DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) – To put it simply, if something uses electricity, it probably needs a semiconductor.
But the United States has always outsourced semiconductor production to countries like Taiwan and China – that is, until now.
Senator Sherrod Brown and Representative Mike Turner have selected the University of Dayton to be at the forefront of semiconductor production in the United States.
“Pretty much everything in our daily lives relies on them,” said Andrew Sarangan, Professor of Electro-Optics and Photonics at the University of Dayton. “Whether it’s your microwave ovens, toasters, wristwatches, phones, thermostats, cars, everything relies on them. Society would come to a grinding halt without them.”
Professor Sarangan says that semiconductors, and their continuous production, are critical to a functioning society.
With the help of the United States Congress, the University of Dayton will be able to train an entire generation of semiconductor manufacturers – all working right here in the US.
US Representative Mike Turner says, in part, “I am proud to have helped secure funding to enhance the incredible work being done by the University of Dayton to train and educate the next generation of workers.”
Senator Sherrod Brown shares Turner’s perspective, and the two are investing $2 million dollars in federal funds for the University of Dayton to dramatically expand their semiconductor training programs.
Senator Brown said, in part, “Ohio students and workers are going to lead in the industries of the future.”
Sarangan continues, “This really builds on what we’ve been doing for two decades, but this is a big boost because now we can provide training for a larger population.”
This news comes as Intel is in the middle of building a state-of-the-art chip manufacturing plant in Licking County.
By receiving this training, UD students hope that they will become far more attractive candidates to Intel, Lam Research, and other potential employers.
“I’m very excited that the University has been able to get this grant,” said Angelica Drees, Electro-Optics and Photonics Major at the University of Dayton. “Being able to work in the clean room has been a great experience. I think it’s an amazing basis for anyone who is intending to go into industry after.”
As of right now, there is no timeline for when federal funding will be received by the university.
But once it is, UD will begin expanding their current facilities.
For any student who may be interested in the semiconductor program, you can find more information at udayton.edu.
