Steering the Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing

dean's messages

Another exciting year of Maryland Engineering research is underway. In addition to several significant federal awards—$62.5 million for a new battery consortium, $26 million to develop new refrigeration technologies, and $10 million for hydrogen for transportation systems—our research is defining critical and emerging areas of engineering, and novel yet practical solutions to societal needs. As examples, we are leading and developing local and national partnerships for advanced manufacturing, materials discovery, women’s healthcare, critical infrastructure, climate change, energy solutions—and advanced semiconductor technology.

The United States has made major investments in the onshoring of semiconductor manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act, and Maryland Engineering is making those investments work for our country:

Led by Institute for Systems Research Director Ankur Srivastava, UMD and the Clark School serve on the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium’s steering committee. The MMEC recently announced $31 million in projects through Microelectronics Commons, including research in secure edge technologies that include Clark School expertise.
Associate Professor Cheng Gong won a $1.9 million NSF grant to develop an energy logic-memory bifunctional device, and help develop the workforce for semiconductor manufacturing.
Our Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE) is a leader in thermal management solutions for advanced semiconductors funded by U.S. Department of Defense awards.

These are a few of many examples. Our feature story, “Engineering Headway in Microelectronics Manufacturing,” further explores our semiconductor research: manufacturing processes and packaging for semiconductors, including efficiencies created by industrial AI; new and more dependable materials; training a workforce for domestic production; and more. Our location on Washington, D.C.’s doorstep affords us a unique chance to partner with major companies and the federal government in advising on semiconductor policy. We are proud that Maryland Engineering is providing leadership on national needs and innovating for the public good.

Samuel Graham, Jr. (he/him/his)
Dean and Nariman Farvardin Professor

Published October 15, 2024