Boise State University will welcome Dan Lamborn as the inaugural Executive Director of the Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research, or MER. He will assume this role in October 2023.
Lamborn comes to the university from Intel, where he worked in global supply chain and engineering management across both process engineering and integration.
“Boise State’s international reputation in the microelectronics field continues to build as we work alongside industry leaders to grow talent right here at home and to drive Idaho’s economic future,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State president. “Dr. Lamborn’s experience and collaborative approaches will advance this new institute, which will benefit students, faculty, and industry, as well as our state and nation. I am excited to have him join our incredible team of faculty.”
“I am impressed with the strong desire for growth and new endeavors at Boise State, and excited with the work the current administration has done to bring Boise State to the forefront in microelectronics,” Lamborn said. “MER will solidify Boise State’s position as a leader in both developing the semiconductor workforce of tomorrow and in creating new research opportunities. I am grateful to the selection committee, Provost Buckwalter and President Tromp for the opportunity to lead this institute at such an exciting time.”
The role will see Lamborn collaborating with federal and state agencies on research and educational funding opportunities, as well as supporting partnerships with other universities, including regional community colleges. He will work closely with the MER Industry Advisory Board, whose members are Brian M. Shirley, Dean Klein, Jay Hawkins and Mark Tuttle.
The institute serves as a hub for efforts related to microelectronics at Boise State. Members work closely with regional, national and international partners to conduct vital research and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers. Funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, Micron and other partners support these efforts.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Lamborn, an adept leader with experience in memory devices, complex data systems, manufacturing and commercial strategies, to lead MER,” said Vice President for Research and Economic Development Nancy Glenn. “I am confident that Dr. Lamborn will help us develop cutting-edge research and education programs that will have a real impact on our students, industry partners, Idaho, and the world.”
“Identifying a leader for the institute was vitally important as we move forward with our programs focused on innovation and technology,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter said. “With a background that reflects both industry experience and academic research, Dan Lamborn will be able to build connections with corporate partners and academia. I am excited to welcome him to Boise State University. I want to thank the search committee and its chair, Dean Mark Bannister, for their diligent efforts in bringing such an exemplary pool of candidates to our campus.”
Lamborn received a doctorate in chemical engineering and is currently pursuing an MBA from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Utah. During his 16 years with Intel, Lamborn held a number of roles, including as a senior engineer managing projects in Boise, Oregon, Arizona and China. His broad range of experience will help ensure the projects supported by MER serve the dual roles of furthering research and workforce development in partnership with industry.