Professional Development

VINSE hosts a variety of short courses and professional development events. Short course topics include microfluidic device fabrication, atomic force microscopy, microelectronics, and advanced imaging techniques. VINSE also hosts special seminars on topics such as how to leverage your LinkedIn profile for professional networking and entrepreneurship and innovation. These events are open to the Vanderbilt Community as well as researchers and educators from other institutions, as well as to those in industry and the public.

professional development

Workshops & Short Courses

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June 12-13, 2025

Atomic Force Microscopy

AFM is an advanced multi-parametric 3D topography imaging technique. It also enables the characterization of the nano-mechanical, nano-electrical, and nano-magnetic properties of the surface. Users will learn about the theory of AFM as well as practical applications and operational tips for many of the various AFM techniques including imaging in liquid. Various case studies will be explained involving those of considerable current interest such as semiconductors, 2D materials, and biomaterials. Sample preparation techniques and choosing appropriate AFM probes will be demonstrated. The course will also demonstrate the nanomanipulation and nanolithography capabilities of the AFM, including “writing” techniques in either graphical point-and-click mode, or in a recipe-driven mode in air and liquid.

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Training upon request

CAD and L-Edit

Need to design a pattern, photomask or 3D object? VINSE has the CAD software to assist you. The design PC in pre-gown has AutoCAD and L-Edit available and is free to use for VINSE facility users. Additionally, VINSE has information and tutorials available for photomask design using this software.

Once your design is complete, contact VINSE to have your photomask printed using our Bungard Filmstar Photoplotter or Heidelberg uPG101 Laser Writer. 3D designs can be printed using our Prusa SL1 or Prusa i3 MK2s printers.

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June 9-10. 2025

Electron Microscopy

Electron microscopy is a critical component for the characterization of material and biological specimens at the nanoscale. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) both use electron beams to reveal structure, but in very different ways. Although these instruments have been made very accessible with the help of software, users must understand the mechanisms behind image formation to properly interpret their images. This two-day short course will blend accessible lectures with hands-on experience operating both the Zeiss Merlin SEM and the Tecnai Osiris advanced analytical TEM/STEM. After completing this course, users will know how best to operate both instruments to get the most information and achieve the best possible images. Specific techniques include secondary electron vs. backscattered electron imaging, bright field/dark field TEM, STEM and analytical SEM and STEM using energy dispersive spectroscopy.

$75 Vanderbilt Users; $75 External Academic and Non-Profit Users; $200 Industry and For-Profit Users

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June 26-27, 2025

Microelectronic Devices

Microelectronic devices are found in an ever-growing number of everyday items such as phones, cars, clothing, and medical products, and ongoing development efforts are aimed to reduce size, increase performance, improve energy efficiency, and integrate into new application areas. The goal of the course is to provide understanding of the fundamental processes used for fabrication and testing of such devices in academia and industry.

The course will consist of lectures and hands-on experiences in the VINSE cleanroom and analytical labs, covering topics of thin film deposition, etching, lithography, and characterization. Prior knowledge of these technologies is not required by the participants. By the end of the course, each student will construct and test a simple microelectronic device.

$150 Vanderbilt Users; $150 External Academic and Non-Profit Users; $600 Industry and For-Profit Users

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June 16-17, 2025

Microfluidic Device Fabrication

Microfluidics devices are critical for understanding and controlling fluid flow on the micrometer scale. Applications include portable sensors for point-of-care analysis, particle and cell sorting, nanoparticle synthesis, and organ-on-chip systems. This short course will introduce the techniques behind the fabrication and testing of microfluidic devices through a blend of lectures and hands-on experiences in the VINSE cleanroom. The course will cover microfabrication and microfluidics, photolithography, soft lithography, microfluidic device design for photomasks, and microfluidic device applications. During the course, students will fabricate a PDMS-glass microfluidic device inside the VINSE cleanroom with sessions on SU-8 mold fabrication, PDMS mixing and pouring, device assembly, and device testing. No prior knowledge of these technologies is required from the participants. CAP: 12

$150 Vanderbilt Users; $150 External Academic and Non-Profit Users; $600 Industry and For-Profit Users