The University of South Florida (USF) has been awarded a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Research Traineeship (NRT) program. The five-year initiative, titled "NRT: Science, Technology, Engineering, Program for Upward Partnership (STEP-UP) for Advancing Microelectronics Education and Training," aims to advance semiconductor education and research while addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in the microelectronics industry.
“Much-publicized semiconductor chips shortage has impacted several critical industries. A skilled and diverse pipeline of workers is critical to building a sustainable domestic semiconductor industry and to achieving the CHIPS Act economic and national security goals. This NRT grant will provide to better prepare master’s and doctoral students for the interdisciplinary talents required in semiconductor chip development,” said Ashok Kumar, the principal investigator of the NSF NRT project.
This grant will support USF’s efforts to create an interdisciplinary education program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and real-world experience in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and packaging. With the semiconductor industry rapidly evolving and the demand for expertise increasing, this initiative is vital for preparing students to meet the challenges of the future.
Collaborative Research for Semiconductor Innovation
The STEP-UP project was led by Principal Investigator Professor Ashok Kumar of USF’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Joining him are Co-Principal Investigators Professor Srinivas Katkoori (Computer Science & Engineering), Associate Professor Albert Kim (Medical Engineering), Associate Professor Yasin Yilmaz (Electrical Engineering), and Professor Norma Alcantar (Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering). This diverse team exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach required to tackle the complex challenges in semiconductor technology and educating future students on the ever-evolving technology.
“USF’s STEP-UP NRT program is a unique cutting-edge training program that not only trains a graduate student in interdisciplinary technical skills and novel convergent approaches but also emphasizes on all-round trainee development in terms of communication, teamwork, project management, ethics and leadership to create tomorrow’s world leaders in the semiconductor field.” said Srinivas Katkoori, Co-investigator of the NRT project.
The program was created to be dedicated to the effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas through comprehensive traineeship models that are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs.
The STEP-UP initiative will allow USF to fund fellowships for 23 graduate students, including 15 doctoral and eight master’s candidates, who will engage in advanced research across multiple technologies. These students will gain valuable experience in semiconductor processes, design, and manufacturing, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the field.
The project will officially begin on September 1, 2024, and run through August 21, 2029. During this time, the faculty and students involved will work to develop new semiconductor innovations while also preparing future leaders in the industry.
Empowering Future Leaders in Microelectronics
A central component of STEP-UP is its commitment to experiential learning. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at USF’s Nanotechnology Research and Education Center (NREC). Here, students will work in a clean room environment to fabricate semiconductor devices, gaining practical experience that complements their academic studies.
Beyond technical skills, the program focuses on leadership, communication, teamwork, and entrepreneurship and more. USF Senior personnel from various departments, including Steve Kozlowski (Psychology), Grandon Gill (Business), Sudeep Sarkar (Computer Science & Engineering), and Joanna Burchfield (Engineering), will assisting in mentoring students in these areas. The goal is to produce well-rounded professionals who can lead teams and innovate within the semiconductor industry.
“This NSF-funded NRT program will be a model for a future interdisciplinary graduate program at USF and it brings significant benefit to our institution. It forges a convergent and innovative program to train graduates in Semiconductor Technology,” said Ruth Bahr, Dean of Graduate Studies, USF (Tampa Campus).”
Impact on the Semiconductor Industry
The semiconductor industry faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in the United States, where there is a growing emphasis on domestic production and technological innovation. USF’s STEP-UP program addresses this need by preparing a new generation of engineers and researchers who will contribute to the advancement of semiconductor technologies.
By focusing on interdisciplinary research and hands-on training, the program will fill gaps in the workforce while driving innovation in the semiconductor field. The program’s graduates will be well-equipped to meet the demands of an industry that plays a key role in sectors ranging from consumer electronics to national security.
USF’s STEP-UP program represents a significant step forward in semiconductor education and research. Over the next five years, the program will help shape the future of the microelectronics industry by training the next generation of engineers and researchers. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, USF is positioning itself as a leader in the field of semiconductor education.
For more information and updates on the STEP-UP project, follow USF College of Engineering official channels, including social media and newsletters.