Joint IIB/MNC and IEEE TryEngineering Workshop Brings Sensors, Semiconductors and AI to Minnesota Educators

After last year's successful workshop, the International Institute for BioSensing (IIB) and Minnesota Nano Center (MNC) hosted the IEEE TryEngineering Educator Workshop for the second time, bringing K–12 educators together for immersive professional development in emerging technologies and AI. This was one of the several 2026 IEEE TryEngineering Educator Sessions successfully wrapped across the United States.

The workshop introduced 12 educators from Minnesota, Ohio, Nebraska, and Florida to the fundamentals of sensors, nanofabrication, semiconductors and artificial intelligence through hands-on activities, laboratory experiences, and classroom-ready resources.

By combining IIB's expertise in biosensing, MNC's state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities and IEEE Try Engineering's global STEM education network, the program empowered educators to integrate cutting-edge engineering concepts into their classrooms. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building Minnesota's future STEM workforce by increasing awareness of sensing technologies, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI while equipping teachers to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

In addition to the core lessons and take home classroom materials, Dr. Khashayar, Director of International Institute for BioSensing introduced teachers to the rapidly growing field of biosensing and shared ready-to-use classroom resources, including a career values card sort and a STEM career exploration tool to help students identify future pathways.

Teachers also toured the UMN Nanocenter, suiting up in full cleanroom “bunny suits” to observe fabrication tools and real-world engineering workflows. They also visited the UMN Supercomputing institute to showcase the university's advanced research computing infrastructure.