How to Increase Student Retention and Career Placement
Through a 21st-Century High-Tech Education
Adaptable Technologists for High-tech Business Ecosystems
HI-TEC 2015 Session 6G Thursday, July 30, 8:15-9:00
Sam Samanta, Ph.D.
Carl Nybro,
Instrumentation and Control
Technologies (ICT)
National Instruments
FLCC Victor Campus Center, NY 14564
Austin, TX
Technical College Manager
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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National Challenges for High-tech Workforce
Challenge 1: Good-paying jobs are going unfilled, while millions are
unemployed or underemployed (Our record of 90% job placement)
Challenge 2: The workforce must be developed locally in each region
Challenge 3: Mathematics/Physics requirements contribute up to
50% attrition, 20% graduate in 2 years (Our rate of graduation: 75%)
Challenge 4: Teach concepts and skills adaptable across the whole
spectrum of high-tech industries
Challenge 5: Diversity of skills are required for Long-tail businesses
samantpg@flcc.edu
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Challenge 1: Good-paying jobs are going unfilled, while millions are
unemployed or underemployed
Training for Hard-to-fill Technical Jobs
 Millions are out of jobs, yet 500,000 jobs are going unfilled!
“Providing 21st– century Skills..” Industry Week, March 2012
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.t01.htm (March 2014-March 2015 Data)
 Estimated 100,000 of these hard-to-fill jobs require “upper-
middle-skills”
 Exemplary curriculum to help fill those jobs!
National Skills Coalition NEW YORK’S FORGOTTEN MIDDLE-SKILL JOBS
Meeting the Demands of a 21st Century Economy, Page 23.
How SUNY Matters ICT p. 66 (nanotech: Pages: 18-24)
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Challenge 2: The technical workforce must be developed locally
Prime Driver: Economic Development
Based on High-Tech Businesses
* Shortage of technologists with adaptable skills
* Shortage limiting rate of growth of high-tech businesses
* Availability of high-tech workforce crucial to attract new
businesses
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Collaboration: Local & Regional
Innovation: Recruit
Problem:
Academia often
divorced from
external reality
County
Economic
Development
Greater
Rochester
High-tech
Ecosystem
Economic
Development
Based on
High-tech
nyFAME.org
RTMA.org
RRPC
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
external collaborators by
focusing on common goal
of Technology Based
Economic Development
County
Workforce
Development
FLCC
Victor Campus Ctr.
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ICT Lab & Classroom
“One-room School House”
Lean Six Sigma
“Flow Chart”
LabVIEW
Diffusion of Innovations
Electronics
Diffraction
Optics
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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ICT Curriculum
Humanities:
ENG 101, ENG 102/103,
COM 110 Public Speaking
Physical Education (2 Credits)
Mathematics:
MAT 145 College Algebra, MAT
152 Pre-Calculus
Natural Science:
*PHY 108 Applied Physics I,
*PHY 109 Applied Physics II
Computing Science:
CSC 139 MS Access (suggested
by Industry)
Engineering Science:
ESC 105 Engineering Graphics,
*ESC 174 Computing using
LabVIEW
(4-semesters)
Technology:
TECH 101 Materials & Processes I
*TECH 116 Introduction to Emerging Technologies
(includes hi-tech business visits)
TECH 122 Electronic Theory I (Analog Electronics,
myDAQ)
*TECH 123 Digital Electronics (Multisim, myDAQ, ELVIS)
*TECH 231 Automation of Data Acquisition (sensors
and data)
*TECH 232 Automation Control I (Projects using
Microcontrollers, PLCs)
*TECH 233 Introduction to Process Improvement
(Industry: “Lean Six Sigma” )
*TECH 234 Automation Control II (Motion control,
Machine vision, myRIO/FPGA)
*TECH 250 Technology Co-op (270 hours required)
*Courses specifically developed/modified for the degree program
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Challenge 3:
Mathematics/Physics requirements contribute up to 50% attrition
“Apps” for Math & Physics
Increases success of students in “gate-keeper” courses
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Challenge 4: Teach concepts and skills adaptable across
the whole spectrum of high-tech industries
Adaptable skills Critical for Rapid Innovations
Technologists pre-adapted for disruptive innovations
Crucial Skills for designing, testing, manufacturing
and quality control across high-tech industries
Hands-on Learning: Automated Data Acquisition,
Instrument & Motion Control and Machine Vision
using LabVIEW and other tools of automation
including Microcontrollers, PLCs and FPGAs
samantpg@flcc.edu
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Problem: Quantitative
skills required; training
students with uneven prior
knowledge
Virtuous Cycle
Innovation: Ease
pathway to learning
through integrated use
of learning resources
“Apps”
Algebra
Pre-calc
Num-calc
Students build
resources for
learning in
other courses
now and for
future users
LabVIEW
Multisim
Excel
Student
Retention
& Success
“Apps”
Applied
Physics
“Enable-Inspire”
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
DAQ
Machine
Vision
Motion
Control
“Hands-on
/Projects”
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Electronics
PLC
Microcontroller
Communication,
Problem Solving
and Trouble
Shooting Skills
Across curriculum
Modal Spectrum: Vibration Analysis
Industries:
Automotive, Aerospace,
Electrical Generators,
Electronic Systems,
Industrial Pumps,
Photonics, Precision
Manufacturing,
Structures, Windmills
“Shaker”
Accelerometer
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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PID Control (Proportional Integral Differential)
Problem:
PID Control is based
on advanced calculus
Solution:
Use PID built-in
LabVIEW, and
adjust parameters
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Machine Vision: Chaotic Pendulum
Problem: Machine Vision (MV) considered
too difficult for Community Colleges
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
Innovation: Use machine vision “apps” in the
1st semester in the intro physics classes; then
learn to produce “apps” by 4th semester.
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Dynamics/Oscillations “LabVIEW App”
Increases success of students in “gate-keeper courses”
Problem:
Nationwide 50% of
engineering
students drop out
within first two years,
primarily due to
difficulties with
calculus and calculus
based physics and
engineering courses.
Innovation: Numerical Calculus Techniques & Tools, only Algebra & PreCalculus Required! Solve problems that can not be solved analytically by any one in the world.
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Use of Technology Outside Classroom
NI myDAQ for Lab & Home www.ni.com
Students are required to buy $200 NI myDAQ w/ LabVIEW and Multisim
• LabVIEW (ESC 174)
• Applied Physics II (PHY 109)
• Analog Electronics (TECH 122)
• Digital Electronics (TECH 123)
• Data Acquisition (TECH 231)
• Automation Control (TECH 232 & 234)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Digital Multi Meter
Function Generator
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Oscilloscope
Analog Outputs
Analog Inputs
Bode Plot
Digital Input
Digital Output
NI myRIO for Lab & Home
www.ni.com/myRIO
Students learn to program FPGA using
LabVIEW FPGA module; building upon
other curriculum resources from NI.
(TECH 234 Automation Control II)
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Robai Cyton Gamma 1500 7 DOF Robotic Arm
LabVIEW programming using drivers
for Energid’s Actin Software.
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Challenge 5: Diversity of skills are required for Long-tail businesses
Pareto Distribution’s
Long-tail
Large hightech
Businesses
Size
Pareto Distribution
Medium to small high-tech
businesses
Conventional
STEM Degree
Program
Long Tail
Problem: Diversity of Workforce Requirements
& “Intermittency of hiring”
Innovation: Mass-customize Education!
The required co-op opportunities are matched with student’s
experience and interests; and through the co-op experience
students are prepared for working full-time for the business.
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Rank
Inverse Power Law “Long-tail” of Optics Photonics
Imaging Display industries in Rochester Region
Observations (Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu)
Size (# of Employees) vs. Rank
**Inverse Power Law**
The of Optics Photonics Imaging
Display businesses (OPID) businesses
in the greater Rochester region exhibit
Inverse Power Law (IPL) ("Long Tail")
distribution characteristic of a "SelfOrganized" business ecosystem;
especially for businesses ranked 1-70
with more than 10 employees.
Data from Dr. Paul Ballentine,
Executive Director of CEIS, University of Rochester
2000
1800
Rank 1, Xerox, 6400 employees
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
10285x-1.553
y=
R² = 0.9775
600
400
Similar Long-tail/IPL/Pareto
Distribution is observed across
different industry segments,
across the country.
Long-tail
200
0
0
10
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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30
40
50
60
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70
Co-ops Essential Requirement (270 hours)
…. start working after completing co-ops
Construction-Robotics (Robotic Masonry)
Delphi Tech. Center (Automotive Test Systems)
Ginna Nuclear Power Plant (Instrumentation)
GW Lisk (Precision Solenoids & LVDTs)
Gorbel (Industrial and Smart Crane Control)
IdeaBoxx (Products for medical and food service industries)
IEC Electronics (Electronic Systems)
ITT Goulds Pumps, Inc. (Industrial Pumps)
ITT Exelis (Satellites & Geospatial)
Kirtas Technologies (Robotic Book Scanner)
L-3 Comm/GCS (RF Communication Systems)
LaGasse Works (Machine Design / Orchards / Farms)
MicroMod (Process Automation and Control)
New Scale Tech. (Piezoelectric Micromotors)
Optimation (Industrial Automation)
Optimax Systems (Precision Optics)
Optipro Systems (Optics Machining Machines)
PMD (Industrial Machine Automation)
Redcom Laboratories (RF Communication Systems)
Railcomm (Controls for Railroads)
STC-MEMS (CNSE) (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)
Surmotech (Electronic Systems)
Trovato Manufacturing (Systems for OLED Thin Films)
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Labware)
Ultrafab (Engineered Weather Stripping)
Unique Automation (Industrial Automation)
Viewpoint Systems (Test Systems)
Water Treatment, City of Rochester (Instrumentation)
Zeller Corporation (Electronic Systems)
Diverse Industries at all Scales <=> Robust High-tech Ecosystem
….instead of focusing on a few large industries.
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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2013 ICT Graduates, “Co-op Ventures” & Jobs
 Eric Fiegl of Hemlock developed software for LVDT Testing at G.W. Lisk , Clifton

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Springs. Eric is now working for City of Rochester Water Treatment Facility at
Hemlock Lake.
Kerry Lipp of Prattsburgh helped build a prototype brick-laying robot system at
Construction Robotics, Victor; and has continued his work full-time.
Scott Chappelle of Gorham tested and repaired telecom systems for REDCOM
Laboratories in Victor. Scott is now working for Ginna Nuclear Plant in Ontario.
Keith McWilliams of Canandaigua tested and repaired telecom systems for
REDCOM Laboratories in Victor; and has continued his work full-time, maintaining
production systems – now working full-time at Mott’s.
Chris Raw of Canandaigua built and tested piezoelectric micromotors for New
Scale Technologies, Victor ; and has continued his work full-time.
Andreas Felder of Canandaigua specified and programmed a new PLC to control
cryopumps installed in coating chambers at Optimax Systems, Ontario ; and has
continued his work full-time.
Jory Denome of Naples worked on automated production and R&D systems at
Ultrafab, Farmington.
Sam Swenson of Naples is built control panels for optics machining at Optipro
Systems, Ontario; and has continued his work full-time.
Russ Lindquist of Rochester worked at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Oswego.
Now at Facilities Department at University of Rochester.
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Second “Cohort” sophomores co-ops/jobs
90% of the “cohort” started work before graduation in May, 2014!
Patty Babowicz at ITT Goulds Pumps Inc.
R&D: Chaos in Industrial Pumps
Jon Donadio at Railcomm (Railroad Switch Yard)
David Farchione at PMD (Automation Systems)
Erik Hasler at Optipro Systems, now at Trovato Manufacturing (OLED Mfg. Systems)
David Lynch at GW Lisk (Solenoids for Aerospace & Automotive)
R&D: Mortar Characteristics for
Semi-Automatic Masonry
(NSF SBIR Phase II Grant)
Mike Oklevitch at Construction-Robotics
Dan Overhauser at GW Lisk
Tom Saxton and Collin Guarino at Redcom Laboratories
Paul Pavliscsak and Bard Combs at Redcom Laboratories (RF Communication for DoD)
Steve Sullivan at Optimax Systems (Precision Lenses for NASA, Semiconductor Eq. Mfg.)
Problem: Work full-time and yet complete ICT program?
Solution: Sophomore technical courses scheduled to start after 4 pm
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Third “Cohort” sophomores co-ops/jobs
7 out of 9 of students started work before graduation in May, 2015!
 Dan Poehlein helped build robotic system for masonry at Construction Robotics
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in Victor, NY; as a Co-op and then as a job.
Kristina Moore completed co-op, performing accelerated testing on prototype
gasoline direct fuel injectors, as an Engineering Test Technician and Lab
Facilitator with Trialon Corporation at Delphi Automotive in Henrietta, NY; and
continued working full-time.
Chad Hutchinson completed coop work of building Programmable Logic Control
systems at Unique Automation in Palmyra, NY.
Tyler Levickas completed co-op automating sapling planter for apple orchards at
LaGasse Works of Lyons, NY; then as a full-time employee.
Caralita Colosimo finished co-op and continued working full-time building
machines at Optipro Systems in Ontario, NY.
Carlos Chaides started co-op growing OLED films, and Andy Adams started co-op
doing precision machining work (BobCAM for SolidWorks) at Trovato
Manufacturing of Victor, NY - Dawn Diesen joining this summer.
Bobby Datta started his co-op this summer at IdeaBoxx in Victor, NY.
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Conclusions: Education for Accelerating Innovations
Collaborate w/ economic, workforce developers & high-tech industries to
identify gaps in skills => modify/design programs
Integrate software (LabVIEW, Multisim) and hardware (myDAQ , myRIO+)
use in the foundation courses to help students
visualize/internalize mathematics => Student Retention
Use of other SW/HW tools: PLCs, microcontrollers.
Require Co-op  Robust High-tech Ecosystem
Long-tail businesses require custom education of adaptable
technologists (through co-ops) who can help accelerate innovations
necessary for new manufacturing combined with high-tech service
components
Amplify engineering capacity....to accelerate rate of Innovations
..especially at small to medium size companies in the Long-tail
Our adaptable model, when scaled, will address national workforce challenge of
accelerating hiring for hard-to-fill jobs.
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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Questions? Feedback?
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
LinkedIn
Twitter @DrSamSamanta
carl.nybro@ni.com
LinkedIn
samantpg@flcc.edu
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Additional Links & Excerpts
Coop Ventures V Student Presentations & Remarks by Bob Duffy (May 2015)
https://fingerlakescommunitycollege196.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=CT1wecDsedDFG%252fCKVIIllg%253d%253d
THE CURIOUS CASE OF GLOBALFOUNDRIES AND ITS WORKFORCE * FLCC’s Instrumentation and Control
Technologies Programs Michael N’dolo
Traditional Approach / New Approach

Testing is a closed-book, memorization affair / Testing is done on an open textbook, open notebook, open internet consultation basis

Exams occur infrequently and you have one shot to prove yourself / Exams can be retaken and improved on as needed, with mentoring
as necessary, until you can demonstrate competency

Mathematics must be internalized, memorized and demonstrated as a native understanding of the material / Mathematics competency
can be drastically improved through the use of technology as an aid; arriving at the right answer using a computer is as good as
demonstrating that you can do it with pencil and paper

Acquiring all the skills you will need to be successful in your job is what your degree program is all about / 80%+ of what you need to
know you will learn in the first year of your job, provided you have persistency, motivation and willingness to seek answers in a
systematic way

The degree program is all about sitting in a classroom and deepening your theoretical understanding of the subject matter / The degree
program is all about familiarization with the workplace, understanding the dynamics and requirements of the employer, seeking an
immediate feel for how you can contribute in a meaningful and concrete way
High-tech jobs program gaining traction at FLCC Bennett J. Loudon, Staff writer D&C August 14, 2013
FLCC IC Tech Program Building Skills, Changing Lives http://www.mpnnow.com/article/20131205/NEWS/131209856
Public-Private Partnerships Filling the Skills gap http://www.mpnnow.com/article/20131117/NEWS/131119695
Sam.Samanta@flcc.edu
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