COEN Impact Report 2024

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING BY THE NUMBERS MS

BS

COEN RESEARCH EXPENDITURES

PhD

GRADUATES GROWTH Graduates Growth

In millions of dollars, FY2024, reported to ASEE

20

800

BS

700

15

600

10

400

MS

PhD

500

300

5

200 100

0

0 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2022-23 2023-24

2021-22

COEN FUNDING SOURCES FY2024 Faculty Research Awards

1.4%

UNIVERSITY SUBCONTRACTS

1%

INDUSTRY

STATE

21.8%

OTHER

.5% 1%

NON-PROFIT

18.9%

NSF

3 16.1%

DOE

26% DOD

13.8%

COEN BUDGET

FY2024

RANKINGS The College of Engineering at Boise State University remains the largest and highest ranked educational institution for computer science and engineering in the state of Idaho. Here is how the college ranks in important areas according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Engineering Education.

•

2.5M 4.8M

$45.8 MILLION

17M

22.5M

Highest Percentage Engineering Doctoral Degrees Awarded to Women- #16

•

Engineering Doctoral Degrees Awarded to Underrepresented Minorities- #20

•

SPONSORED RESEARCH STATE APPROPRIATIONS

Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded in Engineering

DONATIONS

(General)- #31

FEES, SELF SUPPORT, DEVELOPMENT

Impact Report

FEDERAL (OTHER)

LIGHTY LEAVES Dean Lighty spearheaded significant impacts in student success and scholarship, relentless faculty innovation, and more during her tenure. Here are some highlights: • Thanks to Catherine and Bob Palmer, COEN ESTABLISHED ITS FIRST ENDOWED CHAIR – the William H. McMurren Endowed Chair in Construction Management. Anthony Perrenoud was first appointed to the role in 2024.

• COEN’s undergraduate and graduate programs climbed into the U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS, for the first time in program history.

• Since 2017, COEN faculty members earned 15 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION CAREER AWARDS supporting early-career researchers.

• With support from corporations as lead sponsors, the MICRON STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER was established delivering a student-centered approach to student success, hiring its inaugural director in 2023.

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The College of Engineering hosted Susan Margulies who leads the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Engineering. Photo by Jamie Fink

• COEN established TWO NEW DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS in Biomedical Engineering and Engineering, providing more faculty the ability to contribute to COEN’s growing research.

College of Engineering

• COEN more than TRIPLED AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS to nearly $600,000 per year in the last seven years.

• The Idaho State Board of Education approved a NEW ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM and the SCHOOL OF COMPUTING reflecting the considerable growth since the college was founded in 1997, as well as of what COEN will be in the future.

Dean Lighty celebrates a successful Bronco Day at Boise State with the College of Engineering Ambassadors. Photo by Jamie Fink

• Under Dean Lighty, the college HIRED 42 NEW FACULTY members across its nine departments and schools.

• Under Dean Lighty’s leadership, 21 FACULTY MEMBERS RECEIVED PROMOTION to full professor and 35 RECEIVED TENURE. • The Idaho Associated General Contractors AWARDED THE 19TH MEMBER SERVICES AWARD to Dean Lighty for her dedication and impact on the construction industry in Idaho. Lighty was the first non-member and non-staff recipient of the award from Boise State University.

• The $50 million MICRON CENTER FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH opened at Boise State in 2020. Stateof-the-art research lab spaces and classrooms are included among its 97,000 square feet.

• In 2017, the Engineering Building was renamed the RUCH ENGINEERING BUILDING, in honor of Boise State’s fifth president Charles Ruch.

Dean Lighty (far right) joined the Idaho National Laboratory at the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the installation of new equipment at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies. Photo courtesy of CAES

A LEGACY OF IMPACT Q: What do you see as the college’s biggest impacts during your tenure as the dean?

A: During my tenure, I am proud to have led COEN through a period of transformative growth in enrollment, graduates, and research. Together, we built exceptional teams and infrastructure, tripling our research expenditures to fuel groundbreaking solutions for global challenges. At the same time, we’ve steadfastly prioritized student success, culminating in the creation of the Micron Student Success Center. We have expanded scholarships, enhanced learning opportunities, and fostered an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. This impact could not have been done without the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and partners.

Q: How important are the ties you’ve made between COEN and its industrial partners for research and education, and how did you try to strengthen those ties during your tenure?

Q: Where do you think COEN goes in the next 10 to 20 years in terms of growth or student success? Are we setting a good trajectory for those goals now?

A: The next decade holds immense promise for our College of Engineering. Building upon our 25-year history of innovation, we’re poised for significant growth and student success. However, realizing our full potential requires strategic investments, particularly in our world-class faculty. We must increase our faculty and staff support to expand student capacity and research impact. It’s not just about numbers – it’s about the transformative opportunities we can create for students, our university, our communities, and our future.

Leveraging our strong industry and government partnerships, I’m confident we can achieve this vision in the years to come.

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A: COEN was founded over 25 years ago. Our college’s current successes are a direct result of early industry support. During my first semester at Boise State, I met with every Industry Advisory Board member to discuss how we could further strengthen our board and its impact on faculty and students. Over the past seven years, we expanded the board, transformed biannual meetings into full-day events, and established subcommittees focused on membership, advocacy, and experiential learning. Additionally, we’ve grown our department boards. These collective efforts have significantly strengthened our college and its future. Together we’re ensuring that COEN students gain relevant, practical skills that complement their classroom learning.

ROCHE RESEARCH ON RIVERBED MICROZONES RECEIVES NSF FUNDING FOR EMISSIONS STUDY With over 250,000 rivers spanning 18 major U.S. river basins, climate change and pollution are putting immense pressure on these vital ecosystems. Boise State Civil Engineering Assistant Professor Kevin Roche is at the forefront of efforts to understand and address these challenges.

6 College of Engineering

Roche secured over $600,000 in funding this year, including two National Science Foundation (NSF) grants, to advance research on river health and greenhouse gas emissions. His work builds on prior Department of Energy-funded studies, exploring nitrous oxide emissions from river sediments and their broader effects on nutrient cycling and groundwater contaminant transformation.

“When I was living in Costa Rica as a Peace Corps volunteer, the water treatment facility in my community was broken,” Roche said. “Despite being connected to nature, my neighbors faced environmental challenges beyond their control. It inspired me to better understand the rivers and streams affected by that water.”

Locally, Roche uses the Boise River to study the impact of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) on aquatic life and human health.

His team’s fieldwork and lab experiments aim to develop risk assessment models and strategies to mitigate these contaminants.

Through partnerships with the Intermountain Bird Observatory, Roche also brings STEM programs to K-12 students, highlighting the link between groundwater and river health. These efforts aim to inspire future environmental stewards while advancing river conservation.

Kevin Roche (center) leads the Hydrologic Interfaces and Processes Lab at Boise State. Photo by Priscilla Grover

OTANICAR’S HIGH-IMPACT SOLAR RESEARCH TO REVOLUTIONIZE SOLAR RECEIVER EFFICIENCY Todd Otanicar, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering and affiliate of Boise State’s Center for Advanced Energy Studies, is leading groundbreaking research in concentrated solar-thermal power. Backed by a $400,000 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office award, his work focuses on developing new methods to enhance solar power efficiency and reliability.

As climate change intensifies, solar power’s role in mitigating its impacts has become increasingly vital. Otanicar’s project tackles the extreme conditions faced by solar receivers in concentrating solar plants (CSP), which are critical components for harnessing and storing solar energy. His team is pioneering high-temperature digital image correlation techniques to measure operational stresses, aiming to boost efficiency and lower costs.

“This grant is pivotal for advancing our understanding of the extreme conditions faced by the receiver in a concentrating solar power plant,” Otanicar said. “By studying real-time operational stresses, we aim to drive down costs and boost efficiency, helping to make solar energy more accessible and sustainable.”

With this innovative approach, Otanicar’s research could extend CSP applications to industrial processes, support decarbonization efforts, and contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. His work exemplifies the role of advanced engineering in shaping a sustainable energy future.

A NEW CENTER ENHANCES RESEARCH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR BIOMEDICAL INDUSTRY IN IDAHO Have you ever wondered who comes up with the ideas for all those medical devices you see in doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals? What team creates better sensors that provide new data to doctors for quicker diagnosis of treatable health issues? Medical devices like these are developed by teams of people that include biologists, chemists, biochemists, kinesiologists, engineers, and other researchers, in places like a recently funded research center at Boise State University.

A long-term collaboration between Jim Browning, professor of electrical and computer engineering and former associate dean of research affairs for the College of Engineering, and Ken Cornell, a professor of biochemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences, recently culminated in a five-year, $10.2 million award from the National Institutes of Health will support the establishment of the Convergent Engineering and Biomolecular Science Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (CEBS-COBRE).

“This is funded by the National Institute of Health to be a center to support research development,” Browning said. “The grant pays to improve research capabilities, to develop researchers at Boise State, and to support center operations, a critical aspect.”

a COBRE grant, increases essential infrastructure to enable sustainable development of biomedical research. The grant supports collaborative projects among faculty and with industry across biomedical and engineering disciplines that focus on the development of biomedical devices, sensors and systems.

THEODOSSIOU WINS ESTEEMED BECKMAN AWARD Theodossiou’s $600,000-funded research aims to revolutionize drug delivery using silk microneedles, leveraging the skin’s immune response to tackle global health challenges. “We’re using the Beckman Award to tackle issues like solid organ shortages, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and therapeutics based on living microbes,” she said.

Sophia Theodossiou, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Boise State, has made history as the first-ever faculty member – and first woman – from the university to receive the Beckman Young Investigator Award. This prestigious honor, awarded to only 10 researchers nationwide, supports innovative ideas in chemical and life sciences.

Leading Boise State’s Biomaterials and Musculoskeletal Engineering Laboratory, Theodossiou combines engineering, biology, and materials science to develop therapeutics and regenerate tissues. Beyond the lab, she connects with the community through Wilderness First Responder courses, food bank volunteering, and outdoor exploration with her dogs.

She joins COEN professor Scott Phillips, as the only recipients at Boise State. Phillips received his award in 2009 while teaching at Penn State University for his research in chemical amplification and responsive materials.

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Renewable for up to 15 years, or approximately $25 million in total funding, the award, also known as

The National Institute of Health, Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Convergent Engineering and Biomolecular Science at Boise State team.

Front row: Erin Mannen, Karen Marker, Rhiannon Wood, Tracy Yarnell and Diane Smith. Back row: Ken Cornell, Jim Browning, Tyler Brown, Stephen Crowley and Paul Davis. Not pictured: Benjamin Johnson.

Photo courtesy of Boise State

REDEFINING

Erin Mannen and her lab manager Chris Wilson (back row, center) lead a talented team of undergraduate and graduate students at Boise State in the BABI Lab. Photos by Priscilla Grover

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n 2021, Kids in Danger, an organization that advocates for product safety for children presented Erin Mannen the Best Friend Award for her groundbreaking infant product research that led to policy changes and recalls recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

College of Engineering

Now, the associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering is spearheading a transformative study on sudden unexpected infant death. The research, supported by a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, seeks to protect thousands of more infants by identifying how biomechanical factors such as body position, feeding, and infant product design features influence infant respiration and suffocation risks.

This innovative project could revolutionize the infant product industry, inspire new lines of research, and shape the next generation of Boise State engineers.

ADDRESSING A CRITICAL NEED Sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome, more commonly known as SUID or SIDS, is the leading cause of mortality in infants aged 1-12 months, often occurring in unsafe sleep environments or within products not designed for sleep. Yet, as Mannen notes, the role of biomechanics in these tragedies has been vastly understudied.

“Our research takes a unique perspective by looking at biomechanical risk factors that have never been examined using modern technology,” Mannen said. “We want to understand how variables like body position, feeding practices, and

harness design might influence an infant’s ability to breathe.”

Dr. Mannen’s passion for this field is personal. As a mother, she recalls searching for infant products designed with biomechanical safety in mind, only to discover a significant gap in the literature. “I realized there was a lack of data-driven guidance for parents, clinicians, and manufacturers, which inspired me to dedicate my career to this work.”

TRANSFORMING THE INFANT PRODUCT INDUSTRY The study’s findings could disrupt the infant product industry in a positive way. By providing evidence-based data on how product design affects breathing biomechanics, the research aims to inform manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

“Our data could lead to safer infant product designs by demonstrating how common features, such as the angle of an inclined product or the tightness of a harness, affect respiratory outcomes,” Mannen said.

Workshops and partnerships with industry stakeholders are already planned to ensure the research reaches the people who can use it most effectively. “We hope to see our work influence product standards and designs in the next decade,” she said. “Imagine a product that relies on our research, explicitly designed to mitigate respiratory risks. That’s the future we’re working toward.”

INFANT SAFETY: VISIONARY RESEARCH TARGETS SUDDEN INFANT DEATH RISKS ADVANCING RESEARCH AND PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING

documents and safety standards, it shows them the profound impact their engineering skills can have.”

She emphasizes the unique challenges and rewards Beyond its immediate goals, the study also of studying infant biomechanics. “Babies can’t addresses widespread misconceptions about follow instructions, so every experiment requires SUID and SIDS. “The public often views SUID as a meticulous planning and adaptation. But seeing our mysterious, unpreventable phenomenon,” Mannen students overcome these challenges and produce said. “Recent research, however, has shown that environmental factors, including sleep environments meaningful results is incredibly fulfilling.” that may be unsafe, play a Mannen believes the study’s significant role.” interdisciplinary nature enriches I’m glad to have the the student experience. With This project’s integration opportunity to develop a collaborators from the Arkansas of biomechanics and methodology that has lifeChildren’s Research Institute and respiratory science could saving implications but is industry consultants, students are establish new research also highly accessible to exposed to diverse perspectives, paradigms. For instance, it will anyone who wants to develop from clinical insights to the use technologies such as motion products for children. The regulatory landscape of product capture cameras, respiratory skills I will gain during the design. monitors, and electromyography course of our research will to quantify how factors like head A VISION FOR THE FUTURE help me to better assist and neck flexion or abdominal others in informed product Mannen envisions a future where compression affect breathing. development and really the study’s findings not only save Computational modeling will give product designers an lives but also catalyze broader complement these experimental incentive to prioritize child changes in the infant care methods, providing detailed safety. landscape. simulations of infant respiratory

“

“The biomechanical methodologies we’re employing have not been used to study this tragic problem,” she said.

“This research design allows us to control experiments in a way that retrospective studies of SUID cases cannot, offering insights that could redefine how we think about infant safety.”

Andrew Bossert

undergraduate research assistant, Mechanical Engineering

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS Mannen’s work in the Boise Applied Biomechanics of Infants (BABI) Lab is also a testament to Boise State’s commitment to experiential learning.

Students in her lab are gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and collaborating on high-impact research.

“The ultimate goal is saving babies’ lives, but another critical aspect is inspiring our students,” Mannen said. “When they meet families affected by SUID or see our work highlighted in government

“This research could lay the foundation for a biomechanicsbased understanding of infant respiration, influencing everything from product development to caregiving practices,” Mannen said. “We’re building the knowledge base that manufacturers, policymakers, and clinicians need to make informed decisions.”

Ultimately, Dr. Mannen hopes her work will inspire systemic change.

“If, 10 years from now, there are safer products on the market or new standards in place because of our research, we’ll know we’ve made a difference.”

Her dedication to bridging engineering research with real-world applications exemplifies the transformative potential of Boise State’s College of Engineering. By tackling one of the most complex and heartbreaking challenges in infant health, Mannen and her team are shaping a safer future for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.

Impact Report

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mechanics under various conditions.

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BOISE STATE LAUNCHES SCHOOL OF COMPUTING TO SHAPE IDAHO’S TECHNOLOGICAL FUTURE

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oise State University has launched its 8th school, the School of Computing, to provide Idaho with the highly skilled, computingsavvy workforce necessary to drive Idaho’s competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the School will align computing efforts universitywide to offer degree and training programs to enhance computing knowledge for students of all backgrounds and disciplines.

partnerships with industry leaders in computing and microelectronics,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter.

“The launch of the School of Computing will allow us to deepen industry relationships and foster the innovative, interdisciplinary approaches our faculty are known for in their research. The school positions us to offer new opportunities for students, researchers and industry partners for years to come.”

The School is guided by a vision built upon three foundational pillars– Fundamental Computing, Computing in the Disciplines, and Computing in Society. The School seeks to grow Boise State into a national leader in computing education and research.

These initiatives align directly with Boise State’s ‘Blueprint for Success,’ supporting strategic goals which enhance educational access, foster student and faculty success, and drive research activity.

The School of Computing will: • Supply Idaho’s booming economy with a diverse pool of computing-savvy talent spanning health care, education, engineering, the sciences, and business;

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• Foster community for faculty, students, and industry in interdisciplinary activities around Computing, Cyber Security, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence; and,

College of Engineering

• Position Idaho at the leading edge of advancements in computing education, computing research, interdisciplinary applications of computing, and the societal and policy impacts of computing.

LEADERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP Ira Burton, who brings a wealth of industry experience having worked at Micron Technology for 28 years, was appointed as the School’s inaugural director.

Burton will lead the School of Computing to serve as a powerful hub to empower continued collaboration, support new opportunities and partnerships across disciplines, and engage with internal and external partners as a point of entry to advance computed-related research, training, and awareness.

The School of Computing represents a bold step forward for Boise State, as it is uniquely positioned in the Intermountain West to supercharge computing across the university by uniting efforts to drive innovation, collaboration, and excellence impacting Idaho and the region.

“As the state’s largest computer science program, Boise State has strong, longstanding

“The launch of the School of Computing comes at an opportune time in the Boise State history of computer science and computing,” said College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty. “Given the nature of technological advancement, computing is needed in every discipline, and the school, with its three pillars, will enable Boise State to meet the educational and research needs of the future.”

Lighty credited Tim Andersen, Department of Computer Science; Jodi Mead, Department of Mathematics; and Rich Stuppy, formerly Kount; as the catalysts who brought the idea for the School together, provided the framework, and advocated for approval from the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE).

In designing the framework for the School of Computing, Tim Andersen explained, “Beyond the roles typically associated with computing, such as programmers, software developers, and web developers, Idaho companies need a wide range of computing-savvy talent. This includes professionals in sales, marketing, customer support, artistic and design fields, and even executive leadership. Our goal in creating the School of Computing was to collaborate across academic disciplines and organizations to provide educational opportunities that equip every Boise State student—regardless of their major—with essential computing skills. This ensures we can help produce the diverse talent Idaho companies need to stay competitive, thrive, and grow.”

A UNIVERSITY-WIDE EFFORT The School of Computing will serve as an umbrella for the entire university, embedding computational education, power, literacy, and evolving technologies throughout academic experiences.

Unlike a traditional academic department, the School of Computing transcends college boundaries, bringing together faculty across 14 departments within the Colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Health Sciences, and Innovation and Design, as well as the School of Public Service who are active in computing education and research.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, Boise State will serve as an institution that better understands how the world is fundamentally shaped by technology and its reliance on advancements in computation. As the School works to deepen our core understanding of computation, its capacities, and the impact of computation across disciplines and beyond, the School is also working to understand the impact these innovations have on our society, our economy, and our environment.

By understanding the societal impacts that computing can have, Boise State will better understand how computing technologies can be designed and utilized to maximize benefits for individuals and across society as a whole.

BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE The School of Computing builds upon Boise State’s long-standing reputation for achievements and diverse expertise across all university colleges, including: • The Institute for Pervasive Cybersecurity • The School for the Digital Future • The PhD Program in Computing • The Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative • Range of undergraduate and graduate certificates in Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Computational Science and Engineering Valuing all three pillars and the diverse, worldclass expertise strengthens the Boise State community where students, faculty, and industry partners collaborate to build a better future shaped by thoughtful and responsible technological advancement.

READ WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

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-Leslie Durham, College of Arts and Sciences Dean “The College of Business and Economics is excited to work in conjunction with the School of Computing and College of Engineering. By uniting our expertise, we have the opportunity to pioneer technological innovations and expand interdisciplinary research, notably bridging computing and business disciplines. This synergy will equip our students to navigate future challenges more adeptly and foster a generation of innovators and leaders able to blend computing prowess with business acumen crucial for the rapidly advancing technological landscape.”

-Mark Bannister, College of Business and Economics Dean “The School of Computing is set to enhance Boise State University’s research enterprise by leveraging its strong foundation in computer science, cybersecurity, data science, and computational math science and engineering. Additionally, the school will energize our interdisciplinary research focused on solving complex, large-scale challenges.”

-Nancy Glenn, Vice President of Research and Economic Development

Impact Report

“The new School of Computing at Boise State will propel us into a future where innovation is boundless. Computing will enhance many of our scientific endeavors, and I look forward to even stronger partnerships between the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering, which will benefit our programs in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, among other fields. The School of Computing will build a legacy where our pursuit of excellence is one of collaboration and impact for all Idahoans.”

Q&A WITH BOISE STATE SCHOOL OF COMPUTING DIRECTOR IRA BURTON Editor’s Note: Ira Burton – a double alumnus from Boise State University – has been appointed by College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty as the inaugural director of the Boise State School of Computing. He sat down with Boise State’s Jamie Fink for a conversation about the new school, its mission, the future – and his first day back at the Blue.

Q: A:

As an alumni of Boise State, how does it feel to now be leading one of the University’s newest schools?

I am very excited, this feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m thankful for the trust of Dean Lighty and Provost Buckwalter in selecting me to build and lead this new school. It is great to be back at Boise State and having a part in the University’s success story.

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Q: A:

Why is a School of Computing needed at Boise State?

Computing’s transformative impact is visible everywhere, from how we do our jobs, entertain ourselves, and connect with loved ones. With advances in hardware and software, the momentum is increasing for more integration into our lives. Idaho needs every graduate to be computing savvy in their field to be prepared for their next opportunity. Excited to guide Boise State’s response to this need.

Q:

Why will the School of Computing be housed in the College of Engineering?

What is unique about the structure of the new school?

A:

I believe the School could be housed in any of Boise State’s colleges, and I intend to have associations with faculty and students from all colleges. The School is uniquely structured to work horizontally through partnerships across the University. This horizontal collaboration is key to bringing new industry engagements to Boise State. The College of Engineering has strong, established connections with tech and engineering companies, and this goes a long way in launching the School.

Q: A:

What immediate goals do you have for the School?

Being new to Boise State, and starting a new School, means I represent change to everyone I meet. My vision for the School is to be a collaborative partner empowering education, research, and industry with Computing’s limitless possibilities. This leads to more opportunities for students, industry engagement for faculty, and

increased research success. Healthy change can only move at the speed of trust, and so becoming a trusted partner is the immediate goal.

Q: A:

What are the 5-10 year goals for the School of Computing?

I think it is too early to set specific goals, I’m focused on listening to what others need from the School, then I’ll set specific goals.

But in broad terms: In 5 years, I want the School of Computing so integrated throughout the University, one can’t imagine Boise State without it. In 10 years, one can’t imagine Idaho without it.

Q: A:

Why is it important for students in all fields to have a solid grounding in technology and ethics?

With technology increasingly impacting us socially, ethical questions that have always been, are manifesting themselves in new situations. Privacy, ownership, and responsibility questions can be raised just by downloading a free-app that collects your data. For Boise State graduates to be equipped as ethical leaders of the future, they need to understand the capabilities of technology and the ethical frameworks needed to evaluate how that technology is being used.

Q: A:

What makes Boise State uniquely positioned to contribute to the U.S. technology boom?

Boise State’s physical proximity to Idaho’s legislation, a vibrant downtown start-up scene, two fortune 500 Company headquarters, a $15B fab investment, and a National Lab 4-hours away sets the stage for the potential. But it will be Boise State’s “Blue Turf Thinking” that differentiates it from other institutions.

SEMICONDUCTOR F0R ALL Semiconductor research and new equipment in David Estrada’s Advanced Nanomaterials and Manufacturing Laboratory.

Photo by Priscilla Grover

In response to the CHIPS and Science Act, the College of Engineering has pioneered semiconductor capabilities at Boise State University.

With federal and state support and strategic partnerships, the university has implemented cutting-edge technologies and programs, driven by faculty and staff in the College of Engineering, to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in microelectronics.

ESTABLISHING A MICROELECTRONICS HUB In 2023, Boise State launched the Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research (MER), an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing U.S. semiconductor capabilities. Aligned with the national CHIPS and Science Act, MER coordinates academic research and workforce development across multiple disciplines, fostering collaboration between institutions and industry leaders such as Micron Technology.

“Our coordination of efforts will accelerate Boise State College of Engineering’s ability to educate our engineers and computer scientists, to meet the needs of an increased workforce in our local semiconductor industries,” said College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty.

The institute’s work is supported by the $5 million Idaho Workforce Development Council grant, matched with $5 million from Boise State, to

support the semiconductor industry’s critical role in technological innovation and economic stability.

EXPANDING ACADEMIC OFFERINGS To prepare Idaho’s semiconductor workforce, the College of Engineering unveiled a range of new academic programs in 2024. These include certificates in semiconductor device physics, integrated circuit design, and processing, along with an industrial engineering minor. These offerings, including MER’s “Semiconductor For All,” ensure students gain theoretical and practical skills essential to modern semiconductor fabrication.

“These programs enhance our offerings for students interested in working in the semiconductor industry, and will equip them with the skills needed to succeed in this exciting and rapidly growing industry,” said Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Chair Neal Bangerter. “The evolution of our programs builds on our excellence in the microelectronics industry, and will help meet the needs of evolving semiconductor workforce demands both locally and nationally.”

The college has also invested more funds into its oncampus facilities, including upgrades to its clean room, the only university

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boi.st/semiconductors

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Boise State University’s College of Engineering is leading a transformative effort to enhance semiconductor education, research, and workforce development, placing Idaho at the forefront of this vital technology industry.

that are impacting energy consumption by data centers and artificial intelligence,” Estrada said.

“It’ll help us develop microelectronics that could survive in the extremes of space or in nuclear reactors.”

The first-of-its-kind machine in Idaho will help bring unique opportunities for Boise State students and the university to create a pipeline of professionals equipped to support leadingedge companies like Micron Technology, ON Semiconductor, American Semiconductor, Applied Materials, and more.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MICROELECTRONICS Icelene Leong, graduate research assistant and materials science and engineering student, holds a test wafer to measure semiconductor material electronic properties. Photo by Priscilla Grover

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clean room within 300 miles of Boise, enabling students to engage directly with industry-standard equipment. By providing this hands-on experience, Boise State is not only enriching its academic curriculum but also addressing the immediate needs of the semiconductor sector for highly trained professionals.

As well, over the last several years, faculty have been meeting with key stakeholders and alumni to respond to the needs of the semiconductor workforce. New partnerships between the College of Engineering, the College of Southern Idaho, and the College of Western Idaho have created pathways for students to finish their education in engineering and computer science at Boise State.

UNVEILING FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND TECHNOLOGY This August, in a groundbreaking achievement, Boise State installed an AIXTRON MOCVD, a tool that enables wafer-scale 2D materials growth, one of the four systems globally located at a university in the United States. This sophisticated machine grows semiconductor film that is just a few atoms thick through a chemical reaction process, offering unparalleled precision.

The AIXTRON machine, housed in the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering’s Advanced Nanomaterials and Manufacturing Laboratory, allows researchers like David Estrada the ability to explore new materials that can replace silicon in semiconductor applications, addressing complex challenges.

Watch Video KTVB Article

“This will allow the university to help address challenges

Boise State’s strategic efforts are designed to strengthen Idaho’s position in the semiconductor industry. The university’s partnerships ensure that academic programs align with industry needs, offering students real-world experience and boosting local economic growth.

Through its initiatives, Boise State is fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, attracting top talent to the region and reinforcing Idaho’s role as a semiconductor powerhouse.

The College of Engineering has positioned itself as a leader in semiconductor research and education, addressing complex and critical industry challenges while creating opportunities for students and businesses alike. By combining advanced technologies, comprehensive academic programs, and strong industry partnerships, Boise State is paving the way for the next generation of microelectronics innovation.

These efforts underscore the university’s commitment to not only advancing technological capabilities but also transforming Idaho into a national hub for semiconductor excellence.

Kurtis Cantley (seated) runs the Electronic and Neuromorphic Devices and Systems Laboratory in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Photo by Priscilla Grover