Photonics involves cutting-edge uses of lasers, optics, fiber-optics, and electro-optical devices in numerous and diverse fields of technology—alternate energy, manufacturing, health care, telecommunications, environmental monitoring, homeland security, aerospace, solid-state lighting, and many others. The demand in the photonics industry is rapidly increasing as communications industries replace copper cabling with fiber optics and uses for laser technology expands. However, companies are having a difficult time finding people who are qualified to work in the field. Starting salaries for photonics technicians can range from $40,000 to $50,000 depending on education and prior work experience.

Upon learning about the career opportunities photonics offers, HCC Northeast President Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher sought to bring the program to the Northeast College. “It is critically important that we endeavor to provide current and relevant educational opportunities, and I am delighted that our students will now have a pathway to gain skills in this emerging field,” says Ford Fisher.

She adds that the new program will further build upon the solid foundation of STEM offerings in the Division of Science and Engineering Technologies (DSET) at HCC Northeast. “Over ten years ago, we recognized the growing need for highly trained STEM technicians and immediately partnered with industry leaders to develop pathways to meet the demand. We have been innovative in implementing career programs that includes process, petroleum and chemical engineering technologies, biotechnology, drafting and design, biomedical electronics and renewable energy. This new opportunity will continue to offer the community a chance to train for careers that meet the demands of future.”

The new partnership came about through the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Forum, hosted by Dr. Ford Fisher, which featured Daniel Hull, Executive Director of OP-TEC. The forum brought together high school and college leaders, industry advisory members and community partners to discuss the challenges and opportunities in STEM education. At the event, Hull praised Dr. Ford Fisher for her leadership in bringing STEM workforce programs to the Northeast service area. Hull also discussed the need to create more AAS degree curricula for STEM technicians in high-demand areas like photonics.

In the fall, the HCC Northeast Division of Science and Engineering Technologies will offer the prerequisite course work and add the photonic course work in the spring semester of 2014. The DSET is a premier center for high-tech training in STEM and Energy programs and is located at 555 Community College Drive. The division offers hands-on career and technical education and training for energy, manufacturing, construction, medical, processing, chemical, petroleum, renewable, sustainable and related industries. Northeast College has a continuous focus on preparing students for STEM pathways and career fields. For more information on STEM programs offered at HCC Northeast, call 713.718.8300 or visit www.northeast.hccs.edu

Photo: HCC NE President Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, OP-TEC Executive Director Daniel Hull and HCC Trustee Bruce Austin

Community members in attendance received specific information about new facilities coming to the Northline Campus as a part of the 2012 HCC Bond program. The Northeast College is scheduled to receive $73 million dollars for new facilities in its service area that includes the Northline Campus located at 8001 Fulton Road. The Northline Campus is slated to receive a new multi-use facility that will provide added classroom space and a parking facility to ease parking challenges due to increased demand.

Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher updated the group on planned programs and services for the new building. She also discussed the many successes of Northeast College, including its stellar performance in the 2012 Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE). The survey’s findings revealed that when compared to community colleges across the nation, Northeast College exceeds the national average in the categories of Active and Collaborative Learning, Academic Challenge, Student-Faculty Interaction and Support for Learners.

“I want you to know that HCC Northeast leads the way when compared to our peers and community colleges of similar size, ” says Ford Fisher. She also pointed out how HCC Northeast scored nearly five to six points higher than the national benchmark on the CCSSE in the areas of Active and Collaborative Learning and Support for Learners. The results also revealed that 93 percent of the students surveyed would recommend HCC Northeast to a friend or family member. Ford Fisher also explained that HCC Northeast has demonstrated ‘leading the way’ and achieved outstanding results in the CCSSE benchmark areas since 2005. She added that HCC Northeast is not only dedicated to providing the best learning environment for students, but is also innovative in helping students master challenging material to achieve success. HCC Northeast Natural Sciences Chair Dr. Beverly Perry added that HCC Northeast biology students have a 100 percent acceptance rate into the nursing program offered at HCC Coleman College and her department is leading the way in preparing students for health science careers.

Community members had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on what they would like to see offered in the future at the Northeast College. They were also informed of a community survey that is inprogress to gather input on programs, facilities and amenities planned as apart of the bond allocation. The community is encouraged to complete the new facilities survey online by visiting northeast.hccs.edu or calling 713.718.8300.

Prior to the competition, faculty and students performed experiments in HCC Northeast chemical labs. Testing of samples was also completed using instrumentation at Lamar University with the support of Dr. Shyam Shukla, professor of chemistry. HCC Northeast student Juan Reyna won an iPad and trophy for his presentation that included the methodology, results and project’s conclusion. Prior to the competition, the work was also presented at the American Chemical Society conference in New Orleans.

HCC Northeast biotechnology students garnered third place at the symposium with a poster entitled “Development of ELISA Products for Clinical Diagnosis.” Dr. Chandra Mittal, professor of biotechnology, guided the students in developing the methodology and clinical and commercial significance for tests that use antibodies and color change to identify substances.

HCC Northeast is at the forefront of training students in STEM. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, HCC Northeast president, the College has continued to add cutting-edge programs and highly qualified faculty to the institution.

“I am both happy and proud of this great achievement and recognition of the outstanding, scholarly work of our faculty and students,” says Ford Fisher. She adds that the awards reflect the exemplary programs and commitment to excellence in teaching at HCC Northeast.

The College’s natural science department and Division of Science and Engineering Technologies offer academic education and high-tech training programs that prepare students for careers that include environmental science, energy, technology and healthcare. Northeast College offers AAS degrees, certificates, university transfer courses and dual credit for high school students in many STEM-related career fields. For more information on STEM programs offered at HCC Northeast, call 713.718.8300 or visit northeast.hccs.edu.

Other activities at the event included live entertainment from local schools and other community groups, baseball games, a basketball tournament, face painting, activities for seniors, food and other community resource booths. HCC Northeast provided promotional bags for participants in the basketball tournament, which included information about Pinemont Center and the many career training opportunities in the Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics STEM disciplines.

HCC Northeast is committed to serving all of its communities. The community is also invited to share its thoughts as the College finalizes plans for construction of facilities in the Northeast service area. A facilities survey is available online at northeast.hccs.edu or by calling 713.718.8300.

HCC Northeast launched a spring series of art exhibitions that featured abstract
and folk art, photography and even art made from fabric.

“During the last six months, the Art Hub Gallery has celebrated the diversity of art expressions within the community. The gallery has showcased community and internationally recognized artists and encouraged thought-provoking conversation about art, history, and social issues,” says Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher.

HCC Northeast Art Hub Gallery will close out its series by celebrating Earth Day with a photo exhibit titled “An Intimate Walk on Earth” by June Russell. The opening reception and lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Northeast Campus, 555 Community College Drive.
Faculty, staff, students and the community is invited to take a journey through nature captured by the photographer’s lens.

June Russell has been involved with artistic interestssince childhood, when she painted, played piano and sang. Her interests took a back seat as she attained a BS in Chemistry and MBA. Russell has worked as a technical troubleshooter, sales representative and management consultant. She has also worked as an adjunct professor and is a professional musician who sings and plays piano and guitar.

Sixteen years ago, Russell returned to art with photography. She attended classes, went on photo expeditions, and has traveled to some of the most striking natural settings in the world. Her work is based on the natural world at a macro and micro level. Her work is included in collections around the country.

The exhibition runs April 22 – May 3, 2013 and is free and open to the public.
For more information on the Earth Day art exhibition, call 713.718.2169.

Photo: Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, HCC Northeast president speaking to students and community in art gallery

As the demand for first responders in various emergency situations continue to increase, the need for highly trained and skilled personnel is imperative. Houston Community College has played an instrumental role in training 70% of Houston’s emergency responders through its Public Safety Institute (PSI). Located at the HCC Northeast Campus, the PSI has forged a partnership with local law enforcement agencies to provide continuing education and facilities for rescue and tactical helicopter training. The four-week course is designed to train emergency personnel how to rappel using a fast rope, fight fires and respond to search and rescue using a helicopter.

The HCC PSI was selected for the training because its classroom capacity, ability to offer continuing education credit, state-of-the-art training structures, outdoor space and location. “We have a great relationship with the PSI director Johnny Sessums and have flown over the campus and landed the helicopter here many times,” says Mark Foster, pilot and chief tactical flight officer for HPD. He adds that the location is beneficial since it is outside of the airspace for Hobby and Bush airports, which minimizes the need to communicate with air traffic control.  

The twin-engine helicopter used in the training was purchased by the Port of Houston Authority to deploy SWAT teams to ships off of the coast. The joint training sessions held at the HCC Northeast Campus bring together pilots, emergency responders and tactical members from SWAT, Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department. Members are learning hoisting operations and to use a fast rope to rappel from the helicopter to the PSI burn building for rescue. The swift water rescue pond at the campus allows pilots to lift 270 pounds of water with a Bambi Bucket to fight fires from above with precision. The helicopter is also being used in the course to teach emergency personnel how to rescue people from water using ropes or baskets.

Foster states, “The training and helicopter will allow them to do things that they have never done before. The training will allow us to put SWAT onto a moving ship in the ship channel, fight grass fires and help with rescue during floods without having to wait on the Coast Guard.” The customized training and partnership also allows officers to receive continuing education credit for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). For more information on the HCC Northeast Public Safety Institute, call 713.718.8300.

The day was filled with food, entertainment, activities and community resources from a variety of non-profit agencies and businesses. College representatives were on hand to provide information about HCC Northeast programs, answer questions, as well as gather input from the community about the upcoming plans to build an instructional facility and parking garage at the Northline Campus. The college showed its support for the event by serving as an official sponsor and providing student volunteers from the HCC Northeast Mexican American Youth Organization (M.A.Y.O.). Student volunteers spent the day assisting festival organizers with set up and children’s activities.

HCC Trustee Yolanda Navarro Flores was present and served as a celebrity guest judge alongside Council Member Ed Gonzales, Marshall Middle School Principal Michael Harrison and other judges for the festival’s salsa contest. Mayor Annise Parker praised the community and announced the contest winners. Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, president of HCC Northeast was also present to greet community members and educate them on upcoming plans for the college. “Community engagement is essential to carrying out the mission of HCC and we are proud to partner with the residents of the Northside community toward this effort,” says Ford Fisher.
The Northline Campus serves many residents of the Northside community and HCC Northeast maintains several working relationships with local businesses, chambers, churches, schools and other community organizations. HCC Northeast representatives also engage the community through civic association meetings where information is gathered on the best way to serve the community.

HCC Northeast offers a variety of certificates and degree programs for those seeking workforce training, university transfer degrees or continuing education. Registration for the summer session is now in progress. Classes begin June 3. For more information about HCC Northeast course offerings, visit northeast.hccs.edu or call 713.718.8300.

The exhibition is vibrant with color and texture with scenes ranging from jazz musicians playing in New Orleans to a tribute to a neighborhood father figure she recalls while growing up on Detroit. Her work reflects both issues of contemporary times as well as significant events in her own life. Although she started quilting in recent years, she views the time-honored tradition as on the rise again. “I think it’s a rebirth of quilting right now,” Crump states.

Crump has shown quilts in over 20 museums and had her work published in more than 15 publications. Inspired by her mentor, Carolyn Mazloomi, she founded the Covenant Youth Quilters Guild. In six months, the organization has grown to 42 members between the ages of six and 15 years old. The exhibition also includes pieces from some of Ms. Crump’s students at a local preparatory academy where she is an instructor. The exhibition will run through April 12, 2013 at the HCC Northeast Art Hub Gallery, 555 Community College Drive.

The Art Hub Gallery hosts various art collections throughout the year for the benefit of HCC students and surrounding communities. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 713.718.8300 or visit northeast.hccs.edu.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, artist Carolyn Crump spent her formative years surrounded by art at home and in her community. Her mother’s quilting and storytelling, along with visual art classes offered in the neighborhood inspired Crump. Crump maintained her interest in art while in high school and won a scholarship to Cranbrook College. While at Cranbrook, she was accepted in an art work-study program that paired her with a different well-known artist every six months.

Today, Crump has shown quilts in over 20 museums and had her work published in more than 15 publications. Inspired by her mentor, Carolyn Mazloomi, she founded the Covenant Youth Quilters Guild. In six months, the organization has grown to 42 members between the ages of six and 15 years old. Crump is a member of the Women of Color Quilters Network (WCQN), the American Quilt Society (AQS), the Studio Art Quilters Association (SAQA), and the Alliance of African-American Art Quilters (AAAAQ).

The Art Hub Gallery is one of the many programs that HCC Northeast offers to the community. Stressing the importance of infusing art with education, the Art Hub Gallery hosts various art collections throughout the year for the benefit of HCC students and surrounding communities. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit northeast.hccs.edu.

The program included a special musical performance by the HCC Northwest choir as well as greetings from Sheila Gary, advisor of the Pinemont Book Club and other HCC Northeast administrators. The program also featured a special lecture featuring Dr. Nicole Waligora-Davis, Associate Professor of English at Rice University. Her lecture entitled “An Unexpected Foreigner: African Americans and the Chicago Race Riot of 1919” focused on the journalistic coverage of the riot from the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Defender. Dr. Waligora-Davis’ presentation evoked stimulating conversation about the progress of race relations in the United States. Dr. Waligora-Davis was given a certificate of appreciation for her presentation, which was well received.

The book club hosts events and activities at Pinemont Center to encourage reading, and expand knowledge of various cultures and shared life experiences. Pinemont Book Club provides personal enrichment through reading and sharing and is open to HCC students, faculty staff, and residents of the Northeast College’s and constituent communities. Pinemont Center is located at 1265 Pinemont 77018. For more information on book club activities, contact Sheila Gary at 713.718.8442.