The AIM Photonics Research Apprenticeship Program for UCSB Undergraduates (10-weeks) and Community College Undergraduates (8-weeks) commenced on June 20, 2016. This summer research program is designed to provide the technical and professional training required for university undergraduates to transition into careers within the photonics industry. Training and professional development activities are hosted by the West Coast Headquarters of AIM Photonics at the UC Santa Barbara campus. Science and engineering undergraduates will work alongside graduate student and postdoctoral researchers to gain first-hand experience in scientific investigation in a dynamic, collaborative research environment.
Both undergraduate interns and graduate student mentors as well as postdoctoral researchers meet for the first time at the orientation day. Interns and mentors will work side by side this summer on research projects in AIM Photonics laboratories. The AIM program is hosting 11 undergraduate interns in 7 faculty research labs.
The research Apprentices at UCSB started off week 2 with an informative AIM Photonics overview lead by John Bowers, CTO. The UC Santa Barbara undergraduates and community college students had a chance to learn more about the AIM initiative and specifically Integrated Photonics, as well as map out where their summer research projects fit into the big picture. Bowers also spent time highlighting the many industrial partnerships within AIM both nationally and locally. This research experience continues to broaden their understanding of higher education, engineering, and future career paths.