Chipping in for a Semiconductor Workforce

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Posted on February 6, 2024

Lance Crawford

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Funded with a $1 million National Science Foundation grant, the University of South Alabama is developing a curriculum to train students to work in the semiconductor industry. The project, “E-USem: Experiential-learning-based Undergraduate Semiconductor Workforce Exploration," will establish a comprehensive workforce development program providing both high school and college students with the opportunity to specialize in microelectronics.

The three-year project is led by Dr. Jinhui Wang, professor of electrical and computer engineering, in collaboration with the USA College of Education and Professional Studies, the USA School of Computing, USA Office of Admissions, Alabama A&M University and industry partners.

“A growing number of companies need engineers with expertise in semiconductors and related areas to support growth and economic development,” said Dr. Darryl James, dean in the College of Engineering. “The project will provide students the opportunity to specialize in microelectronics to meet the skilled semiconductor workforce needs of the region and nation.”

The CHIPS Act, an acronym for Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors, was enacted in 2022, authorizing nearly $53 billion in funding to bring semiconductor supply chain back to the U.S. to create jobs, support American innovation and protect national security.

Semiconductor companies such as Micron, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung have already committed billions of dollars toward new manufacturing facilities in the United States.

“These investments have resulted in an urgent need for 42,000 new semiconductor engineers and technicians nationwide,” said Wang. “The training necessary ranges from two-year associate degrees to doctoral degrees.” 

One of the National Science Foundation’s requirements for the grant is to offer experiential learning. The College of Education and Professional Studies will provide Kolb's Experiential Learning method, a four-stage process describing how people learn through experience.

The School of Computing will create a software tool that aids in the electronic design of devices and circuits.

Start South in the Office of Admissions will organize high school outreach activities to inspire the next generation of engineers, and Alabama A&M University will support fabrication and manufacturing. 

“Engineers with semiconductor expertise are crucial to the United States as the industry experiences rapid growth and strategic importance,” James said. “Engineers skilled in semiconductor design, fabrication and testing are essential to drive advancements in cutting-edge technologies and ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in the global semiconductor ecosystem.” 

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