Efforts Underway
The U.S. is projected to need 50,000 new semiconductor engineers in the next several years to meet the growing demand for increased computing power. This demand will only intensify in the years ahead, driven by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which is directing around $280 billion into the U.S. semiconductor industry to boost research and manufacturing.
To address this critical national challenge, Purdue has stepped up as a leader, launching the first comprehensive semiconductor degree program in the country, building groundbreaking partnerships with industry leaders and international governments, and implementing bold, hands-on learning initiatives.
More than four dozen Purdue ECE professors are helping to advancements the semiconductor development and research goals of Purdue Computes. The Center for Secure Microelectronics Ecosystem (CSME) is tackling that challenge by developing the latest advances to protect today’s and tomorrow’s microelectronics and semiconductors. CSME is co-directed by Joerg Appenzeller, the Barry M. and Patricia L. Epstein Professor of ECE, and Anand Raghunathan, the Silicon Valley Professor of ECE.
In addition to research, CSME understands the importance of training the next generation of professionals to protect semiconductor technology. To support this, the center works with both graduate and undergraduate students, guiding them through important scientific problems that affect the security of our microelectronics, which are used in everything from smartphones to computers.
CSME will also offer exciting research opportunities for graduate students in the SCALE program, helping them become the experts needed to solve future challenges in designing secure semiconductor technology. Peter Bermel, Elmore Professor of ECE, co-directs SCALE, which is led by Purdue, funded by the Department of Defense and managed by NSWC Crane. Purdue leads the public-private-academic partnership of universities and partners within the defense industry and government. The SCALE partners regularly meet to update a prioritized list of knowledge, skills and abilities that are most needed for new entrants to the microelectronics and trusted artificial intelligence workforce.
Another effort is designed to help Purdue undergrads jump-start their training for careers in the semiconductor industry. The Summer Training, Awareness, and Readiness for Semiconductors (STARS) program was founded by Muhammad Hussain, professor of ECE. STARS is an eight- week intensive program that aims to train dozens of undergraduates each summer for domestic semiconductor roles, paying a $10,000 stipend funded by industry sponsors including Intel, GlobalFoundries and Texas Instruments. The students are divided into two tracks, chip design and manufacturing. They also met with STARS corporate supporters who explain the industry’s workforce needs and share perspectives on what it’s like to work in the field.
These efforts in semiconductor research and development benefit the U.S., the chip manufacturers, universities, and the next generation of engineers, offering them exciting career opportunities at a critical time when their skills are most needed.