Academics
Students Selected for National Advanced Technology Workforce Program
RALEIGH, N.C. (July 22, 2026) – A group of Wake Tech students has been selected to participate in the Advanced Technology Technician Training (AT3) program, a competitive, six-month workforce development initiative that prepares students for careers in emerging technology fields.
The virtual program introduces participants to advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, robotics, machine learning, quantum technology and micro- and nanotechnologies. Students also receive mentoring, career-readiness training, industry engagement opportunities and access to internships that provide valuable hands-on experience.
The selected students are pursuing studies in several high-demand fields, including cybersecurity, business analytics, data science, engineering and software development. One participant is enrolled in Wake Tech's Career & College Promise (CCP) program, which enables qualified high school students to earn college credit or workforce credentials tuition-free while completing their high school education.
Wake Tech students selected for the 2025-26 AT3 cohort are:
- Emmanuella Materanya, Cybersecurity
- Keahlia Ransom, Business Analytics
- Zachary Greene, Data Science & Programming Support Services
- Bethany Hill, Software Development and Data Science & Programming Support Services
- Thomas McCauley, Engineering
- Max Duckson, Engineering
- Quentin Kizer, Software Development
- Mike Maggio, Software Development
- Rayan Zubair, Career & College Promise/Computer Technology Foundations pathway
"Programs like AT3 provide students with valuable opportunities to develop professional skills, connect with industry leaders and explore careers in rapidly growing technology sectors," said Emmie Mercer, associate dean of Information Technology at Wake Tech. "These experiences help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workforce while building the knowledge and connections needed for long-term success."
AT3 is funded by the National Science Foundation and led by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), which supports education and workforce development in advanced technology fields. The program evolved from MNT-EC's successful undergraduate research and advanced technology training initiatives and is designed to increase awareness of career opportunities in micro- and nanotechnology through virtual learning experiences, workforce-readiness assessments and industry engagement opportunities.
Participants also gain access to innovative learning opportunities, including virtual reality cleanroom simulations and internships with technology companies, research laboratories and other industry partners.
Now in its second year, AT3 is already demonstrating significant impact. During the program's inaugural year, 193 students from across the country participated, while MNT-EC facilitated 162 internships for 128 students. Some participants completed multiple internships.
Internship placements have included leading technology companies such as Micron, Texas Instruments and Intel, as well as university research laboratories. Through these experiences, students build professional networks, strengthen their résumés and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies that support future educational and career success.
