Smart Systems Technologies
Faculty
Sam Samanta
Dr. Sam Samanta is the Director of the Smart Systems Technologies programs at FLCC and teaches courses in Introduction to Emerging Technologies, LabVIEW, Applied Physics I & II, Digital Electronics, Automated Data Acquisition, and Automation Control I & II. Working with approximately 50 businesses across diverse industries in the Rochester-Finger Lakes high-tech ecosystem, Sam identifies opportunities for paid co-ops, which lead to exciting careers for students and graduates.
Sam is a graduate of Indian Institute of Technology, Carnegie-Mellon University, and University of Maine. In 1998, Sam was the recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is also a recipient of the 2014 FAME STAR Award, which recognizes students, teachers, and advanced manufacturing relationships.
Sam has a decade of research experience in Surface Science, as well as postdoctoral research using synchrotrons at University of Wisconsin, Brookhaven National Laboratories, and Stanford Linear Accelerator. During his research, he developed instruments that are now used in nanotechnology research and manufacturing.
Thomas McKeehan
Thomas McKeehan serves as an adjunct in the Smart Systems Technologies programs. He teaches automation concepts including PLC programming, robotics, input and output sensors, pneumatics, and hydraulics. Thomas worked at Kodak as a senior technical associate in the photographic instrumentation development area for 37 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University and has his master's degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from RIT.
Will Rhoads
Will Rhoads is an adjunct instructor in the Science and Technology Department and teaches the Electronic Theory I course. Will worked at Kodak for 38 years where he handled electronic circuit development. He is currently working part-time for a small start-up company as a senior project engineer and electrical engineer. Will holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and has his master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester.