Sections
Education and Career Development
Partners and Collaborators
“This is an award that primarily provides opportunity for students to get into the semiconductor industry, and adds a layer of ability and opportunity that we haven’t had in the past, and our school is primed to take advantage of that.”
— Eric Jankowski, Principal Investigator and Director, Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering
The “AWESOME” Center’s Goals
The center’s primary objectives are to:
- Revolutionize AI energy efficiency through groundbreaking research
- Establish Boise State’s national competitiveness as a leader in semiconductor research and education
- Improve educational opportunities for students entering the semiconductor industry
Education & Workforce Development
Building Idaho’s Next-Generation Semiconductor Workforce
AWESOME addresses a critical challenge facing Idaho: despite hosting a robust semiconductor industry with companies like Micron Technology, the state has one of the lowest college-going rates among semiconductor-producing states and significant underrepresentation in STEM fields. Our comprehensive educational ecosystem creates multiple pathways into semiconductor careers through innovative programming, including “Building the Modern Computer” (BMC101)—a hands-on general education course that connects cutting-edge research to everyday technology—and Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) that integrate students from sophomores to PhD level into real research teams with structured mentoring and support.
Our approach combines revolutionary mentoring through partnerships with The Story Collider for narrative-based professional development, strategic K-12 outreach leveraging established programs like the Idaho STEM Action Center and Engineering & Science Festival, and direct industry integration through our External Advisory Board and company partnerships. With comprehensive financial support ensuring at least 20 first-generation and transfer students participate with full tuition coverage plus research income, AWESOME creates an inclusive, accessible pathway from K-12 through doctoral studies. The result is a transformative model that not only meets Idaho’s immediate workforce needs but prepares diverse students for leadership roles in shaping the future of semiconductor technology and innovation.
To advance education, mentorship, and foster workforce development, the team will:
- Develop modern computing courses and resources
- Create Vertically Integrated Projects with accessible on-ramps
- Implement robust mentoring programs for students
- Serve Idaho’s communities with shared purpose and governance
- Support a growing semiconductor workforce
Research Areas and Strategy
Breakthrough Research: Next-Generation Computing Through Smart Materials
We’re revolutionizing computing for the AI era through an ambitious four-part research program spanning atomic-scale materials design to complete brain-inspired computing systems. Our team combines cutting-edge machine learning with precision manufacturing to rapidly discover ferroelectric materials with unprecedented properties, then uses atomic layer processing to build revolutionary hybrid devices that merge light-speed processing with ferroelectric memory capabilities—consuming 1000 times less energy than current technologies while operating at nanosecond speeds.
These breakthrough materials enable complete neuromorphic computing systems that learn and adapt like biological brains, using spike-based communication and plasticity mechanisms that dramatically reduce power consumption while enabling real-time learning. The result is a transformative computing paradigm that creates the foundation for sustainable artificial intelligence operating everywhere from ultra-efficient edge devices to high-throughput data centers, potentially revolutionizing smartphones to autonomous systems while solving the critical energy challenges facing modern computing.
The project bridges research and workforce development through four key areas:
- Machine learning-driven materials discovery
- Awesome Research Lab 1: Accelerated Design of Ferroelectric Materials with Desired Properties and Performance
- Led by: Lan Li
- Lab: Material Theory and Modeling Group
- Atomic-scale thin-film fabrication
- Awesome Research Lab 2: Atomic Layer Processing of Oxide Ferroelectrics
- Led by Dr. Elton Graugnard
- Energy-efficient semiconductor devices:
- Awesome Research Lab 3: Hybrid Ferroelectric-Photonic Directional Couplers for Multi-Bit Computing
- Led by Dr. Karthik Srinivasan
- Neuromorphic computing architectures
- AWESOME Research Lab 4: In-Memory Neuromorphic Computing with Ferroelectric and Photonic Materials
- Led by Dr. Kurtis D. Cantley
Industry Collaboration & Impact
In collaboration with industry partners, the project provides hands-on experience in semiconductor fabrication, device innovation, and computational materials design. This comprehensive approach supports economic growth, strengthens national security, and inspires the next generation of engineers, ensuring Idaho and the nation remain leaders in semiconductor technology.
Funding Acknowledgment
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under award number 2514716.
Link to NSF Award: The Center for Advancing Workforce Experience through Semiconductors, Outreach, and Mentoring Excellence
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.
About CREST
The Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program provides support to enhance the research capabilities of institutions by establishing centers that effectively integrate education and research.
Want to learn more or find out how to get involved?
Please fill out this form.