Nevada Engineering graduates 28 students in new robotics & nanofabrication program

Nevada Engineering recently celebrated the graduation of 28 students from its inaugural Nevada Summer Engineering Academy, a one-week intensive program focused on nanofabrication and robotics. The academy culminated in a project showcase where students connected with local companies, gaining immediate industry exposure alongside concentrated lab experience. “Thank you for being the first Nevada Summer Engineering Academy cohort,” said Engineering Dean Tom Weller at the graduation celebration, emphasizing the program’s intent to establish a pathway for students in these fields.

Nevada Tech Hub supported the academy with grant funding as part of broader workforce development efforts. Nanofabrication & Robotics Tracks Launch First Academy Cohort Students in the nanofabrication track spent most of their time in the Davidson Foundation Cleanroom Nanofabrication Lab, designing and constructing circuits under the guidance of Cleanroom Director Russ Renzas and Lab Manager Nancy Xiao. At the same time, the robotics track, led by Professor Dave Feil-Seifer, tasked students with building and programming robotic prototypes intended for assisting specialists in identifying language disorders in children. Zachary Zimits, director of research and development at Atlas Magnetics, emphasized during presentations to the students that his company prioritizes practical experience and hands-on problem-solving over test scores. This emphasis on applied skills reflects a broader trend in workforce development, as Nevada seeks to strengthen its talent pipelines in key economic sectors. Julie McMillin, NSEA coordinator, noted the high demand for research opportunities among rising sophomore students, adding that the students are academically strong and this type of program sets the university apart and strengthens its student community.

Nevada Tech Hub will provide a three-year grant to support future iterations, recognizing its contribution to the state’s economic development and the creation of a durable workforce. Thank you for being the first Nevada Summer Engineering Academy cohort. Tom Weller, Engineering Dean Nevada Tech Hub Grant Supports Workforce Development & Growth Nevada Tech Hub provided grant funding to support the academy, recognizing its role in bolstering the state’s workforce within the lithium battery and critical materials sectors. The success of the inaugural cohort is already prompting expansion, with Nevada Tech Hub committing to a three-year grant for future NSEA programs. We marketed the academy and all the spots were filled within weeks,” highlighting strong student demand for these experiential learning opportunities. Whoever told you that you should be an engineer – give them a hug when you get home. Jason Klonicke, project director at Truckee Meadows Community College Source: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2026/nsea-recap Stay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: Dr. Donovan Dr. Donovan is a futurist and technology writer covering the quantum revolution. Where classical computers manipulate bits that are either on or off, quantum machines exploit superposition and entanglement to process information in ways that classical physics cannot. Dr. Donovan tracks the full quantum landscape: fault-tolerant computing, photonic and superconducting architectures, post-quantum cryptography, and the geopolitical race between nations and corporations to achieve quantum advantage. The decisions being made now, in research labs and government offices around the world, will determine who controls the most powerful computers ever built. Latest Posts by Dr. Donovan: Stellenbosch University finds heat speeds up quantum decoherence August 21, 2026 Crypto4A’s security module passes a tough global test for quantum safety August 20, 2026 Riverlane demos quantum error correction tools at IEEE event August 20, 2026