The following highlight is a feature story in the College of Engineering’s 2024 Impact Report.
Boise State University’s College of Engineering is leading a transformative effort to enhance semiconductor education, research, and workforce development, placing Idaho at the forefront of this vital technology industry.
With federal and state support and strategic partnerships, the university has implemented cutting-edge technologies and programs, driven by faculty and staff in the College of Engineering, to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in microelectronics.
Establishing a Microelectronics Hub
In 2023, Boise State launched the Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research (MER), an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing U.S. semiconductor capabilities. Aligned with the national CHIPS and Science Act, MER coordinates academic research and workforce development across multiple disciplines, fostering collaboration between institutions and industry leaders such as Micron Technology.
“Our coordination of efforts will accelerate Boise State College of Engineering’s ability to educate our engineers and computer scientists, to meet the needs of an increased workforce in our local semiconductor industries,” said College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty.
The institute’s work is supported by the $5 million Idaho Workforce Development Council grant, matched with $5 million from Boise State, to support the semiconductor industry’s critical role in technological innovation and economic stability.
Expanding Academic Offerings
To prepare Idaho’s semiconductor workforce, the College of Engineering unveiled a range of new academic programs in 2024. These include certificates in semiconductor device physics, integrated circuit design, and processing, along with an industrial engineering minor. These offerings, including MER’s “Semiconductor For All,” ensure students gain theoretical and practical skills essential to modern semiconductor fabrication.
“These programs enhance our offerings for students interested in working in the semiconductor industry, and will equip them with the skills needed to succeed in this exciting and rapidly growing industry,” said Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Chair Neal Bangerter. “The evolution of our programs builds on our excellence in the microelectronics industry, and will help meet the needs of evolving semiconductor workforce demands both locally and nationally.”
The college has also invested more funds into its on-campus facilities, including upgrades to its clean room, the only university clean room within 300 miles of Boise, enabling students to engage directly with industry-standard equipment. By providing this hands-on experience, Boise State is not only enriching its academic curriculum but also addressing the immediate needs of the semiconductor sector for highly trained professionals.
As well, over the last several years, faculty have been meeting with key stakeholders and alumni to respond to the needs of the semiconductor workforce. New partnerships between the College of Engineering, the College of Southern Idaho, and the College of Western Idaho have created pathways for students to finish their education in engineering and computer science at Boise State.
Unveiling First-of-its-Kind Technology
This August, in a groundbreaking achievement, Boise State installed an AIXTRON MOCVD, a tool that enables wafer-scale 2D materials growth, one of the four systems globally located at a university in the United States. This sophisticated machine grows semiconductor film that is just a few atoms thick through a chemical reaction process, offering unparalleled precision.
The AIXTRON machine, housed in the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering’s Advanced Nanomaterials and Manufacturing Laboratory, allows researchers like David Estrada the ability to explore new materials that can replace silicon in semiconductor applications, addressing complex challenges.
“This will allow the university to help address challenges that are impacting energy consumption by data centers and artificial intelligence,” Estrada said. “It’ll help us develop microelectronics that could survive in the extremes of space or in nuclear reactors.”
The first-of-its-kind machine in Idaho will help bring unique opportunities for Boise State students and the university to create a pipeline of professionals equipped to support leading-edge companies like Micron Technology, ON Semiconductor, American Semiconductor, Applied Materials, and more.
Shaping the Future of Microelectronics
Boise State’s strategic efforts are designed to strengthen Idaho’s position in the semiconductor industry. The university’s partnerships ensure that academic programs align with industry needs, offering students real-world experience and boosting local economic growth.
Through its initiatives, Boise State is fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, attracting top talent to the region and reinforcing Idaho’s role as a semiconductor powerhouse.
The College of Engineering has positioned itself as a leader in semiconductor research and education, addressing complex and critical industry challenges while creating opportunities for students and businesses alike. By combining advanced technologies, comprehensive academic programs, and strong industry partnerships, Boise State is paving the way for the next generation of microelectronics innovation.
These efforts underscore the university’s commitment to not only advancing technological capabilities but also transforming Idaho into a national hub for semiconductor excellence.