Our Faculty
Michael A. Benapfl
AS Mechanical Technology, Chabot College
AS Vacuum Technology, Las Positas College
Subject Taught: Vacuum Technology
After serving in the Air Force, Mr. Benapfl settled back close to home and studied Mechanical Technology at Chabot College. "My father was a technologist and he introduced me to the world of nuts and bolts. As a kid I was always taking things apart to see how they worked." Upon graduation he worked at PG&E, then Western Electric, and finally Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where he was introduced to the field of vacuum science and technology while working on the 100Mev linear accelerator in cooperation with Stanford University.
"I found the technology involved in creating rarified environments intriguing," he said. Linear accelerators, the fabrication of microprocessors, space simulation, and food processing all use science based on vacuum technology. At the time, Las Positas College was interested in expanding their vacuum technology program and worked with several lab employees, including Benapfl, to develop the curriculum. "I was the first graduate from my own program!" he explained.
Today, when not teaching Vacuum Technology, Mr. Benapfl works as a Sr. Engineering Technical Associate at the Lab. He is currently working on the Mercury Laser Program, which is an R & D effort to develop the next generation high power laser system. Mr. Benapfl has been with Lawrence Livermore Lab for 31 years.