The Microelectronics Education and Research Center, formerly known as the Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research, has found a new name and home in the Boise State College of Engineering, pending State Board of Education notification. This move will strengthen and support the center’s vision through close alignment with the college as they work collaboratively to become the central hub for microelectronic innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce development in Idaho.
The center was previously housed in the Office of the Provost, where it served as a university-wide effort to prepare students for careers related to microelectronics by developing educational initiatives, workforce development and avenues of research. While the administrative location will change, this cross-university collaboration will continue to be a key focal point of center activities.
“At MERC, we strive to connect Boise State with our regional industry collaborators to best understand their needs and support their goals,” said Microelectronics Education and Research Center Executive Director Dan Lamborn. “In just two years, the center has advanced semiconductor education across Idaho through the ‘Semiconductors for All’ initiative. We have engaged with over 11,000 K-12 students, developed free online professional development courses and provided direct support to Idaho educators. MERC will continue to serve as the university’s hub for UPWARDS for the Future, an international partnership among 11 U.S. and Japanese universities, Micron, and TEL.”
Building collaborations for success
Boise State launched the initiative in 2023 as an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing U.S. semiconductor capabilities, aligning with the national CHIPS and Science Act. The College of Engineering has positioned itself as a regional leader in semiconductor research and education, addressing complex and critical industry challenges while creating opportunities for students and industry alike. This realignment of the center within the College of Engineering will leverage and amplify the strengths of both entities, with the goal of being a national leader in semiconductor education and research.
The college has recently invested funds into on-campus facilities, including upgrades to the state’s largest university clean room, introduced new degree and academic offerings around semiconductor devices, design and processing. They have also improved career pipelines through partnerships at the K-16 levels and introduced first-of-its-kind technology to address complex semiconductor challenges.
Through these initiatives, Boise State is fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, attracting top talent to the region and reinforcing Idaho’s role as a semiconductor powerhouse.
New home, same focus
World-class faculty in the College of Engineering share expertise and external funding in microelectronics research, where research expenditures have more than tripled in the last decade.
This move also helps the College of Engineering continue its core value of striving for a creative, collaborative, relevant and reflective environment of cutting-edge learning paradigms and experiences through teaching and research.
“The vision and goals of the Microelectronics Education and Research Center align perfectly with the goals of the College of Engineering – to be a national leader in semiconductor research and education,” College of Engineering Dean Amy S. Fleischer said. “This move will support faculty innovation and industry partnership in these critical focus areas.”
The Microelectronics Education and Research Center’s core mission remains the same – to create an ecosystem of use-inspired research, private and public partnership, and innovation to drive leading-edge microelectronic technologies. The center will continue to partner with Boise State colleges and departments to:
- Ensure the success of students from all backgrounds in microelectronics fields;
- Establish curriculum that is relevant and cutting-edge with innovative pathways;
- Forge connections between K-12 classrooms, university education, and the workforce in relation to semiconductors;
- and advance research in microelectronics and STEM education.
Follow the Microelectronics Education and Research Center website for the latest events updates.