Instructors
Michael Halbern is a Professor of Mechatronics at Sierra College where he has taught since 1981. His primary focus has been on student project design and development, linear circuits, microcontrollers, and mechatronics. He has also designed electronics projects for use in local middle schools and high schools.
In 1997 he was President of the California Council of Electronics Instructors. In 2006, he received the NISOD Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Jim has been teaching in the CA Community College system since 1971, first at Miramar College in the Aircraft Inspection and Maintenance dept., and since 1981 in the Electronics and Mechatronics program at Sierra College. He is currently the Vice President and Membership Chair for the Sierra College Faculty Association.
He attended Grossmont Community College and graduated from San Diego State University in 1967 with a degree in Physics, Mathematics and Aerospace Studies. When not teaching, he finds time to run his aviation electronics manufacturing company, write a monthly column for a national aviation magazine, teach student pilots, inspect aircraft for airworthiness, keep the orchard trimmed, plant the garden, and take the airplane up for the occasional pleasure flight.
Prior to his academic career, he worked on the space program (Apollo, Surveyor, and Viking) and put himself through school as a mechanic for Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA).
Jim lives in Grass Valley on a couple of acres of garden and orchard with Gail (also a flight instructor and consummate web guru), Katie (the Sheltie), Ollie (the Lhasa Apso), and Charly and Gnarly (the pound brother kitties and world-class ratters).
A self-described full-time electronics hobbyist, part-time teacher and some-time professional technician, Mike Robinson was born and raised in Northern California. With qualifications largely based on experience, he's been a part-time instructor at Sierra College since 1985.
Mike's interest in electronics blossomed when he enrolled at Sierra College to learn to troubleshoot the devices he was busy building. The hobby became a vocation. He has worked for a diverse group of electronics-industry employers in positions that include assembly, board test, final system test, engineering aide, PCB designer, design draftsperson and project engineer.
Mike has more than three decades of real-life technical experience, almost a quarter century of teaching experience, follows a practice of only teaching classes to which that prior real-life experience applies, knows what it's like to work a full-time job and go to night school and tries to express the excitement of teaching his hobby.
Steve Gillette has earned AA degrees in Machine Tool Technology from College of the Redwoods and Computer Integrated Electronics from Sierra College, a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from CSU-Sacramento and an MS in Engineering Management from CSU-Northrridge.
His industry expertise is in industrial continuous processes including power generation and water treatment; hands-on installation, repair and troubleshooting of mechanical electrical, instrumentation & control devices; advanced maintenance practicers including vibration, infrared and ultrasonic analysis as well as industrial safety including confined space entry, arc flash hazards and control of hazardous energies.
Steve's education and experience is a huge assett to Sierra College Mechatronics Department.
Brett brings over 25 years of engineering experience to our program including starting and running his own engineering firms. He has vast experience in electronics, optics, and mechanical design as well as a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in the fast moving world of high tech.He teaches our students not just technical skills, but career skills that will last them a lifetime.
“When I first met the Mechatronics staff I realized that this program was special. It is well thought out, integrated, and keeps relevant by continually changing to meet current and future industry needs by using direct feedback from employer and graduate advisory boards.â€
When not in the classroom, Brett enjoys
skiing, golf, and hiking.
Ray has earned associates degrees in Computer Integrated Electronics and Computer Science from Sierra College. As a former Mechatronics student and lab assistant, Ray really connects with his students. His interest in electronics stems from Popular Electronics projects he and his father built in the 60s, including the ELF II computer and a four-function calculator, which earned him First Place in the school Science Fair.
Ray has extensive experience in both electronics and instruction during his service in the US Air Force. He has over 15 years experience in the semi-conductor equipment manufacturing industry in the Bay Area. With lots of military and industrial experience, Ray brings a wealth of knowledge to our program.
When Ray is not teaching he is writing programs for the fun of it.
Alysia is the lab technician for the Mechatronics program. Based in Rocklin, she also helps make sure that our NCC and Truckee campuses have all the working equipment and supplies needed to teach our program. She is an indispensable member of our team. Have a question? If Alysia can't help you out, she definitely knows who can.