LIFT Hires STEM Educator to Manage New Immersive Learning Lab

LIFT Learning Lab Focused on Preparing Manufacturing Workforce of Tomorrow

DETROIT – LIFT—Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow, a national manufacturing innovation institute operated by the American Lightweight Materials Innovation Institute (ALMMII), today announced that Marianne Donoghue will join the Detroit-based staff as Manager of LIFT’s new Learning Lab, slated to launch this summer.

Donoghue brings over 15 years of experience as an urban STEM teacher, program manager, student advisor, and community outreach coordinator to her new role with the LIFT Learning Lab. During her education career in Michigan, she has worked in a variety of roles at Oakland University in Rochester, Pontiac Community Schools, and Corunna Community Schools.

LIFT has been part of the Detroit community since its establishment in 2014 as a public-private partnership and a founding member of Manufacturing USA supporting the defense industrial base. From its inception, LIFT’s industry members and partners have pursued two missions: to advance lightweight materials manufacturing technologies and processes and to develop the educated and skilled workforce U.S.-based manufacturers need.

With the development and launch of the new LIFT Learning Lab this summer, LIFT brings a unique and immersive learning venue to Detroit, focused on preparing the next generation of high-level technicians for in-demand advanced manufacturing jobs.

Donoghue will manage all aspects of the lab’s operations from scheduling learning spaces and classes ranging from Fundamental Manufacturing Skills Development to CNC Operations, Welding Technicians, and Smart Factory Robotics. Students from K-12, community and technical colleges, universities, and current workers will be among the customers of the new Learning Lab. LIFT members also will find the Learning Lab to be an excellent venue for technical and leadership training, workshops, and seminars.

“I am looking forward to being a part of such an innovative place as LIFT and the LIFT Learning Lab – there really is no place like it in the country,” Donoghue said. “This new opportunity will provide me with the chance to have an even more direct impact on the manufacturing industry and the advancement of our workforce.”

“Marianne’s prior experience in teaching, program management, and STEM education and training will be a tremendous asset for our Learning Lab,” said Emily DeRocco, vice president of education and workforce development, LIFT. “LIFT’s leadership, members and partners are laser-focused on building an educated and skilled workforce for America’s manufacturers, helping to strengthen our nation’s defense industrial base, strengthen our economy, and create good, middle-class jobs.”

For more information on the LIFT Learning Lab, contact LearningLab@almmii.org.

ABOUT LIFT
LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), is a Detroit-based, public-private partnership committed to the development and deployment of advanced lightweight materiall manufacturing technologies, and implementing education and training initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT is one of the founding institutes of Manufacturing USA, and is funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research. Visit www.lift.technology or follow on Twitter @NewsFromLIFT to learn more.

Contacts:
Joe Steele
LIFT
313-309-9132
jsteele@almmii.org