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This content was published: January 8, 2016. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

Intel workshop allows 18 high school girls to get hands-on work with 3-D printing machines

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Dorina Cornea-Hasegan (Microelectronics Technology instructor) and Gayathri Iyer (Computer Science instructor) led the workshop while being assisted by three Microelectronics students Matt Johnson, Desiree Fortier and Amanda Greer.

Background, Dorina Cornea-Hasegan (Microelectronics Technology instructor) and, in purple sweater, Gayathri Iyer (Computer Science instructor) led the workshop while being assisted by three Microelectronics students Matt Johnson, Desiree Fortier and Amanda Greer.

In December, the Rock Creek Campus Microelectronics Technology and Computer Science programs put on an Intel-funded workshop for 18 high school girls, who were taught the basics of 3-D modeling software and eventually were able to create their own project on a 3-D printer. The workshop was a collaboration with Chicas Youth Development, which is a branch of the non-profit organization Adelante Mujeres. The girls also learned about career opportunities in the microelectronics and computer science fields.

“The goal was to facilitate and foster more student enrollment in STEM-related fields at PCC while working strategically towards increasing the number of high school graduates, especially women and minorities, who enroll in STEM fields at the college,” said Betsy Julian, dean of Rock Creek’s Science & Technology Division. “We want to get them to engage in STEM classes or dual-credit courses back at their high school.”

Dorina Cornea-Hasegan (Microelectronics Technology instructor) and Gayathri Iyer (Computer Science instructor) led the workshop while being assisted by three Microelectronics students Matt Johnson, Desiree Fortier and Amanda Greer. The workshop is first in a series that will culminate in a week-long STEM camp next summer.

“Thanks to those who made this hands-on learning experience so meaningful for the girls,” said Sandra Fowler-Hill, Rock Creek’s president. “What a great opportunity to explore STEM at Rock Creek!”

About James Hill

James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »