The Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy (EERE) Department at Oregon Tech has received funding from Intel Corporation, one of the world's largest semiconductor chip manufacturers, to grow the talent pipeline of trained students for semiconductor manufacturing and design.
The project aims to broaden access to experiential learning opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing technologies to a diverse range of students.
“The global chip shortage and related supply chain issues have led to a renewed emphasis on increasing semiconductor manufacturing in our country,” said Oregon Tech Vice Provost of Research and Academic Affairs Dr. Abdy Afjeh. “To support this, there is a growing need for a skilled and well-trained workforce. This project will play a timely role in addressing this need.”
Currently in the planning stage, the project will span an 18-month period with total funding of $199,974 obtained through a competitive application process. Naga Korivi, Ph.D., Chair of the EERE Department will serve as the grant’s project director and lead contact.
“The project primarily provides experiential learning opportunities in semiconductor technologies and manufacturing to four-year and graduate students at Oregon Tech through research projects and to two-year college students through accelerated training programs,” said Dr. Korivi.
Participating students will gain hands-on technical skills in key areas including engineering design, semiconductor processing and fabrication technologies. The research opportunities will be available to new and current Oregon Tech students.
“Oregon Tech thanks Intel for their commitment to education and forward-thinking activities to build a field of graduates prepared to work in this growing field,” said Oregon Tech President Nagi Naganathan. “With this generous support, we are fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of professionals for the dynamic field of semiconductor manufacturing and design, bridging the gap between academia and industry.”
Dr. Neslihan Alp, Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management said the grant represents a vital step toward equipping undergraduate and graduate students with invaluable skills and opportunities, ultimately enriching the region and the future of the semiconductor industry.
“We are deeply grateful to Intel Corp. for their unwavering support of our mission to empower students with hands-on experiential learning in semiconductor technology and manufacturing” Alp said. “This initiative continues the legacy of Oregon Tech's leadership in hands-on practical education, placing the university in a position to lead efforts in workforce development in semiconductor manufacturing, a critical area of need.”
Queries related to this project can be directed to Dr. Naga Korivi at naga.korivi@oit.edu.
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