Project Grant 2548401

The University of Dayton Research Institute received a $261,522 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Materials Research (CFDA 47.049 – Mathematical and Physical Sciences) effective July 15, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The award funds a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site program that provides a 10-week immersive research experience for undergraduate students from across the United States in semiconductor electronics and photonics. Participants engage in hands-on semiconductor device fabrication and testing at the UD Nanofab facility, conduct research in areas including phase change materials, semiconductor nanocrystals, optical nanofabrication techniques, additive manufacturing for device packaging, and photonic integrated circuits for sensing applications, and attend workshops led by industry technical experts and academic faculty.

The program is designed to develop a workforce trained in semiconductor materials, electronic and photonic devices, and manufacturing processes while building participants' scientific, engineering, and professional skills for advancement to graduate school or careers in the semiconductor industry. By fostering research mentorship under University of Dayton faculty and facilitating personal and professional networking opportunities, the REU Site directly supports the expansion of the U.S. STEM workforce in critical semiconductor chip manufacturing for applications in healthcare, environmental management, consumer products, and national defense.