On August 9, the Biden-Harris Administration marked two years after the CHIPS and Science Act and celebrated the historic achievements in bringing semiconductor supply chains home, creating jobs, supporting innovation, and protecting national security.
According to the Fact Sheet, although America invented the semiconductor, and used to produce nearly 40 percent of the world’s chips, today, United States produces only about 10 percent of global supply—and none of the most advanced chips.
The CHIPS and Science Act aimed to change that by investing nearly $53 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, and workforce.
CHIPS has dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars to ensuring that America’s semiconductor comeback will serve to benefit American workers. For example, the National Science Foundation (NSF) launched its Future of Semiconductors initiative, a $45.6 million investment to conduct frontier research and develop the future microelectronics workforce.
The NSF also announced its inaugural Regional Innovation Engines, 10 locations receiving a $150 million investment with the potential for up to $2 billion in funding over the next decade.
This week, Johns Hopkins and Morgan State universities announced that they have been awarded a $2.7 million National Science Foundation grant to launch an innovative training program in AI-guided semiconductor and microelectronics processing.
Funded through NSF’s National Research Traineeship initiative, the program is designed to cultivate a diverse workforce armed with expertise in AI and microelectronics.
The NSF’s NRT program funds interdisciplinary graduate education initiatives to develop a skilled STEM workforce. It supports new training methods in important areas of national priority, developing scientists to handle complex challenges in science and engineering.
The co-principal investigators from Whiting School of Engineering at Hopkins include Amy Foster from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The Morgan State University faculty team, led by PI Onyema Osuagwu, includes co-PIs and AI expert Kofi Nyarko, and fabrication expert and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Head Michael Spencer.
“The microelectronics industry is undergoing a welcome renaissance in the U.S., thanks to the Biden CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to revitalize this critical sector. Microelectronic devices such as phones, TVs, and laptops are an indispensable part of our lives and society expects their performance to continue to grow,” says Paulette Clancy, Edward J. Schaefer Professor in Engineering at the Whiting School of Engineering and Hopkins’ principal investigator on the team.
The program will focus on four areas of new AI-driven development: low-dimensional and quantum materials; materials for advanced semiconductor manufacturing; advanced computing hardware; and next-generation electronics for new environments and applications.
“These research areas will help define the future of information and communications technology and ensure that we satisfy high-performance needs while being more energy-efficient, secure, and resilient,” said co-PI Thomas Kempa, a professor of chemistry in JHU’s Krieger School of Arts & Sciences and co-director of JHU’s Hub for Imaging and Quantum Technologies.
Guided by 25 Johns Hopkins University/Morgan State faculty members whose research lies at the forefront of creating new materials, new fabrication, and new business endeavors, the program’s approximately 70 students will use AI to reimagine how microelectronic devices are designed and fabricated, exploring new materials and new processes, and creating new approaches to ensuring supply-chain resilience.
The training program will not only contribute to AI development but also provide graduate students with valuable practical experience in building devices. Training includes semiconductor fabrication experience, internships at participating companies, networking and workshops, and personalized career advice.
“This team brings expertise and perspectives from all over the JHU and nearby Morgan State campuses to train the kind of multidisciplinary science/engineers needed in the emerging AI industry. The ability of our students to navigate between domain science and AI-driven engineering solutions will undoubtedly set them apart,” said co-PI Rigoberto Hernandez, Gompf Family Professor of Chemistry at the KSAS.
However, the program’s goals extend beyond enhancing participants’ technical skills. According to Pam Sheff, co-PI and director of WSE’s Center for Leadership Education, it will also develop well-rounded professionals equipped with business knowledge and acumen.
“Students will also gain the management expertise to lead and implement innovation, including creating business plans, combatting AI bias, improving cybersecurity, and upholding ethical practices,” she said.
Clancy expects the initiative to establish Hopkins at the forefront of cultivating a more inclusive microelectronics workforce, leveraging the strengths of both JHU and Morgan State to educate and prepare the next generation of innovators in this critical field.
“This award will help us create a ground-breaking training program for students who will bring about a revolution in AI-guided microelectronics and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in a critical set of industries. They will graduate with essential scientific knowledge that will distinguish them as industry leaders,” she said.
