The five-year project, a “Microelectronics Master Teacher Fellowship Program,” will run from October 2025 through September 2030 as part of NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. During that period of time, Purdue will recruit and prepare 15 practicing teachers as Microelectronics Master Teacher Fellows to serve high-need districts and integrate microelectronics-focused STEM curricula.

Leading the project is Greg Strimel, Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s interim department and associate professor of technology leadership and innovation, with co-principal investigators Tamara Moore, professor of engineering education; Morgan Hynes, associate professor of engineering education; and S. Selcen Guzey, associate professor of science education in the Departments of Curriculum and Instruction and of Biological Sciences. All are faculty in the Purdue School of Engineering Education (ENE) with Strimel and Guzey holding courtesy appointments.

The initiative addresses the national demand for a workforce ready to advance U.S. competitiveness and security in microelectronics. Fellows will gain expertise through microelectronics experiences, graduate coursework, and annual teacher summits, while leading district-wide alignment efforts for microelectronics education. The project partners with Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Naval Surface Warfare Center–Crane, and the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub, serving districts that include Washington Community Schools, Lafayette School Corporation, Loogootee Community Schools, and Purdue Polytechnic High Schools.

“This award provides an opportunity for Purdue to build national leadership in preparing teachers who can connect microelectronics research with K–12 education,” said Strimel. “The Master Teacher Fellows program not only will expand teacher expertise but strengthen pathways for students into critical technology fields.”

The project builds on Moore’s leadership in SCALE K-12, a program within the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE) microelectronics workforce development initiative. The SCALE K-12 program develops curriculum and professional learning experiences to help teachers introduce semiconductor and microelectronics concepts to students. Lessons from this program will inform the fellowship’s curriculum design and outreach, strengthening pathways from K–12 classrooms into the microelectronics workforce.

“By equipping teachers with cutting-edge knowledge in microelectronics, we are not only giving them the tools to spark student curiosity but also empowering them to prepare young people for careers that directly shape our nation’s future,” Moore said. “Our goal is to make microelectronics accessible in every classroom, connect learning to real-world opportunities, and inspire a diverse generation of innovators who will drive the next wave of technological breakthroughs.”

Supported in part by Micron Technology, Inc., the project will also contribute research on effective strategies for teacher leadership and retention in high-need districts, with results shared through national conferences, microelectronics hubs, and open-access resources.

About SCALE K-12

SCALE K-12 is a nationwide program working to spark interest in microelectronics and build a strong future workforce by engaging students early in their educational journey. The program collaborates closely with teachers and school districts to weave microelectronics themes into classrooms through innovative lessons, hands-on activities, and professional development opportunities. By giving educators practical tools and resources, SCALE K-12 helps inspire the next generation of problem solvers and prepares students from all backgrounds to pursue careers that advance U.S. leadership in microelectronics. Learn more at https://www.scalek12.org.