An Advanced Space for Enhanced Education
Southern Maryland’s Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) is now fully operational. The space, located inside the USMSM SMART Building in the University of Maryland (UMD) MATRIX Lab’s Project Assembly Area, allows for advanced microelectronics devices and systems fabrication using ‘cleanroom-free’ methodologies. The “AML @ SMART” enables iterative prototyping at the micro- and meso-scale, as well as benchtop evaluation within simulated environments. Because of the MATRIX Lab’s focus on autonomous technologies, the lab is specially designed to integrate sensors and devices with autonomous systems. “The AML @ SMART has been curated to provide access to cutting-edge technologies,” said Dr. Justin Stine, Director of Remote Sensing and Microsystems at the MATRIX Lab and AML @ SMART developer. “Each piece of equipment was chosen to address a step of the microelectronics fabrication process, from design and prototyping to testing and evaluation.” The AML @ SMART also supports topical short courses and a semester-long course, fulfilling UMD’s mission to help build the semiconductor manufacturing workforce of the future. These educational opportunities will expose students and professionals to state-of-the-art fabrication technologies including soft lithography, 3D printing, hybrid manufacturing, material functionalization, and systems integration. The courses will provide classroom learning on key manufacturing processes and technologies as well as relevant hands-on experience, reducing the need for on-the-job training in the workforce. “These AML courses are designed to close the skill gap between education and the microelectronics industry,” said Dr. Reza Ghodssi, Herbert Rabin Distinguished Chair in Engineering at UMD and the Executive Director of Research and Innovation at the MATRIX Lab. “The students and professionals choosing to learn these highly sought after, transferable manufacturing skills will have a leg up in the workforce.” 
The University of Maryland, College Park offered the ENEE419M "Advanced Manufacturing Lab" course starting in Fall 2023 The courses are modeled after the AML course on UMD’s College Park campus. Because the course is modular, it could easily be replicated, and it will be taught in Southern Maryland in fall 2025. The development team was able to quickly bring it to the region by following the best practices learned at College Park. You can learn more about AML development in our previous story. In the future, the course could be taught across University System of Maryland campuses. The MATRIX Lab will begin offering a new AML short courses focused on printed circuit board (PCB) design in summer 2025. MATRIX Lab’s Dr. Justin Stine will instruct the course “Introduction to PCB Design Essentials: Sensing Systems.” This is a unique, valuable opportunity to combine classroom and hands-on learning. Participants will learn skills related to printed circuit board design and manufacturing including soldering and 3D printing. Learn more and register on the course’s web page.
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