Generative AI by Ruslan Tsyhanov for Adobe Stock
Chip manufacturers are making historic investments in new chip manufacturing facilities in the U.S. thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
But experts worry there may not be enough qualified workers to meet the booming demands of this thriving industry. A new collaboration between Intel and Florida A&M University at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering may provide a solution.
Taking a multilevel approach, researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering are working with Intel to create a new pipeline of engineering graduates with the skills needed in the semiconductor and manufacturing technology industry.
Shonda Bernadin, Ph.D., an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering at the college, is the principal investigator for the initiative. Intel has manufacturing U.S. facilities in Ohio, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico and recently allocated funds to provide internship opportunities and resources for students.
“This is a direct response to President Biden’s CHIPS Act,” Bernadin said. “I am super excited to be working with Intel on this. This fall, we implemented a new semiconductor and manufacturing program.”
The group is recruiting students in electrical engineering at the joint college, electronic engineering technology at FAMU main campus and transfer students in a mentorship program that reinforces training specific to semiconductor manufacturing and technology. Intel provides internships at some of their U.S.-based fabrication labs to give students the hands-on experience they need to be successful in the industry.
“Working with Intel, we will train our students on advanced chip manufacturing technologies in design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging,” Simon Foo, a professor in electrical and computer engineering at the college and co-investigator on the project, said.
Students will have the chance to participate in the college’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) research mentoring program and work throughout the academic year with a graduate student under a faculty advisor’s direction. They can also participate in a REU undergraduate research experience during the summer to supplement their training.
“This is an inspiring project because it builds a pipeline of diverse, highly skilled ECE graduates who are trained and ready to contribute to semiconductor device manufacturing right here on US soil,” Bernadin said.
Students interested in graduate school and this project are encouraged to pursue graduate studies at FAMU and specialize in semiconductor technologies unique to their research interests. The students will also have a curriculum built on practical skills, formal training and career development.
“It is a unique opportunity for our students to learn and gain experience in the chip industry,” said Tejal Mulay, a visiting assistant professor in Electronic Engineering Technology at FAMU, and a co-investigator on the project.
Mulay explained, “Over the years, this industry has expanded many folds, but our minority students do not have any direct experience working in these fields. This opportunity will open many doors for them ….”
Foo shared that sentiment. “This will prepare our students for careers in integrated circuit chip design … and will help fulfill one of the major goals of the CHIPS Act—to grow a diverse semiconductor workforce to give our country a competitive edge on the world stage.”
Intel is equally excited about the project. “We are thrilled to be working with Dr. Bernadin and the entire team at Florida A&M to help develop the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing technologists,” Chris Ross, the senior technologist and director of Higher Education Initiatives said. “Our investment in FAMU reflects our confidence in their ability to bring the Semiconductor Manufacturing & Technologies (SM&T) program to fruition and broaden the opportunity for more students to enter a field where they get to design and build some of the most advanced technology humans have ever created.”
Intel provided a $450,000 grant to Florida A&M University to fund the program at its main campus and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
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