MassBay and North Shore Community College Students Explore Semiconductor Innovation at MIT’s Nano Lab

MassBay Community College students recently toured the MIT.nano in Cambridge, MA, October 2026 (Photo / Saida Sadikova)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact:
Liz Cooper
ecooper@massbay.edu

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (October 26, 2026) — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students from MassBay Community College and North Shore Community College recently visited the MIT.nano, gaining a firsthand look at the advanced technologies and facilities driving innovation in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging.

The 10 MassBay and eight North Shore students visited MIT.nano, a state-of-the-art research facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , which serves as the university’s central resource for nanoscale discovery and innovation. Located in the Lisa T. Su Building at the heart of MIT’s Cambridge campus, the facility supports research, education, and collaboration across a range of scientific and engineering disciplines.

During the visit, students explored cutting-edge research and manufacturing environments and donned cleanroom attire, while learning about the processes used to develop, manufacture, and package semiconductor devices. The experience connected classroom learning to real-world applications while exposing students to one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology sectors.

“One of the most powerful ways students learn is by seeing possibilities for themselves,” said MassBay Engineering Professor Marina Bograd. “We are grateful to the MIT.nano scientists and staff, as well as the support provided through the U.S. National Science Foundation National Network for Microelectronics Education and Northeast Consortium for Advanced Integrated Silicon Technologies grants, for making this experience possible. Our students were able to explore advanced semiconductor manufacturing, tour state-of-the-art facilities, and interact with professionals at the forefront of technological innovation. These experiences inspire students, connect classroom learning to real-world applications, and help them envision their place in the technology workforce of the future.”

“The visit to MIT was informative, enriching, and immersive,” said MassBay Engineering Design student Aidah Perry. “As a student studying electronics, I gained valuable insight into microchip technology and its importance in today's world. Seeing the clean rooms and learning about the manufacturing process firsthand was an unforgettable experience. The trip opened my eyes to new career possibilities and reminded me that MassBay offers incredible opportunities to explore STEM fields beyond the classroom.”

Semiconductors play a critical role in modern technology, powering a wide range of commonly used products including smartphones, computers, medical devices, vehicles, and communication systems. By observing advanced equipment and innovative research environments firsthand, students gained valuable insight into how semiconductor devices are designed, manufactured, and packaged for use in everyday technologies.

The experience also highlighted the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions, industry partners, and research organizations in preparing the next generation of STEM professionals. Through direct exposure to industry-leading research and technology, students were able to envision themselves pursuing careers as engineers, technicians, and innovators.

MassBay is committed to providing students with meaningful hands-on learning opportunities that complement classroom instruction and expose them to emerging industries and technologies. Experiences such as the visit to MIT.nano help bridge the gap between academic learning and workforce preparation while providing students with a deeper understanding of the technologies shaping the future.

“For many students, visiting MIT.nano transformed complex concepts from textbooks into something tangible and exciting,” said Bograd. “Moments like these spark curiosity, build confidence, and showcase for students that the technologies shaping our future are being developed right here in Massachusetts.”

Ranked the #1 community college in Massachusetts and #15 in the nation for Career Outcomes by WalletHub, MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, MassBay provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. MassBay students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art MassBay Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.