Boise State and University of Rochester awarded grant to empower K-12 educators in semiconductor and microelectronics

Faculty from Boise State and University of Rochester are collaborating on a $2.1 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Micron Foundation with the goal to empower K-12 STEM educators to become leaders for the rapidly expanding microelectronics and semiconductor ecosystems in Idaho and New York.

This Track 3: Master Teaching Fellowships project was awarded through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Noyce) and is supported by funds from the NSF and the Micron Foundation. The project includes enhanced teacher leadership skills, student engagement opportunities, and strengthened educational pathways to support the emerging microelectronic ecosystem in both states.

The Noyce program aims to develop talented STEM undergraduates and professionals into effective K-12 STEM educators and fosters the advancement of exemplary teachers in high-need districts into master K-12 STEM teachers.

This five-year award will advance the leadership skills of STEM teachers across both states and support them to enact K-12 STEM initiatives within their local ecosystems. Initiatives will be designed to help students discover and pursue opportunities in microelectronics and semiconductor industries.

"We are thrilled to be part of this capacity-building initiative that will empower K-12 STEM educators to shape the next generation of leaders in the semiconductor industry," Rosita Najmi, Micron's global head of social impact and community engagement, and executive director of the Micron Foundation said. "When industry, government, and educators come together like Micron has with the National Science Foundation, Boise State, and the University of Rochester, we not only accelerate progress and enhance the technical capabilities of institutions and stakeholders, but also exponentially increase access to quality STEM education for the leaders of tomorrow."

"It is about preparing STEM teachers to be leaders for the rapidly expanding microelectronics, or semiconductor ecosystems in Idaho and New York. We will take 20 STEM teachers, 10 each from Idaho and New York and the teachers will go through leadership training and expanded curriculums at their respective universities," said Krishna Pakala, principal investigator and an associate professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering, as well as the Associate Chair for the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University.

"K-12 STEM teachers provide a critical foundation for regional innovation industries," said Michael Daley, associate professor of education and principal investigator at the University of Rochester. Daley added, "STEM teacher leaders play crucial roles in schools, including developing curricula, providing professional development, and fostering community and industry partnerships. Supporting STEM teacher leader development contributes significantly to high-quality STEM instruction and driving future innovation."

Boise State faculty on the award include Pakala; professor of Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering, David Estrada; professor of Teaching, Learning, and Community Engagement, Leslie Atkins; assistant professor of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology, Rachel Kamnkhwani; professor of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology, Patrick Lowenthal; and assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, Karthik Srinivasan.

Division of Research and Economic Development staff support for the award include: the Center for Research and Creative Activity personnel; senior research administrator, Erin Keen; senior sponsored project administrator, Norma Valdivia; and intermediate grants and contracts officer, Tyler Wilson.

University of Rochester colleagues include associate professor and director of the Center for Professional Development and Education Reform, Michael Daley; professor of chemical engineering and distinguished scientist, Mitchell Anthamatten; professor and associate dean for Graduate Studies, Cynthia Callard; and director of K-12 professional learning, Jennifer Kruger.

In addition to empowering local educators, Pakala is excited that this award will ultimately develop strong career pathways for the microelectronics and semiconductor industries across the United States.

"Idaho plays a significant role in the United States' position in the global microelectronics and semiconductor market," said U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson. "Between our state's lead in innovation and the rapid growth within the industries, supporting and preparing our STEM teachers is critical for the next generation of students. I have been proud to support Idaho's semiconductor and microelectronics industry in Congress, and I look forward to seeing how this award will benefit Idaho students."

The Universities will work with both rural and urban school districts in Idaho and New York, the Industrial Associates Program at University of Rochester, and the Microelectronics Education and Research Center at Boise State University. They will also partner with nonprofit organizations, including the Idaho STEM Action Center, the Idaho Rural Schools Association, and The Story Collider.

"This award is a perfect example of how Boise State College of Engineering faculty are dedicated to empowering Idaho teachers and students," said Amy Fleischer, Dean of the Boise State College of Engineering. "Creating more opportunities to propel Idaho K-12 educators into leadership roles will give Idaho students the support they need to excel in the burgeoning microelectronic and semiconductor industry."

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under award number 2448270.

"Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation."

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