Intel Supports Semiconductor Educator Training Program at the University of Arizona

 

The University of Arizona will launch a new hands-on semiconductor educator training program in summer 2027, providing high school teachers with firsthand experience in semiconductor fabrication and emerging technologies. Supported by Intel, the program will be hosted at the Physics Department’s Future Advanced Semiconductor Technology Laboratory (FASTLab), a state-of-the-art facility established with support from the Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing (CMS) and the Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP).

 

The program will train 20 high school science and technology teachers through two intensive sessions. Participants will gain practical experience in semiconductor manufacturing processes, including vacuum technology, thin-film deposition, photolithography, ion beam etching, and electrical characterization. Teachers will also tour the University's central cleanroom and visit active research laboratories, where they will interact with faculty and researchers working on emerging semiconductor technologies.

 

A distinctive feature of the program is FASTLab's open laboratory design, which allows participants to directly observe and operate advanced semiconductor fabrication equipment in an ISO Class 7 (Class 10,000) clean environment. This provides an unusual opportunity for educators to experience the complete semiconductor fabrication process, from materials deposition to device characterization, within a single facility. Each teacher will take home semiconductor samples fabricated during the training, along with instructional materials to share with their students. The program is expected to reach more than 500 high school students, helping introduce semiconductor technologies and career opportunities to the next generation.

 

The project is led by Weigang Wang, Professor of Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Zafer Mutlu, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering with a joint appointment in Physics.

By connecting high school classrooms with advanced university research facilities, the program aims to strengthen Arizona's semiconductor workforce pipeline and inspire future scientists and engineers.