Gisele Pegorin, Spring 2024 Micro-Credential and Summer Course 2024 Student, Kent State Graduate/OOS
"Participating in the semiconductor course was truly a transformative experience. I had the opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of semiconductor manufacturing, transitioning from theory in the classroom to practice in a cleanroom. The immersion was intense and enriching, allowing me to learn about wafer cleaning, photolithography, etching, and ALD. The meetings with industry professionals were especially valuable. Their experiences and knowledge about water treatment and effluents in the facilities provided me with a comprehensive view of sustainable practices in the industry. Additionally, discussions about vacuum systems, industry expectations, and career management were extremely enlightening and motivating. One of the most memorable experiences was visiting valve and display factories, which helped us recognize the vast range of companies related to this field. I also participated in team activities that stimulated our creativity, such as building a low-cost mock cleanroom using materials like CDs and Lego, as well as presenting a project that involved reverse engineering a proposed device, where we applied all the concepts we learned. This summer was filled with learning and development. I emerged not only with a deeper technical knowledge but also with a valuable network of contacts and the inspiration needed to pursue my career in the semiconductor field. I highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in this area."