Stories by Ray Newton
Mutual interest to provide exceptional learning experiences and employment opportunities for students brought Prescott college and university leaders together with a Pure Wafer Inc. executive in November.
Ardy Sidhwa, Ph.D. and vice president of operations for Pure Wafer Inc., the Prescott-based manufacturer of virgin silicon wafer and wafer reclaim services, greeted five academic leaders for a Nov. 10 afternoon meeting at Prescott’s Pure Wafer plant.
Yavapai College was represented by President Lisa Rhine and Vice President of Community Relations Rodney Jenkins, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was represented by Chancellor Anette Karlsson, Dean of Engineering Ronald Madler and Executive Director of Development Steve Bobinsky.
The group shared thoughts about building a relationships, particularly with students who had interest in high-level microchip wafer technology.
Sidhwa said the microchip industry touches virtually every technological, scientific and medical, business enterprise and certainly educational endeavor in the world. Further, he said, use of microchip technology in the overall education process is increasing exponentially throughout the world.
“We need to let people of all generations know of the impact that electronic technology has upon every aspect of their lives. Virtually nothing anymore is untouched by what is occurring because of microchips,” said Sidhwa, whose doctorate is in engineering and related computer science applications.
Rhine said for some students, it might involve employment at the manufacturing plant; Karlsson said that for other students, it might involve different aspects of research and applications of microchip technology.
The future career growth for interested students had no limits, they agreed.
After a question-answer session, Sidhwa led a tour through the 44,000-square-foot building. All were clad in “bunny suits” that prevented them from contaminating the interior environment of the highly secure manufacturing plant.
