CROWNPOINT, NM – On May 24, 2024, Navajo Technical University joyfully welcomed fifteen students to its third annual Quality Control in Additive Manufacturing (QCAM) Summer Workshop. Over the past two weeks, students from each partner university were chosen to partake in immersive training covering various topics related to additive manufacturing (AM) and quality control (QC). The enriching sessions encompassed computer- aided design (CAD), metal and polymer AM, electrical discharge machining (EDM), X-ray computed tomography (CT), metrology via coordinate-measuring machines (CMM), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as materials testing using digital image correlation (DIC). This incredible opportunity provided invaluable hands-on experience and knowledge to the participants.
Corwyn Shaughnessy, an Industrial Engineering student from New Mexico State University (NMSU), stated, 'I am currently studying the materials and processes involved in conducting experiments. NTU has exceeded my expectations, and I feel greatly inspired. This is the foundation for an engineer, and it has been /helping me feel more positive about my future.'
Students were also introduced to all the fantastic opportunities available through our partnerships with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Kansas City National Security Campus, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a member of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Minority Serving Institute Partnership Program.
During their last NTU days, the students prepared presentations on what they had learned while spending time with the Advanced Manufacturing program. Overall, what they acknowledged, what stood out most to them, and how much of an importance work needed to be done within their communities. Students got to experience first-hand safety OSHA requirements in the laboratory, including types of metals, mostly 420 stainless steel, CAD modeling, CT scanning, and troubleshooting through many trial and error processes. Working through these stages, students realized they were following the Dine philosophy, working with advanced modern technology using Nitsa’ha’kees, Nahat’a, Siih Hasiin, and Ii’na’ to accomplish their projects.
The students and the Advanced Manufacturing program would like to thank the keynote speakers, Christian Pantea and Tommy Rock from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Isaacc Talabi from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dr. Ehsan Dehghan, and Jeffry Conner. They presented valuable information and offered helpful advice that would benefit the students in pursuing and achieving their career goals.
A big thank you to Scott Halliday and his team at Navajo Technical University for arranging such a wonderful experience for everyone. Navajo Technical University is excited to see what the future has in store for these students as they continue on their path!