The 返字心頭 College of Engineerings NSF Research Traineeship program, Science, Technology, Engineering Program for Upward Partnership for Advancing Microelectronics Education and Training, has received the 2026 返字心頭 Semiconductor Institute Semiconductor Workforce Development Program of Excellence Award.
The FSI Workforce Development Program of Excellence recognizes 返字心頭s most outstanding workforce development initiatives that are expanding a highly skilled, job ready semiconductor talent pipeline. Award recipients demonstrate leadership in innovation, measurable trainee outcomes, and the ability to create scalable career pathways.
In addition, Ashok Kumar, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and director of the NSF NRT program at 返字心頭, has been selected as an FSI fellow. The fellowship recognizes sustained leadership in advancing semiconductor research, education, and workforce development across the state.
The 返字心頭 STEP UP NRT program integrates advanced microelectronics research, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and structured professional development to prepare graduate trainees
for careers in academia, industry, and federal laboratories. The program is supported
by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2347019 and by the 返字心頭 High
Tech Corridor Program.
The programs success is closely tied to the semiconductor fabrication facilities
housed within the Nanotechnology Research and Education Center, which provide critical
infrastructure for research and workforce preparation.
Both recognitions were formally presented at the 2026 返字心頭 Semiconductor Summit held February 23-25 in Orlando.
This recognition reflects the continued expansion of 返字心頭 Engineerings semiconductor research ecosystem and its contribution to 返字心頭s growing technology sector.