According to New Mexico State University, the Quality Control of Additive Manufacturing (QCAM) Consortium enabling in- and ex-situ QCAM is leveraging a $3 million federal grant – from the US Department of Energy’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program – for STEM education and workforce development. The program aims to create a sustainable pathway for students from minority-serving institutions to careers at the US Department of Energy’s National Labs and Plants.
“QCAM is bridging the gap between education and industry,” said Borys Drach, Director of QCAM and mechanical and aerospace engineering professor at NMSU. “We’re equipping students with the tools and experience needed to thrive in additive manufacturing and quality control, fields critical to the future of national security.”
In three years, QCAM has engaged more than 1,700 students across secondary schools, undergraduate programs, and graduate studies. With its partner institutions Prairie View A&M University and Navajo Technical University, the program provides a variety of educational, research, and outreach opportunities.
“The program’s impact is evident in its numbers,” said Drach. “Twelve graduate students have been supported and co-mentored by faculty and staff scientists from partnering laboratories. Seventeen undergraduate research students have participated in hands-on research related to additive manufacturing and quality control.”
Additionally, 24 NMSU, NTU, and PVAMU students have completed internships at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Kansas City National Security Campus – giving them exposure to world-class research and top engineers.
More than 90 students have taken on client-assigned capstone and senior design projects under the guidance of experts from the three national labs. More than 350 students have received education on key topics such as AM technologies and materials, design for AM, and finite element analysis for AM through curricula developed by QCAM faculty.
Furthermore, 1,200 local secondary school students have participated in interactive lab tours, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations – broadening their understanding of the field.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Satyajayant ‘Jay’ Misra, associate dean of engineering research at NMSU. “Our partnership is creating a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers to explore careers in additive manufacturing.”
A standout feature of QCAM is its annual summer workshop, hosted by NTU. The two-week immersive event offers students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AM equipment – guided by industry experts. Representatives from LANL, ORNL, and KCNSC also participate – introducing their laboratories and recruiting top talent.
“The summer workshop is a unique opportunity,” said Kate Lewis, program coordinator at QCAM. “Students gain not only technical skills but also connections that could launch their professional careers in national labs.”
