We’re grateful to Prof. Devin MacKenzie’s research group at the University of Washington for partnering with us through this Riipen pilot in connection with our VISION-PREM program. Their project, focused on physics simulations of nanomanufacturing processes using COMSOL and closely aligned with our program’s research themes, provided a relevant and enriching experience for our students. This was a new type of engagement for both our teams, and we sincerely appreciate their openness to experimenting with this form of experiential learning. Communication was smooth, and the academic alignment between the groups made for a strong initial match—especially important given the short, six-week timeline we were trialing. We thank Prof. MacKenzie’s group for their partnership and for supporting our students in this exciting first step.

Super fun to work with quantum dots, the experience was new to everyone but overall managed to work over the bumps.