Chipping in: Educators get up to speed on future of semiconductor industry with ASU Prep’s Microspark Summit
Arizona educators explore semiconductor technology and equipment during the Microspark Summit at ASU’s Polytechnic campus. The two-day event gave K-12 educators hands-on experience and insights into preparing students for STEM and engineering careers. Photo by Lauren Greenberg
On Sept. 24, Arizona State University Prep Academy, in partnership with Access ASU, proudly hosted Microspark Summit, a conference for Arizona K-12 educators looking to improve their STEM knowledge and help students connect to careers in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry within Arizona.
This two-day event allowed educators to get hands-on experience with semiconductor technology. Teachers got to see the types of machines that semiconductor companies make, learn about different career opportunities for their students, and get a firsthand look at ASU’s laboratories and workshops on the Polytechnic campus. They also learned from members of the field about how to best prepare their students for engineering-focused careers.
The day began with an informative presentation from industry professionals. They gave educators an overview of what the semiconductor industry does, why it is becoming increasingly important and how they can inspire interest in the field within their students.
Educators then got to see different semiconductor machines in action, including a robotic army that they were able to operate along with an electronics experimentation board used to provide training on circuit analysis and electrical experiments.
The group then went off to tour different engineering facilities. One of the featured facilities was the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 12 on ASU’s Polytechnic campus.
The tour was led by Binil Starly, a professor and the director of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU, who was named one of the 20 most influential professors in smart manufacturing by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 2020.
During the tour, educators got to see the laboratories where students work and even some of the projects they were working on, including the electric motor of a Tesla sedan, computer chips and various all-terrain vehicles. Starly explained the process of how students can get jobs working in the labs and how those jobs help prepare them for their careers after graduation. Educators were given the opportunity to ask questions and see the machinery up close.
After the tour, educators got to participate in a Q&A panel with industry professionals and even an engineering student. Educators had a pressing question: What can they do to ensure that their students are prepared for a career in engineering after they graduate?
The professionals made it clear that the most important skills students can have when entering the workforce in engineering are problem-solving, critical thinking and a willingness to learn.
ASU’s Microspark Summit gave Arizona educators an in-depth look inside the semiconductor industry, along with firsthand experiences that they can introduce to their classrooms. Through hands-on activities, tours and discussions with industry professionals, educators left with a better understanding of the many opportunities available to their students interested in pursuing STEM-based careers.
Events like Microspark Summit help strengthen and develop the connection between K-12 education, postsecondary education and the semiconductor industry. As the industry continues to grow in the state, educators can help prepare their students for success in the workforce.
Microspark Summit will return in fall 2027.
To learn more about the event and different resources available to educators, click here.