NORDTECH Funds Programs to Drive the Next Generation of STEM Talent (Part 3)
“I knew nothing about semiconductors, but this program showed me how many opportunities are available in the Semiconductor Industry.” - Katie Ziegler
We have shared previous articles (Read Part I and Read Part II here) in this series introduced you to interns who are driving innovation in critical defense and microelectronics technologies. Our final feature of this 3-part series highlights future innovators, scientists, engineers, and technicians taking part in the NORDTECH HVCC/RPI Semiconductor Scholars Program, (the abbreviated name for the Hudson Valley Community College / Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Semiconductor Scholars Program).
In summer 2025, RPI welcomed the second cohort of this unique program that provides HVCC students the opportunity to participate in an immersive summer filled with experiential learning, engagement with RPI faculty and facilities, and opportunities for networking and career development in upstate New York’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry. This year’s cohort includes Marawan Mahmood, Klay Collari, Sameer Abbaszadeh, Chris Bachorik, and Ezden Koopman. In addition, you will read about Katie Ziegler, a graduate from the Summer 2024 inaugural cohort. Read on to learn more about these students, their experiences, where they are headed next, and more:
Marawan Mahmood from Hudson, NY, plans to continue his education to receive a BS in Mechanical Engineering and explore earning a master’s in that field.
Marawarn Mahmood’s Presentation
Klay Collari likes that the program offers a well-rounded and versatile learning environment and believes programs like this could be introduced at the high school level, giving students early exposure to the field and helping them build interest, confidence, and skills before college.
Klay Collari’s Presentation
“A kid in a candy shop” is how Sameer Abbaszadeh describes his experience with the internship program as it provides access to peers and equipment, as well as new ideas and concepts in a hands-on environment:
“My name is Sameer Abbaszadeh, I am a rising sophomore at HVCC with aspirations to have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and a master’s in Quantitative Finance and Risk Analytics at RPI. I grew up in Latham, NY, near my high school, Shaker. My hobbies include soccer, jiu jitsu, defining and solving problems, analyzing CME markets, and… long walks on the beach?
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in RPI’s semiconductors program. My access to peers, equipment, as well as new ideas and concepts in a hands-on environment can be described as “A kid in a candy shop.” The program is set up in a way where we are experiencing junior and senior level introductory projects with mentor-like guidance. We are challenged, not overwhelmed, and taught, not lectured.
“The greatest part of this program are the vast connections available to students as young as us. Advisors and Staff at RPI, Industry Professionals, Ph.D. students, etc. all surround us and are here to honestly answer our questions (and subsequent questions about those questions).
“In the future, I hope to continue down the path I have chosen and gain confidence in both myself and my surroundings with each passing year.”
Chris Bachorik’s Presentation
Interested in electrical engineering with a focus on semiconductor design and fabrication, Chris Bachorik is enrolled in Engineering of Science at HVCC.
Ezden Koopman would like to gain more hands-on experience with testing and utilizing semiconductors and chips to guarantee performance and reliability in real-world scenarios. Learn more about him below:
Ezden Koopman
“My name is Ezden Koopmann from Cambridge, NY. I am a student at Hudson Valley Community College studying for an A.S in Engineering Science. When I am not studying, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and 3D Modeling.
“I’m interested in learning about emerging technologies and the latest advancements in the semiconductor fields and how we can use recent advancements to design, simulate, and utilize electronic circuits in practical applications, such as robotics. Prior to this program, my experience in STEM and microelectronics started with my own personal projects that incorporated microelectronics and 3D printing projects in high school Tech where I served as the head designer and builder for the FTC robotics team during high school.
“This HVCC/RPI Semiconductor Summer Program, from the beginning, is very engaging—from our tour of GlobalFoundries, to Forge (3D Printing Center) at
RPI, the MILL (Robotics and Manufacturing Center) at RPI, and the many projects, i.e. Guitar Pedal, Blinky Board, Drone, Python, and LtSpice. In addition to the tours, I learned proper soldering techniques, and how to:
successfully wire and debug a breadboard
use online software programs for PCB Design: KiCad, Ltspice, and WOKWI
use slicing software for 3D printing
assemble circuits and print PCB boards using RPI’s PCB printer
to identify and solder components onto a PCB
Breadboarding and debugging our guitar pedals
“Not only did the hands-on labs and equipment make the program stand out, but the networking opportunities were notable as well. We worked with RPI staff and professors, met industry professionals, and collaborated with students from HVCC and RPI.
“What can help attract people into this field? Scholarships and financial support. They are important so students can focus more on learning and research rather than financial barriers. It would allow them to dedicate their time and energy to their academics and their skill development.
“My future plans are to learn how we can incorporate microelectronics into a mechanical system to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, I want to explore the fabrication and design processes involved in creating mechanical devices that make use of microelectronics.
“Besides learning, I would like to gain more hands-on experience with testing and utilizing semiconductors and chips to guarantee performance and reliability in real-world scenarios.”
Katie Ziegler, a graduate from the Summer 2024 inaugural cohort, is transferring to RPI for Fall 2025. She would love to inspire and mentor younger girls to explore STEM and the semiconductor field:
Katie Ziegler Presentation
NORDTECH is inspired by the many students that gave us a glimpse of who they are and what these programs have meant to them. Thank you!