Blog | TEEX.ORG

Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act, a piece of legislation that will encourage semiconductor-related companies to expand in Texas, maintaining the state’s position as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

Semiconductors, or microchips, are an essential component of electronic devices, including computers, printers, cars and mobile phones. As society increasingly relies on these devices, the demand for semiconductors is also increasing. According to Deloitte, by 2030, the semiconductor workforce in the United States will need to grow by more than one million skilled workers. Individuals entering the semiconductor manufacturing industry and companies hiring new employees will need high-quality entry-level training.

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is poised to meet this need and develop the workforce needed for the future of the industry. In June, TEEX announced the release of a new online, asynchronous course, “Introduction to Semiconductor Processing.” The course will aid the workforce in increasing production efficiency and improving products.

The subject matter experts who developed this course for TEEX have decades of experience working in the semiconductor industry and delivering semiconductor courses. In addition to the new online course, participants can also enroll in a face-to-face version.

For more information, see https://teex.org/class/SCP016/.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – On Thursday, July 6, more than 300 people came to Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station as Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Les W. Bunte Jr. Administration and Classroom Complex.

The first level of the 38,692-square-foot building houses an interactive lobby, adjustable classroom pods with interactive learning technology, an EMS pod, a recruit pod and a gift shop. Staff offices are located on the second floor, along with a computer lab and parents’ room. The new classrooms seat up to 660 students, more than doubling the previous capacity.

The building is named for Chief Les W. Bunte Jr., a long-time leader in the Texas fire service. Chief Bunte started his career with the Austin Fire Department (AFD) in 1973 and was promoted through the ranks, serving as assistant chief from 1994-2002. While a full-time firefighter with AFD, he also led the Georgetown Fire Department, serving as their fire chief from 1977 to 1994.

In addition to his impact on the state of Texas, Chief Bunte also made significant contributions to TEEX, beginning as a guest instructor at TEEX’s Annual Municipal Fire Training School in 1976. In 2003, after he retired from AFD, he was appointed division director of Fire and Emergency Services at TEEX, where he served until 2011.

Under Chief Bunte’s leadership, TEEX’s Fire Training School became increasingly focused on its core values and identity. As Chief Bunte recognized the importance of certification for firefighters, he enhanced and developed new certification programs. Moreover, he identified leadership as another critical area for the fire service and worked to create the first annual Leadership Development Symposium in 2009. The symposium now attracts more than 1,000 leaders in all areas of emergency services. The new building is a testament to Chief Bunte’s leadership and dedication to TEEX and the Texas Fire Service.

The TEEX Brayton Fire Training Field is located near the Texas A&M University campus. Established in 1929 and expanding over the years, it is part of a 297-acre facility that attracts more than 45,000 emergency responders annually for training in firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services and hazardous materials.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

AUSTIN– The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), in partnership with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), today launched a free online course to equip Texas law enforcement with the knowledge necessary to recognize and respond to cybercrimes that they may be called upon to investigate.

“Law enforcement professionals are often the first responders to cybersecurity incidents in much of Texas,” said Tony Sauerhoff, State of Texas Cybersecurity Coordinator. “We are excited to launch this new training that will better prepare law enforcement personnel across the state to identify and understand cybersecurity incidents, improving the overall cybersecurity posture of the state.”

The new course, titled “Introduction to Cyber Incident Investigation for Law Enforcement,” originated from feedback DIR received from many Texas regional Councils of Governments who stated that law enforcement officers and first responders are often the first who are called upon when a cyber incident impacts a rural community. In response, DIR partnered with TEEX to develop a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) credit-eligible training.

“Even beyond cybercrimes, virtually every crime committed these days has a digital element to it. Being able to recognize what constitutes digital evidence and how to collect it is becoming even more critical to solving and prosecuting these crimes,” said TEEX Division Director Dr. John M. Ray. “This course will help law enforcement officers and support personnel to recognize digital evidence and build a strong foundation for their case.”

Upon completion of the course, first responders will be able to determine if a cybercrime has been committed, conduct the initial on-scene investigation, and recognize and collect appropriate evidence for further investigation.

This online course is provided at no cost to law enforcement and non-commissioned personnel, including peace officers, corrections officers, and dispatchers. While targeted to law enforcement, the free course is also available to the general public. Register for the course at: https://teex.org/class/let713

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – When friends invited Gigi Kenna to attend a course called “When Disaster Strikes: Prepare, Act, Survive,” she didn’t know what to expect. However, since hurricanes, floods and other disasters regularly impact her coastal city of Calabash, North Carolina, she figured it couldn’t hurt to be prepared for disaster.

In the day-and-a-half course, participants learn how to be prepared and stay safe during disasters. They learn about physical safety, including search and rescue, breaking through walls and using levers to move heavy items. Additionally, they discuss the importance of developing a family response plan and how to safeguard personal documents. The course is funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is offered at no cost to participants.

Although many people are familiar with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) as a training provider for firefighters, police officers and other first responders, TEEX also trains everyday citizens to be prepared. TEEX has taught the “When Disaster Strikes” course to various community and nonprofit organizations, religious groups and other interested community members. TEEX instructor Nici English explains, “The more people in the community we can prepare, the better. The more prepared citizens are, the more weight it takes off of first responders.”

people standing outside of a building listening to a man speak

After attending the course in another location, Kenna wanted to bring “When Disaster Strikes” to her community, so she convinced the board of her homeowners’ association to host it for local residents. In May, instructors from TEEX traveled to deliver the course to Kenna’s neighborhood, comprised mostly of retirees.

When asked about the benefit of taking this class, Kenna says, “It’s lifesaving. When disaster strikes, we need to help one another. That’s the main thing: helping to save a life. Even if it’s just one life, it’s worth it. It could be my own, my kids, or my neighbor. I would do anything for them, and they would do anything for me.”

As a former teacher, Kenna has always been proactive about helping others in her community and saving lives. She says, “That’s the way I was raised. If I can just help one person, it’s worth it.”

For more information, see https://teex.org/class/per334/. If you are interested in offering this course at no cost for a group in your community, contact Bill Dozier at [email protected].

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – In March, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) launched a new podcast, Response Leadership. Episodes will feature conversations with nationwide thought leaders in cybersecurity, fire, emergency services, infrastructure, safety and law enforcement.

In these conversations, experienced leaders describe challenges and provide insights on leadership in the safety and response community. Some topics covered include developing a change mindset, innovating in risk-averse environments, investing in employee wellbeing and building more equitable and inclusive cultures. As a leading provider of safety and emergency training and response, TEEX is at the forefront of these issues and is connected to industry experts.

The first four episodes are available now, and new episodes are released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Listen at https://teex.org/podcast or on your favorite podcast streaming platform.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

Man speaking at a podium next to the United States and Texas flag

On April 28, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) hosted an event at the H.B. Zachry Training Center in San Antonio to honor workers killed or injured in the past year. Since 1989, April 28 has been recognized as International Workers’ Memorial Day, a day to honor those killed, disabled or injured by their work. It is also a time to acknowledge the impact of these losses on families, co-workers and communities and to re-commit to workplace safety.

In attendance at this year’s event were Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) district office members, community leaders and family and friends of fallen workers. OSHA Area Director Alejandro Porter listed the 12 workers in the San Antonio area who lost their lives in work-related accidents over the past year. Bryan Daniel, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman, spoke on the importance of caring for one another’s safety in the workplace.

Lydia Hernandez, Mayor of Somerset, described how safety and health should be core values at every place of business, stating, “As a community leader, I stand united with TEEX and OSHA. Every worker is more than a number and is a valuable member of society.”

TEEX Director David Coatney spoke at the event, saying, “Loss should never be part of the culture; safety should be part of the culture. Safety should flow through our veins, just like our blood, and we should be thinking about it every day.” He explained that losses have a ripple effect throughout the organization. “A loss does not only affect co-workers, but it greatly affects the family and the community.”

About the H.B. Zachry Training Center The H.B. Zachry Training Center is TEEX’s 40-acre training campus in southeast San Antonio, Texas. Students develop hands-on skills and knowledge that prepares them for their environmental health & safety careers.

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) has opened registration for the TEEX Cyber Readiness Summit, which will take place from February 13 to 15 of 2024, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in San Marcos.

At the summit, attendees will learn strategies to recognize and respond to cyber threats. Not only for dedicated cyber professionals, the summit will benefit personnel from private industry, municipalities, counties, economic development organizations and chambers of commerce, including hospitals, schools, infrastructure and city services.

The event’s theme will be “Driving a healthy, prosperous, resilient community,” and keynote and session topics will cover the five components of the U.S. government-sponsored cybersecurity framework: identify, protect, detect, respond and recover.

In addition to four keynote speakers and multiple breakout sessions, TEEX cyber instructors will guide attendees through a realistic cyberattack scenario and debriefing. There will also be a variety of networking opportunities and vendors.

Lisa Mutchler, Division Director of TEEX Business and Cyber Solutions, says, “Our goal is to educate and increase awareness about how personnel in both the public and private sector can identify and protect their communities and businesses from cyberattacks. The Cyber Readiness Summit is also the perfect opportunity for attendees to network with industry experts and vendors to discuss potential vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.”

Leading up to the summit, TEEX will host a series of live virtual cybersecurity panel discussions. The first was in March, and the second, “Cyber Threats to Manufacturers & Businesses: Ransomware,” will take place on July 27, 2023. Register here to attend the online panel discussion.

To register for next year’s summit or for information on becoming a sponsor or vendor, visit https://teex.org/event/cyber-readiness-summit/

Cyber Readiness Summit Banner with QR Code

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

Larkin Bohn looking off into the distance in the ocean

Larkin Bohn’s journey to becoming a sailor and science communicator began 12 years ago when she was living in Chicago and looking for a cruise to escape the winter weather. On the cruise line’s website, she saw a flashing “Now Hiring!” banner, and on a whim, she went to an open house. Before she knew it, she was flying to Hawaii to work the jewelry counter on a cruise ship.

Being on a boat was a whole new world, and she immediately fell in love with boat life. But she was not the type to stand behind a counter. She says, “When I saw the deckhands with their power tools and painting and driving the small boats around, I was like, that’s it. That’s what I need to do.” She explains, “It wasn’t even on my radar that I could be a sailor or captain.” When she realized she could, she started working her way up.

From the deck of the cruise ship one day, she saw a scientific research vessel in the distance, and she recalls, “Right then and there, I said that’s the boat I’m going to be on one day.” The boat was the Kilo Moana, the University of Hawaii’s research vessel.

The next time she was in Hawaii, she went to the port captain and expressed interest in joining the crew. Although she did not have the proper experience yet, he told her the qualifications she would need.

And that’s what she did. She started working as a deckhand for an adventure cruise company, shuttling guests to glaciers in Alaska or on excursions in Mexico and Costa Rica.

When she had time off, she attended courses and worked on her qualifications. During one of these periods, she went to the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) for training. At TEEX’s Galveston facility, Bohn took the Fast Rescue Boat course to be certified in case of emergency. Although she has not yet had to rescue anyone, the course helped her advance in her career and prepared her for drills, inspections and emergencies. Additionally, she says, “Taking the course helped my confidence as a sailor for sure, knowing that I know those search patterns.”

Larkin Bohn holding a wrench in a yellow hard hat

Bohn explains, “TEEX was great, and the instructors made it super fun. On the first day, we learned about the boat, theories, jumps, and search patterns in the classroom, and then we got to actually practice what we learned and perform rescue patterns on the fast rescue boat. Actually getting out there and doing it was really awesome and made it so realistic.”

After five years of learning the basics and taking courses, Bohn had the licenses she needed to start working on research vessels. She returned to the Kilo Moana and got the job she wanted.

On board the research vessel, she watched scientists take sediment samples from the ocean floor, 17,000 feet underwater, and she explains, “I just thought that was so cool, so I took my phone out and started filming, and I made a couple of videos.” She wasn’t sure if she was allowed to do this, but when the scientists saw the videos, they asked her to make more of them.

She started making outreach videos for scientists, and today, Bohn is a sailor, videographer and science communicator. Her engaging and fun videos make science inclusive and give a behind-the-scenes look at life as a sailor and in the STEM fields. Coming up, Bohn will join expeditions to the Mediterranean, Iceland and the Arctic Circle.

Bohn describes how important it is that her videos serve as a resource and inspiration to women and girls who want to get into the predominately-male careers of sailing or science. She says, “If I had seen someone like me doing this when I was little, my whole life probably would have been different. I want to inspire young children to follow their dreams no matter what they are.”

You can find her on TikTok @limitlesslarkin and on YouTube and Instagram @MySaltySeaLife.

A group of people smiling at a camera on a boat

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

two man and 3 women standing on a stair case

In 2022, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) hired three new “cyber gurus” to deliver cybersecurity courses. Connar Moore, Rayza Collazo and Tierra Smith make up TEEX’s new cyber instruction team that travels around the U.S. and its territories to provide no-cost courses like Essentials of Cybersecurity, Community Preparedness for Cyber Incidents and Understanding Targeted Cyber Attacks. Together, they bring to TEEX multiple advanced degrees and a combined thirty years of experience in I.T., cyber and cybersecurity. Moreover, in a field where women are often underrepresented, underpaid, and discriminated against, this all-female team demonstrates that women can be successful in the vast world of cyber.

The courses they teach are relevant to threats commonly seen by businesses, city and county services and infrastructure, as hackers constantly try to access these systems. Rayza says, “These courses are so impactful because cybersecurity has become a national issue. It’s important to make people think about protecting themselves and their organizations.” She describes how cyber attacks can affect an entire community, citing an example of a water treatment plant servicing multiple large cities and towns. “If someone hacked into their system and altered the chemical levels in the water, it could be devastating to millions of people.”

However, the courses help not only to stop hackers but also to stop employees from opening doors to them. Tierra explains the importance of teaching individuals to protect themselves, saying, “In my opinion, humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity because we are naturally vulnerable. The same way we practice personal hygiene, we must do the same with cyber hygiene to protect ourselves and our data.”

Similarly, Connar recognized the significance of TEEX’s training when she took the courses as a professional in the field: “I realized how important the education part was. I could spend millions of dollars on the best technology, but it only takes one employee to click on a link to take it down. Many I.T. people don’t think about the human element, but humans are vital to it.”

Connar, Rayza and Tierra all talk about what it is like to be a woman in cyber. In cyber and I.T., women are underrepresented, and while some may see this as a challenge, all three describe how this empowers them to work harder to create opportunities for themselves. Their supervisor, Devalle Clay, says, “There are not enough women in cyber and I.T., and this needs to change. These three female instructors serve as representation for people in our courses that women belong in cyber.”

For women or girls wanting to enter the cyber or I.T. field, Connar, Rayza and Tierra offer the following suggestions:

Find friends and coworkers who support you and believe in you.
If it interests you, jump into it and don’t let perceived barriers hold you back.
No matter where you are in your career, make good impressions that may lead to future opportunities.
Keep seeking to improve yourself professionally with certifications. If you work on yourself, you will always see better things in the future. You don’t necessarily have to get a degree or a master’s right away.
Find a good mentor.
Join an organization like Women in Cybersecurity and attend conferences to network.

A woman speaking to a group of men in a classroom. Men are typing on their computers

Two ladies standing and smiling in front of a booth backdrop

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

Although many know Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) as a provider of emergency response training and technical assistance, TEEX also offers unique product testing capabilities through the TEEX Testing and Innovation Center (TT&IC). The TT&IC leverages the knowledge, experience, facilities, and subject matter experts of TEEX, along with the research capabilities of the Texas A&M University System, to become a premier resource for public safety technologies.

Recently, the TT&IC has been working with Howe & Howe Technologies, a company that has developed a line of firefighting robots. They have brought these robots to TEEX’s facilities so first responders and subject matter experts can test them in real-world contexts.

On a cold January morning, two of the firefighting robots, RS1 and its big brother RS3, rolled onto TEEX’s Brayton Fire Training Field, ready for action. RS3 worked beside a team of industrial firefighters fighting a fire on a railroad tank car prop. The team positioned the robot where they needed high-volume water, using it as another hose team. In addition to serving as a hose team, the robot can assist by spraying high-pressure foam and moving heavy objects to clear pathways.

Yellow robot machine putting out a fire with a built in water hose

After testing, technology developers get feedback from TEEX’s subject matter experts. At the end of the testing cycle, TEEX provides the company with a report, and they publish a performance review for first responder departments who may want to purchase this product.

This is just one more way that TEEX makes a difference: helping technology developers, engineers, and businesses improve the safety of emergency responders. One of TT&IC’s main goals is to provide unbiased assessments of products and solutions to assist federal, state and local governments and departments with purchasing and use decisions.

TT&IC Technology Evaluation Manager Ray Ivie says, “TEEX is a thought leader in the professional communities we train and serve. By leveraging the exceptional facilities, subject matter experts and access to professionals in the field, our goal is to provide a valuable service through testing and evaluating products and solutions that improve capabilities and make these professions safer.”

Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
[email protected]

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Releases Online Semiconductor Workforce Training Course

TEEX Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Event for Les W. Bunte Jr. Administration and Classroom Complex

Texas Department of Information Resources and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Provide New Cyber Incident Investigation Training for Law Enforcement

TEEX Trains Community Members to Prepare for Disasters

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Produces New Leadership Podcast

TEEX Honors Workers’ Memorial Day, Remembers Fallen Workers

Registration Opens for 2024 TEEX Cyber Readiness Summit

Former TEEX Student Makes Waves on the Water and in the Science Community

TEEX’s New Instructors Represent Women in Cyber

TEEX Offers Product Testing and Development Assistance, Improving First Responder Safety