The USF College of Engineering’s NSF Research Traineeship program, “Science, Technology,
Engineering Program for Upward Partnership for Advancing Microelectronics Education
and Training”, has received the 2026 Florida Semiconductor Institute Semiconductor
Workforce Development Program of Excellence Award.
The FSI Workforce Development Program of Excellence recognizes Florida’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 USF, has been selected as an FSI
fellow. The fellowship recognizes sustained leadership in advancing semiconductor
research, education, and workforce development across the state.
The USF 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 Florida High
Tech Corridor Program.
The program’s 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 Florida Semiconductor Summit
held February 23-25 in Orlando.
This recognition reflects the continued expansion of USF Engineering’s semiconductor
research ecosystem and its contribution to Florida’s growing technology sector.