for New England Manufacturers

December, 2005

As a Center for the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program of the National Science Foundation, the RCNGM presented at the ACTE conference in Kansas City (December 10, 2005) on "The Outlook for New England Manufacturers". To find out more about ATE programs and to download this presentation, go to www.ATECenters.org and go to the download section.

Connecticut Manufacturing Day

May, 2005

State companies hold 'Manufacturing & Technology Day' showcase at Capitol - Connecticut manufacturers show their products. (See photos from the event.)

Next Generation Manufacturing Conference

May, 2005

Next Generation Manufacturing Economic Conference - industry leaders address manufacturers outlook for the future. (See photos from the event.)

Women in Technology Workshop

April, 2005

Women in Technology - Teachers received curriculum on how to attract and retain young women in technology.

Manufacturers' Career Day

February, 2005

The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, in collaboration with CBIA's ATE project, was a major sponsor of a manufacturers career day for high school students on March 8, 2005. Nearly 2,000 students from throughout the state attended the day-long event which included hands-on demonstrations on manufacturing processes. Industry representatives from local manufacturers were present to provide information on career opportunities. The event was put on by the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce.


 


The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education program. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.