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Texas Semiconductor Institute Semiconductor Research Experience for Undergraduates

Semiconductors are essential to modern technology, enabling the compact and powerful devices that define contemporary life. Thermal management is crucial in modern electronics because excess heat degrades performance, reduces efficiency, and shortens component lifespan. The Texas Semiconductor Institute Semiconductor Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) provides undergraduate students with a 10-week research-intensive experience, focusing on advanced semiconductor materials and thermal management strategies. The program provides meaningful research experiences, industry engagement, and professional development opportunities.

 

Join us this summer and take the first step toward a future in semiconductor research and innovation.

Apply Today

Eligibility

This is a competitive program open to undergraduate engineering and science majors enrolled in 4-year U.S. universities who have completed their second and third year with a 3.0 GPA or better.

Application

The following documents are required for your application to be reviewed:

  • A completed online application 
    • Submit a statement of purpose, current resume, and unofficial transcript with Fall grades in the application.
  • Two online recommendation forms.
    • Please share this link with your references who are recommending you; they must fill out the form. Academic faculty, research advisors, internship advisors, and supervisors are all excellent resources to provide recommendations.

Application review begins Jan 15, and decision notifications are on a rolling basis.

Have questions? Contact Patrick Shamberger

 

Program Benefits

Students will receive:

  • A stipend of $6,000, distributed over the summer period
  • On-campus housing and up to $500 support for travel to/from College Station, TX
  • Visit a leading semiconductor fab and interact with professional semiconductor engineers
  • Professional development seminars
  • Final poster session presentation with 150+ students from different REU programs

Program Projects

This summer, the Semiconductor REU will include projects on the following topics:

  • Neuromorphic materials
  • Scientific machine learning / AI
  • Low-dimensional materials and devices
  • Electronics packaging strategies
  • Thermal management of electronic devices and components

Example Research Projects from Previous Summer

  • Investigating Convergence Strategies for Non-linear Systems in COMSOL through Lanthanum Cobaltite (LaCoO₃) / VO₂ devices
  • Design, fabrication, and assembly of thermal test vehicle
  • Nonlinear Optical Properties of MA2Z4 and NbOX2
  • 3D Topological Photonic Crystal Modeling
  • Optical Vortex Generation
  • Growth Conditions of Buffer to Facilitate VO2 Thin Film Growth
  • In-sensor computing via 2D ionic solid
  • An Experimental Study of Dynamic Capillary Action in Open-Cell Copper Foams
  • 2D Ionic Materials for the application of ultralow threshold voltage devices
  • Orientation-Dependent Work Function of Metal Oxide Thin Films
  • SEM Analysis of Al₂O₃ Buffer Layers on Silicon for VO₂ Integration
  • Simulation of Phase Change Materials for Thermal Management
  • Effects of Mechanical Strain on Metal-Insulator Transitions in Vanadium Oxide for Neuromorphic Computing Applications
  • Thermal Modulation of Friction: Modeling Spatiotemporal Limits in Surface Haptics
  • Electrical Characterization of VO2 Thin-Film Devices On Various Substrates

Investigators

The Semiconductor REU is led by a team of distinguished faculty investigators from Texas A&M University who bring extensive expertise in materials science, semiconductor processing, and engineering education.

Dion S. Antao

  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
  • J. Mike Walker '66 Faculty Fellow III
Dion S. Antao

Raymundo Arróyave

  • Associate Department Head for Research, Materials Science & Engineering
  • Professor, Materials Science & Engineering
  • Chevron Professor II
  • Presidential Impact Fellow
  • Chancellor EDGES Fellow
  • Engineering Dean’s Research Fellow
  • Affiliated Faculty, Industrial & Systems Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Raymundo Arróyave

Jonathan Felts

  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
  • Steve Brauer, Jr. '02 Faculty Fellow
Jonathan Felts

Shoufeng Lan

  • Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
  • Affiliated Faculty, Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Affiliated Faculty, Materials Science & Engineering
Shoufeng Lan

Pao-Tai Lin

  • Associate Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering
  • Director, Mid-Infrared Integrated Photonics and Remote Sensing (MiPRoS) Laboratory
Pao-Tai Lin

Yuxuan "Cosmi" Lin

  • Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
  • Affiliated Faculty, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Yuxuan "Cosmi" Lin

Matt Pharr

  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
  • J. Mike Walker ‘66 Faculty Fellow I
  • Affiliated Faculty, Materials Science & Engineering
Matt Pharr

Patrick Shamberger

  • Director of Undergraduate Programs, Materials Science & Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Materials Science & Engineering
  • AZZ Inc. Fellow
Patrick Shamberger

Qing Tu

  • Assistant Professor, Materials Science & Engineering
Qing Tu

Kelvin Xie

  • Associate Professor, Materials Science & Engineering
  • Eugene Webb Faculty Fellow
Kelvin Xie
Have questions or want to learn more about the Semiconductor REU? We’re here to help—reach out to our team for more information about the program, application process, or research opportunities.

Contact Patrick Shamberger