Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Better to Light a Candle: Chapter One—Prepping the Next Generation

The eager, voluntary support from the industry has been tremendous. It’s not just individual graybeards that have stepped up, either. Earlier in the article, Calumet Electronics support was noted. I asked Dr. Meredith LaBeau, Calumet’s chief engineer, about their serious support in helping this class get off the ground.

Carter: Thanks for taking the time for a few questions, Dr. LaBeau.

Dr. Meredith LaBeau: Thanks for having me comment on this unique program in our backyard at a strong, regional university where we draw many new, young, vibrant, and talented employees to Calumet Electronics.

Carter: How did Calumet Electronics get involved in this effort?

LaBeau: In 2008, Calumet Electronics engaged in a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) research program HIOPTIMA project that then transformed into a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project with MTU. Although this project was not funded into a secondary stage, this set the stage for our continuing partnership with MTU and Dr. Middlebrook. Fast forward many years to this past spring when Dr. Middlebrook contacted Calumet about developing a joint internship program that would assist in developing the practical lab for this course, using tabletop equipment from the SIBR project. We readily joined forces to support our partner and ensure the continuing education and development of engineers in what some consider a dying industry. Calumet is actively engaged in activities to support the domestic supply chain to be robust and resilient especially for customers such as the DoD. Calumet has been supporting an intern since May 2018 to assist in the development of this course.

Carter: This has to be diverting some key resources that Calumet could use for other, more immediate needs. What’s in it for Calumet Electronics?

LaBeau: Calumet Electronics strives to continue to ensure a thriving domestic supply chain, which includes knowledgeable engineering staff from designers to process engineers. Developing a close partnership with MTU allows Calumet to recruit some of the best and brightest locally who will soon have visibility to a vital industry for the United States—an industry that we all depend on for the future of technology. Educating these engineers through this class and other potential classes at MTU will provide the required next generation of designers, problem solvers, and leaders.

Carter: What would you like to say to your colleagues in the industry—including your competitors—about getting involved in this effort or helping one like it get started?

LaBeau: It is vital that all actors in the PCB industry support a robust domestic supply chain. Building a strong relationship with local universities provides educated talent, partners in future years, and a career ladder for the aging workforce to successfully transfer their knowledge to continue innovation and support our nation.

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