NAU opens microelectronics lab to train semiconductor workforce

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Northern Arizona University has opened a microelectronics lab to train students for Arizona's semiconductor industry.

Northern Arizona University has opened a microelectronics lab to help train students and researchers for Arizona's semiconductor industry. The Arizona Commerce Authority gave NAU $13 million two years ago to train students in the field, with $8 million of that funding going toward the new lab called the Microelectronics Processing and Characterization Testing lab, or MPaCT, which opened last week.

Arizona's semiconductor industry has grown substantially over the past six years, with roughly 25,000 projected new jobs and more than $205 billion in investment, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority. The new lab includes more than 35 advanced instruments for students and researchers to use. Michael Shafer, associate dean of research at the engineering school, said the facility aims to give students hands-on experience: 'We really need to be able to create students that can come out and jump right into industry. That's really what the MPaCT lab is about; it's that experiential learning.'

Roger Alvis, lab and research facility administrator, said it is important for students to have a place where they can apply classroom learning in a lab setting, particularly as semiconductor technology evolves rapidly. Shafer noted that no other lab like it exists on the Colorado Plateau, bringing advanced semiconductor training directly to rural students.

How it is being reported

• NAU opens microelectronics lab to train semiconductor workforceThe new facility aims to give students hands-on experience in Arizona’s growing chip industry.KOLD · 26 Oct, 23:08
• NAU opens microelectronics lab to train semiconductor workforceThe new facility aims to give students hands-on experience in Arizona’s growing chip industry.Azfamily · 26 Oct, 23:08

In this story: Northern Arizona University · Arizona Commerce Authority · Arizona · Michael Shafer · Roger Alvis · Colorado Plateau

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