Team of HBCUs Gets $3M for Semiconductor Research

By Ashley Brown

In an achievement aimed at advancing semiconductor research and enhancing workforce development, researchers from seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities have secured a three-year, $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

This initiative is part of the NSF’s $10.5 million inaugural Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation Ideas Lab. ARC-HBCU aims to foster interdisciplinary research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at HBCUs.

Central State University will lead the “Partnership for Advancing Research Capacity in Semiconductors at Historically Black Colleges and Universities” project. The collaboration includes Fayetteville State University, Hampton University, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Meharry Medical College, and Coppin State University.

NC A&T Semiconductor Researchers

NC A&T will receive $688,000 over the grant’s three-year duration. Michael Curry, Ph.D., and Jerald Dumas, Ph.D., NC A&T Department of Nanoengineering at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering faculty members, are spearheading efforts focused on sustainable biomanufacturing and workforce development.

Despite previous funding attempts, disparities remain between HBCUs and predominantly White institutions regarding research capabilities. “Less than 10% of HBCUs are considered R2 institutions and are equipped with the appropriate resources and funding that supports the capacity for high-impact research,” Curry explained.

Both researchers are committed to addressing these inequities. Dr. Curry specializes in sustainable biomanufacturing using plant-based materials, while Dr. Dumas is establishing a bio-inspired polymer engineering lab. Their collaboration aims to develop processes to mitigate the waste created during semiconductor manufacturing.

“We have to have a way to deal with that waste, given the push to increase production. ” Curry said. “Part of our efforts is to lead the development of technology and mechanisms by which we can sustainably develop tech that can mitigate or remediate the waste that will be generated.”

A significant aspect of the grant is its emphasis on workforce development. The team plans to introduce certificate programs and training opportunities to build a skilled workforce at varying educational levels. “My passion is entrepreneurship and learning,” said Dumas. “Grants like this one is the perfect opportunity to provide training not only to faculty but to students as well.”

“The semiconductor industry is going to require a lot of the workforce that doesn’t necessarily need an advanced degree, but maybe they need a certificate, a reskilling, so they can potentially change careers to an incredibly vibrant and emerging field that will have a huge impact on our nation’s economy,” added Curry.