EAGER: Empowering and Enhancing Semiconductor and Microelectronics Expertise Through Targeted Research and Mentorship

In a collaboration between the NSF Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) and NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative and the programs, EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGERs) were considered under NSF Dear Colleague Letter 24-062 to increase participation and develop the workforce in microelectronics through research experiences and structured mentoring. This project seeks to establish an academic training model that combines practical, hands-on research experiences and structured mentoring to deepen student engagement with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in microelectronics fields. Through this effort, junior level, undergraduate students majoring in electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology engage in research focused on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in semiconductor manufacturing to automate chip design, optimize production, and advance chip performance and energy efficiency. Faculty mentors guide students in research aligned with current industry challenges and use a conceptual framework, guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory, and Prosocial Motivation, to enhance students’ educational experiences. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.