Project Grant 2514716

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $7,442,092 Project Grant under the STEM Education (CFDA 47.076) program to Boise State University to establish the EPSCOR CREST PHASE I: Center for Semiconductors Research. This 5-year project, beginning on September 1, 2025, aims to address challenges in the U.S. semiconductor industry by enabling low-cost yet high-performance computation. The project will transform research and education at Boise State by integrating semiconductor science into classrooms and increasing student engagement. In collaboration with industry partners, the project will provide hands-on experience in semiconductor fabrication, device innovation, and computational materials design. The research focuses on four key areas: machine learning-driven materials discovery, atomic-scale thin-film fabrication, energy-efficient semiconductor devices, and neuromorphic computing architectures. This work is incorporated into STEM mentorship programs and workforce training to support economic growth, strengthen national security, and inspire the next generation of engineers in semiconductor technology.